Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali
Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali : Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park both located in far south western part of Uganda close to Rwanda and Congo borders. While Mgahinga national park is part of the Virunga Massif together with the Virunga national park of Congo and Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, there is only one habituated gorilla family there, the remaining are all in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest all to thrill while on Uganda Safaris Tours.

Uganda is recorded to have 400 mountain gorillas which covers half of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the world split into 37 groups, 36 of these mountain gorillas are located in Bwindi forest, 16 of which are habituated to humans and welcoming daily visits as part of the tourism efforts. Bwindi impenetrable national park is the most adventurous place to see the mountain gorillas. Time taken trekking gorillas in Bwindi forest is unpredictable given the nature of the jungle and location of the gorillas as most of them tend to go far up on the mountains. Unlike gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Congo, Uganda gorilla trekking is done in the 4 sectors of Bwindi forest including Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija sectors.
A gorilla trekking Uganda safari from Kigali is the best way to see the mountain gorillas because it is cheaper and affordable compared to gorilla trekking from Kampala/Entebbe. Gorilla trekking from Kigali is more time saving because driving from Kigali Airport to southern-western part of Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable national park or Mgahinga park located close to the Rwanda-Uganda borders of Katuna and Cyanika is only about 4-5 hours’ drive, which gives tourists enough time to relax and prepare for their gorilla trekking activities at their respective lodges or camping sites.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali is far better than flying up to Entebbe International Airport because it takes about 9-10 hours driving from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga park making. This is more tiring for the tourists although very adventurous with a lot to see and observe while on your drive such as the Uganda Equator, Lake Mburo national park and Queen Elizabeth national park. The closed which is Queen Elizabeth national park is about 4-5 hours’ drive via Ishasha sector – home of the tree climbing lions.

The other advantage of gorilla trekking in Uganda is that Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit cost is 1500 USD higher compared to the permit cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda which is USD 700. This is because Rwanda classifies herself as a luxury destination, so guests with relatively lower budget for a gorilla tour can start the trip from Kigali and cross to Uganda to trek at a lower price. Thus Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali is cheaper compared to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is easy to access as well as Mgahinga gorilla park but the trekkers trekking in Uganda via Kigali will still pay 700 USD saving USD 800 on gorilla trekking permits.
The difference in prices in both Rwanda and Uganda is due to difference in accommodation. Uganda accommodates all kinds of tourists with accommodations ranging from budget, mid-range, luxury to high-end lodges. While accommodations in Rwanda are more luxurious. The fact is that this good news is always hidden from the tourists, not even a local guide would disclose this information.
Reasons for gorilla trekking in Uganda via Kigali.
It is less tiresome because driving from Kigali Airport – Rwanda via chanika is only a 3 hours’ drive and from Cyanika to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park is 5-6 hours’ drive.
The majority of habituated mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable national park closer to the border of Uganda and Rwanda in Southern Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla park.
Trekking gorillas in Uganda via Rwanda will save you about 500 USD for a trip flight to Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga gorilla park and also you will enjoy the beautiful sceneries along the way from the Airport to the respective parks.
The accommodation in Bwindi and Mgahinga are both mid-range and luxury. Tourists who trek in Uganda via Kigali still have access to the luxurious lodges in all sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
After the trip, most tourists love to relax and chill out. Luckily enough Lake Bunyonyi a beautiful scenery with 29 islands and Lake Mutanda both free from bilharzias and wild animals like snakes, hippos and crocodiles. These places are suitable for relaxing since they are near Mgahinga gorilla park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
