Gorilla Trek from Kigali ((Bwindi, Mgahinga gorilla trekking & Batwa)

A gorilla and Batwa cultural experience safari can be successfully organized for tourists wishing to start their journey to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda from Kigali capital city of Rwanda. What is essential and required of you is to secure a gorilla permit is it is a key tool for you to engage in a guided gorilla trekking adventure.

Both gorilla and Batwa cultural experiences can be enjoyed on gorilla tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla safaris in Uganda come in 2 forms –gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience. The 2 adventures can be enjoyed in one destination –Bwindi National Park. The Batwa were once the occupants of the rainforest of Bwindi and Mgahinga till 1991 when they were displaced to allow the protected areas to be gazetted.

During their stay, they depended on the forest for everything and harmoniously lived with gorillas. Visiting the Batwa community is beyond exploring and experiencing their unique traditions, cultures, norms, enjoying the cultural dances and music performance. Your visit means a lot to the lives of the Batwa pygmies –the original forest dwellers.

Getting from Kigali to Uganda

To have your gorilla and Batwa experience safari successfully done, you can connect from Kigali Rwanda via the Katuna/Gatuna border to Kabale-Bwindi or Chanika border to Kisoro then connect easily to Mgahinga National Park. This is ideal for guests who secure the East African visa that allows visitors to cross and visit at least 2 East Africa Community member states without re-applying for another visa. Visitor connection to Uganda is possible by road and what is interesting; we have our own fleet of rental cars to make your movement easier.

Where to go

Choosing your favorite destination is essential if you plan to see gorillas and also experience the Batwa pygmies’ unique cultures and traditions. All the 2 Uganda gorilla parks are lying in the far Southwestern side of the country. Bwindi expands up

to 331sq.km and consists of 4 gorilla sectors –Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo –these are regions where 20 habituated gorilla families can be trekked. In Mgahinga Kisoro, also regarded as the smallest park in Uganda has only Nyakagezi gorilla family to be tracked. Note, a maximum of 8 visitors can track one habituated gorilla family group regardless of the destination.

Book a gorilla permit early

Once you have decided on the destination, next should be securing the gorilla permit and in Uganda, the cost is the same whether you intend to visit Bwindi or Mgahinga to interact with mountain gorillas. Contact Maranatha Tours and Travel to assist you with the entire process of booking your permit and also have everything put together to make your gorilla tour 100% successful.

Gorilla permits in Uganda are obtainable according to visitor category; the foreign nonresidents at USD 700, the foreign residents USD600 and all East African residents including Ugandans pay shs 250,000 per person. If you are considering gorilla habituation experience, foreign nonresidents pay USD 1500, USD1000 for all foreign residents and shs.750,000 in case you fall under category of East African citizens.

Where to stay

It is a must to book a place for your overnight stay in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. All classes of visitors are catered for by availability of budget, midrange and luxury accommodation options. The popular lodging options for tourists on a tour in Mgahinga NP: Mutanda Lake Resort, Volcanoes Gahinga Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge and Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.

Bwindi accommodation –Silverback Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Gorilla Resort, Engagi Lodge, Bwindi Backpacker’s Camp and more.

Batwa experience

The Batwa cultural experience can be done after the gorilla trek and involves visiting the Batwa pygmies’ community. At Mgahinga, you can embark on the Batwa trail

experience with the lead of an experienced local guide. You may also visit the Garama cave on the northern side of Mgahinga, about 3km from Ntebeko. The cave was council chamber for the Batwa.

Consider adding other activities

Aside from gorilla and Batwa experiences, it is also possible to engage in birding expeditions, visit the Bakiga community, biking, forest walks, visit Lake Mutanda and Bunyonyi, wildlife safaris in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking in Mgahinga National Park, and others.

What to carry for a gorilla and Batwa safari

Packing list for your gorilla and Batwa safari; waterproof hiking boots, safari clothes with neutral colors of environment, a sweater, first aid kit, daypack, insect repellent, gardening gloves, a camera with extra batteries, visas, bottled water, snacks, valid passports and others.

In summary, organizing a gorilla and Batwa experience isn’t only possible starting from Kampala or Entebbe in Uganda but also while you are in Kigali city.