Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali (The Guide)
Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali is one of the most interesting gorilla safaris that make it possible for travellers to land at Kigali International Airport and continue to Uganda through the borders of Cyanika (Kisoro) or Katuna (Kabale) to trek the endangered mountain gorillas from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the glorious Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
As far as the mountain gorilla population is concerned, Uganda is the best destination to see these endangered Giant Apes in their natural habitat because at least half the World’s remaining populations of these gorillas are found in Uganda. The country also offers two wonderful places to see these creatures but the long driving distance from the Capital to the Gorilla Parks usually discourages visitors from achieving their dream in this country. However, Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda from Kigali are slowly becoming the trend, especially for budget travellers who those limited by time.
Advantages of Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali
There are numerous good things about gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali and they include;
Shorter travel distance
Gorilla Trekking adventures are conducted within Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, both found within the south-western side of the country and take approximately 9 hours to drive from Kampala/Entebbe. However, it takes only 3-4 hours of driving to get to these two wonderful Gorilla National Parks from Kigali and therefore travellers who cannot endure long hours can take the available option of driving from Rwanda’s Kigali City/Airport.
Saves more money
Another advantage of Gorilla trekking Uganda is that it saves you more money. A gorilla permit for Rwanda costs $1500 per person (regardless of Nationality) which is more than double the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda that cost only $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and only Shs. 250,000 (about $71) for East African Community residents. Besides saving on gorilla permits, you will spend less on accommodation because the minimum number of days for a gorilla safari in Uganda starting from Kampala/Entebbe is 3 days hence two nights yet you can have only 2 days/1 night when trekking gorillas in Uganda from Kigali. Additionally, you will still be saving more on fuel given the shorter driving distance. Surprisingly, a one-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is now possible, but visitors can leave Kigali as early as 4:00 am to attend the 7:00 am briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters.
Experience the beauty of two countries
Undertaking gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali offers opportunities of exploring and experiencing the beauty of two beautiful countries (Uganda and Rwanda). On arrival at Kigali International Airport, visitors get the chance of exploring the jaw-dropping views of rolling hills while connecting and crossing over to Uganda.
With this amazing gorilla safari Uganda from Kigali, it is also possible to undertake the phenomenal Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector, the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With this adventure, travellers are introduced to a semi-habituated gorilla group to spend four hours instead of the one hour provided during standard gorilla treks. The border crossing at Cyanika (Kisoro) leads visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as well as southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo while crossing through Katuna (Kabale) offers access to Buhoma sector (in the north) and Ruhija (in the Eastern part) of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Besides Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali, another faster and stress-free way to get to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks is by chartered/scheduled flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips lasting about 1 hour and 35 minutes with aerial views of western/south-western Uganda landscapes.