Getting to Uganda to engage in a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking adventure has many options. Starting your Uganda gorilla safari tour from Kigali is undoubtedly the best option for any trekker with plans to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild.
The beauty of planning gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali is that trekkers save a lot of time connecting to their destinations. From Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is only 4-5 hours’ drive. Here is how to plan gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali;
Choose a region to trek gorillas in Uganda
There are five (5) areas where you can begin your gorilla trek while in Uganda. They comprise 4 regions in Bwindi and 1 region in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These gorilla trekking sectors/regions are not in the same location of the park.
In Bwindi National Park, Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla sectors are found in the Southern part of the park. These are ideal for visitors connecting from Kigali via the Chanika border to Kisoro. This also serves best for trekkers with plans to explore the Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Buhoma gorilla sector in Bwindi national park is located on the Northern side and Ruhija is in the East. If you plan to begin your gorilla tour from Kigali and Buhoma or Ruhija are your favorite sectors, then expect to drive via Katuna border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Obtain a valid gorilla permit early.
Gorilla permits are mandatory for all visitors with plans to engage in a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks. Uganda gorilla permits are issued according to the sector you intend to trek gorillas from. One valid gorilla permit is issued at USD 800 per person and validity runs for a single gorilla trek.
USD 800 is the cost charged for the foreign nonresidents whereas foreign residents pay USD 700, Ugandans plus other East African Community citizens are charged UGX 300,000 per visitor. The new category of visitors – Rest of Africa are charged USD 500 per person to obtain a valid Uganda gorilla permit.
Regardless of the gorilla sector and visitor category, gorilla permits should be booked early before the actual gorilla trek. This should be done at least 2 to 6 months before the planned date for visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga to see mountain gorillas. Talk to your local expert to book a gorilla permit for you and also plan the entire gorilla trip.
How to get to Uganda for gorilla trekking from Kigali?
One most important aspect to consider when planning gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali is the means of transportation. How you plan to connect from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is crucial. For starters, road transportation is ideal and a 4×4 safari car is most preferred.
In a 4×4 car, expect to spend between 4 and 5 hours driving from the heart of Kigali city. You cross from the Gatuna/Katuna or Chanika border to your preferred gorilla trekking sector in Uganda. Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are found in extreme Southwestern Uganda which makes it most accessible from Kigali Rwanda.
Where to stay?
Booking a place to stay should be a must-do when planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda from Kigali. Accommodation options should be booked in advance before the actual date of visiting your preferred park for gorilla encounters. When booking a place to stay, be aware of the region or sector you plan to go to trek mountain gorillas from.
The popular accommodation/lodges to consider for an overnight stay on a gorilla safari in Uganda include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Silverback Lodge. Take note that these accommodation options are available in varying categories that is budget, midrange, and luxury.
When to visit?
While visiting gorillas in Uganda can be done any time, the dry season is the most favorite thanks to its friendly conditions. The dry months of the year begin from June, July, August, September, December, and January to February –the months that receive very little or no rainfall. The wet months (March to May/October to November) experience heavy rains making the steep slopes slippery while the gorilla habitat can be muddy.
Pack well for your gorilla tour.
Part of your plan for a gorilla trekking adventure should be packing the right things which include gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, a daypack, a camera with no flashlight, a first-aid kit, and long trousers. Other essentials include bottled water, a safari hat, trousers, insect repellents, a sweater, waterproof hiking boots, snacks, and more.
Travel documents
Do not forget to secure relevant travel documents. Planning gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali involves border crossing and travel documents including valid visas, passports shouldn’t be left out. A yellow fever certificate is essential too, especially if you are coming from countries infected with yellow fever.
Planning a successful gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali is easier through a licensed Rwanda or Uganda tour operator. With the tips above, we believe we can plan the best of your gorilla safari altogether.
