Are you planning a Uganda gorilla trekking safari that starts from Kigali? You are on the right track to having the best budget Uganda gorilla trekking trip. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali is the best way to explore the parks without driving long distances.
Uganda is a landlocked country (has no direct access to the ocean or sea) located in the eastern parts of Africa. Also known as “The Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is a reliable mountain gorilla trekking safari destination.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. These two destinations can easily be combined with Rwanda safaris and Rwanda tours since they are strategically located.
If you are planning on a short Uganda gorilla trekking safari, it is a good idea to start your trip from Kigali. We can help you tailor your amazing 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali and create a signature of memories. Uganda safaris to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Lake Bunyonyi usually start with an amazing Kigali city tour. During a Kigali city tour, travelers visit local markets and the Genocide Memorial Sites. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum and Nyamatta Church, tourists get an opportunity to see the remains of thousands of Rwandese who lost their lives during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.
Where can I do a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali?
Gorilla trekking from Kigali is a rewarding safari adventure that gives travelers a chance to explore Uganda through Kigali city. There are several places to visit on a Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali. These include;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in the southwestern parts of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a reliable gorilla trekking safari destination in East Africa. With over 20 habituated gorilla families, Bwindi is the best place to be on a gorilla safari to Uganda. The park is divided into 4 sectors and these include; the Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector, Ruhija Sector, and Rushaga sector. Bwindi is also a reliable safari destination for amazing gorilla habituation tours in East Africa. With gorilla habituation tours, travelers spend more time in the presence of gorillas, unlike the one hour for gorilla trekking adventures.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park supports several ecosystems. From wildlife species to the oldest trees and Rift Valley endemic birds, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a classic Africa safari destination. The park can easily be accessed from Kigali via the Kyanika border. It is possible to transfer from Kigali International Airport to Rwanda and do afternoon activities like birding.
Akagera National Park
This park is located in Rwanda and is the only savannah park in the country. Akagera National Park is famous for being home to the big five animals namely; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African cape buffalo. Tourists can easily add this park to their Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali.
Those who wish to end their gorilla safaris from Kigali and end it in Kampala – Uganda should not miss a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is close to both Kampala and Kigali. On a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, travelers meet animals like zebras, kudus, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, and giraffes, to mention but a few.
Other places that you should visit on a Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali include; Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
How long does it take to transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Transferring from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 8 to 9 hours. On the other hand, transferring from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes 3 to 4 hours inclusive of the border checkpoint. This is one of the reasons why trekking mountain gorillas of Uganda from Kigali is a good deal. The park is located in the Kanungu district close to the border of Kabale district and Rwanda.
Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport, you meet your driver and embark on the drive to Uganda via the Katuna or Katuna border. You may make a stopover in Kabale town before heading to your lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Alternatively, you may visit Lake Bunyonyi for an amazing safari adventure at Uganda’s deepest lake and Africa’s second-deepest lake.
Travelers can easily connect to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda and always combine Uganda gorilla trekking experience with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga national park. the park is close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park meaning one can do a Uganda double gorilla trek from Kigali in a single trip.
Is Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali expensive?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is cheaper than that of Rwanda. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person per day. On the other hand, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is USD 1500 per person per day. For those seeking a budget gorilla trekking safari, Uganda would be a better choice.
