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November 11, 2024Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Starting from Kigali
At Excursia Adventures, we offer affordable and budget-friendly Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tours starting from Kigali, Rwanda. Our tours are designed for travelers who want to experience the breathtaking gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest while starting and ending their trip in Kigali, Rwanda. Whether you’re looking to visit Bwindi or explore other popular Ugandan national parks, our well-planned safaris provide a memorable experience with a focus on cost-efficiency.
Starting your Uganda Gorilla Trekking tour from Kigali is not only more convenient but also significantly cuts down travel time. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes just 4-5 hours, compared to 8-9 hours if you were to start your journey from Entebbe, Uganda.
Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali?
When you book your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari with us, you can rest assured that you will receive expert pre-tour advice and a fully inclusive budget-friendly package. Our tours are designed to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable adventure. We include:
- Affordable, Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Stay at handpicked lodges and camps that offer great comfort and value.
- Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up roof, perfect for wildlife viewing and a smooth, scenic journey.
- Experienced Driver-Guides: Our professional, English-speaking driver-guides are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of Uganda with you.
Excursia Adventures is known for providing excellent, reliable service and is highly recommended on TripAdvisor. Our experienced safari planners are based at our office in Entebbe and are always available to provide accurate, timely advice to make your safari planning hassle-free.
Gorilla Trekking from Kigali – The Best Experience
If you want to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda but prefer to start and end your trip in Rwanda, then a Kigali-to-Bwindi tour is the best option for you. As one of Uganda and Rwanda’s leading tour operators, Excursia Adventures specializes in organizing gorilla trekking trips with gorilla permits secured for you throughout the year, even during high season (June-September), when permits tend to sell out quickly.
Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda from Kigali?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is primarily done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is divided into four sectors:
- Buhoma Sector (North)
- Ruhija Sector (North-East)
- Nkuringo Sector (South)
- Rushaga Sector (South)
Each sector offers a unique experience, with Rushaga being the most popular due to the highest number of habituated gorilla families. The sectors closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Buhoma and Ruhija) are ideal for combining your gorilla trekking with game viewing. For those interested in golden monkey tracking, the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors are also near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Why Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s oldest forests, teeming with incredible biodiversity. Home to over 50% of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park boasts:
- Over 350 species of birds
- 310 butterflies
- 200 tree species
- 51 reptiles
- 88 moth species
- 120 mammals
Besides gorillas, Bwindi is also home to other primates, such as chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
There are over 18 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, each open for trekking, and 8 permits per group are allocated each day. The experience of trekking in this lush forest, with a small group of travelers, is an unforgettable adventure.
How Much Does Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali Rwanda Cost?
If you’re planning to trek gorillas in Uganda starting from Kigali, Rwanda, you’ll need to purchase a gorilla permit, which is required for all trekkers. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek
- East African Residents: $700 per person
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person
This permit allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The cost for a 3-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking tour from Kigali is $1,290 per person, which includes everything from transportation to accommodation and your permit.
Popular Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tours Starting from Kigali, Rwanda
At Excursia Adventures, we offer a range of Bwindi Gorilla Trekking packages to suit your time and budget. Some of our popular tours include:
- 2-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
- 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
- 4-Day Uganda Double Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
- 4-Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking from Kigali
- 5-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking from Kigali
- 5-Day Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari from Kigali
- 8-Day Uganda Gorilla Tracking Tour from Kigali
How to Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
To secure your spot on the trek, you need to purchase your gorilla permit in advance. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). If you’re arriving through Kigali, you can buy your permit directly from UWA’s Kisoro office, which is about a 1-2 hour drive from Bwindi.
At Excursia Adventures, we make booking your gorilla permits easy. Simply send us your travel dates via email or WhatsApp, and we will:
- Reserve your permits for you.
- Send you an invoice for payment.
- Once payment is received, we’ll finalize the purchase and send you scanned copies of your permits for your records.
We ensure the process is smooth and convenient, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which run from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the trails are easier to navigate, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot the gorillas.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Wondering what to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure? Here’s a list of essentials:
- Long-sleeve sweater (the park can be chilly)
- Two pairs of long trousers (for protection against thorns and insects)
- Waterproof hiking boots (essential for muddy trails)
- Hat and sunglasses (optional, depending on the weather)
- Camera with extra batteries (to capture your gorilla experience – don’t forget to keep the flash off)
- Binoculars (for bird and primate watching)
- Gardening gloves (to help with tree branches during the trek)
- Raincoat (rain is unpredictable in the rainforest)
- Mosquito repellent (important for your safety)
- Sunscreen (to protect against sunburn if it gets hot)
- Avoid bright colors as they can startle the gorillas, and stay away from black and blue, as they attract tsetse flies. Neutral colors are best.
Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
There are several accommodation options near the starting points of gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Depending on the sector, you can stay at:
Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi):
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Four Gorillas Lodge
- Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Gorilla Safari Lodge
Nkuringo Sector (Southern Bwindi):
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Lake Mutanda Resort
Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi):
- Buhoma Lodge
- Bwindi Lodge
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Ruhija Sector (Eastern Bwindi):
- Trekkers Tavern Cottages
- Agandi Eco Lodge
- Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Broadbill Tented Camp
Why Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali with Excursia Adventures?
Excursia Adventures is a trusted local tour operator based in Uganda, specializing in customized Bwindi Gorilla Trekking safaris starting from Kigali. Here’s why you should book with us:
- Quick Response: Our team responds to queries within 20 minutes, ensuring your questions are answered promptly.
- Tailored Travel Plans: We create personalized itineraries based on your preferences, ensuring your safari meets your exact needs.
- Experienced Safari Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are fluent in various languages and will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- All-Inclusive Packages: We handle everything for you – from securing your gorilla permits to booking your accommodations and transportation.
Our team will ensure every aspect of your gorilla trekking tour is perfectly planned, making your trip to Uganda unforgettable.
Ready to book your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali? Contact Excursia Adventures today, and let us help you plan an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda!