Booking Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours from Kigali

Booking Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours from Kigali: Your Gateway to Mountain Gorillas

Looking to experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda but prefer to start and end your trip in Kigali, Rwanda? Trek Africa Gorillas offers affordable budget Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, making it easy for you to explore the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. By starting your safari from Kigali, you cut down your travel time significantly—just 4-5 hours to Bwindi instead of the 8-9 hours from Uganda’s Entebbe.

Our budget Uganda gorilla safaris are designed for those looking to experience Uganda’s wildlife on a budget, with everything included: comfortable accommodation, transportation in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up roof and an expert English-speaking driver-guide to lead you on your journey.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Booking your Uganda gorilla trekking safari with Trek Africa Gorillas means you’re working with one of the most trusted tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly recommended on TripAdvisor and our team of experts is ready to design a custom itinerary for you. From the moment you contact us, we’ll ensure everything is taken care of, from securing your gorilla trekking permits to arranging the best accommodation.

Starting from Kigali has multiple benefits, not only reducing drive times but also offering a more convenient option for travelers. Once in Uganda, your driver-guide will be with you every step of the way to share insights into the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali?

Gorilla trekking is offered in two of Uganda’s most iconic parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and are one of only four places on earth where you can see them in the wild.

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has four sectors for trekking: Buhoma (in the north), Ruhija (northeast), Nkuringo (south) and Rushaga (south). Trekking in these sectors also provides easy access to Queen Elizabeth National Park if you’d like to add a safari to your trip.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located near the Virunga Mountains and is perfect for those interested in golden monkey tracking along with their gorilla trek.

Each of these sectors has habituated gorilla families that you can trek to. Rushaga has the most families, giving you more options for your trek.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda depends on your residency status:

• Foreign Non-residents: USD 800 per person per trek
• East African Residents: USD 700 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person per trek

Each permit allows you to spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family. The trek typically lasts between 3 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located in the forest.

If you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi. For USD 1,500, this experience lets you spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas and is guided by researchers who are working on gorilla conservation.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months when the conditions are more favorable for hiking and observing the gorillas. These months are:

• January and February
• June to early September

These months offer clearer views of the gorillas since the vegetation is not as dense and the trekking conditions are much easier, making it an ideal time for your safari.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Wondering what to wear on your gorilla trekking adventure? Here’s a helpful list to make sure you’re fully prepared:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The park can get chilly, especially in the early mornings.
• 2 pairs of long trousers: Choose durable, comfortable trousers for trekking.
• Waterproof hiking boots: You’ll be trekking through muddy and rugged terrain.
• Hat and sunglasses: Optional but helpful for sun protection.
• Camera with spare batteries: Capture the magic of the gorillas but remember to turn off your flash.
• Binoculars: These come in handy for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife in Bwindi.
• Gardening gloves: Ideal for holding onto branches and trees during the trek.
• Raincoat: Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable.
• Mosquito repellent: Essential for protection against insects.
• Sunscreen: If you’re trekking during the hot months, sunscreen will help protect your skin from sunburns.

Tip: Avoid wearing bright colors like red, yellow or white, as they can disturb the gorillas. It’s best to wear neutral colors such as brown, green or khaki. Black and blue should also be avoided since they attract Tsetse flies.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When you trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are a variety of accommodation options in the park’s four sectors:

• Rushaga and Nkuringo (Southern Sector):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• Buhoma and Ruhija (Northern Sector):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
  • Ride 4 a Woman
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Agandi Eco Lodge

These accommodations are all close to the trekking starting points, making them convenient choices for your stay.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali

Booking your gorilla trekking safari with Trek Africa Gorillas is simple. Contact us to confirm your travel dates and we’ll check for available gorilla permits for your chosen dates. Once we secure your permit, we’ll send you an invoice and after payment, we’ll confirm your booking with a scanned copy of the permit.

We highly recommend booking your permits 2-3 months in advance to secure your spot, especially during the peak season from June to September, when permits can sell out quickly.

How to Book Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Booking your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure begins with securing your gorilla permit in advance. This permit is required to trek with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The permits are available for purchase from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which has offices in Kampala and Kisoro.

• If you’re arriving through Entebbe, it’s recommended to buy your permit from the UWA headquarters in Kampala.
• For those arriving via Kigali, you can purchase permits from the Kisoro branch, which is just 1-2 hours from Bwindi.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make booking your gorilla permits easy. Once you provide us with your travel dates via email or WhatsApp, we will temporarily reserve your permits online. After sending you an invoice, you can proceed with payment and once the payment is received, we will secure your gorilla permits. We’ll then send you scanned copies of the permits, confirming your booking.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari?

• Experienced Safari Planners: We’re experts in organizing gorilla trekking tours and wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.
• Affordable Packages: We offer budget-friendly safari options without compromising on quality.
• Reliable Permit Access: We ensure you get gorilla permits even during peak seasons when permits are in high demand.
• Professional Guides: Our expert English-speaking guides will ensure you have an educational and memorable experience.
• Trusted Reviews: We are highly recommended on TripAdvisor for our personalized service and exceptional safaris.

Book your affordable Uganda gorilla trekking safari today with Trek Africa Gorillas. Let us help you create a memorable adventure and bring you up close to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we craft personalized safaris tailored to your interests, including gorilla trekking tours from Kigali, Rwanda. Here’s why you should book with us:

• Expert Team: Our professional team is responsive and can answer all your questions within 20 minutes.
• Tailored Itineraries: We work closely with you to design a trip that suits your preferences and needs, whether you’re looking for a short tour or a more extensive Uganda gorilla safari.
• Reliable Service: We’ll take care of all your bookings in advance, from gorilla permits to accommodations, ensuring your experience is hassle-free.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Our experienced guides are fluent in multiple languages and provide insightful commentary on Uganda’s wildlife and culture.
• Variety of Tours: Whether you want to do a short 11-day tour or a longer 25-day safari, we have options to suit all types of travelers.

If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, contact us today to start planning your dream trip! Let Trek Africa Gorillas help you make the most of your journey to see the incredible mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.