Fly into Kigali and Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Fly into Kigali and Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Are you planning to start your gorilla trekking adventure from Kigali, Rwanda and explore the beauty of Uganda along the way? If you’re landing at Kigali International Airport and aiming to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Trek Africa Gorillas is here to help you plan the perfect trip, ensuring you experience both Rwanda and Uganda’s incredible wildlife and culture.

Explore Rwanda Before Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a beautiful and clean country surrounded by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The country’s stunning landscapes and organized infrastructure make it an ideal starting point for your gorilla trekking journey. Before heading into Uganda, why not take some time to explore Kigali, one of the cleanest and most organized cities in Africa?

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo, which host the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. In Uganda, you can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is home to several gorilla families, while in the Congo, the Virunga National Park offers trekking opportunities, including sightings of both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

For all these treks, you will need a gorilla permit. Gorilla permits are limited, especially during peak seasons (June to September), so it’s recommended to book your trip at least 5 months in advance. Whether you’re booking directly or through a trusted operator like Trek Africa Gorillas, early booking ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws travelers from around the world to Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. While the trek can be physically challenging—requiring a hike through dense forests, thick vegetation and sometimes crossing rivers and swamps—the reward is worth it. You’ll have the opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

In Uganda and Rwanda, you can spend one hour with the gorillas or for a more immersive experience, you can opt for a Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas under the supervision of researchers and trackers. Whether you’re hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this is an experience you’ll never forget.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit depends on your residency status:

• Foreign non-residents: USD 800 per person per trek
• Residents: USD 700 per person
• East African citizens: USD 80 per person

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, which means 136 permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

If you prefer to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs USD 1500 per person and allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas.

Trek Africa Gorillas can help you secure your permits, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for your gorilla trek.

Age Limits for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years, while the maximum age is generally around 85 years, depending on your fitness level. For elderly or less-mobile trekkers, sedan chair carriers are available to help you navigate the forest. These chairs, carried by local porters, allow those with mobility challenges to still participate in the trek. The cost for hiring a sedan chair ranges from USD 400 to 500 and can be arranged in advance or on the day of your trek.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies in Uganda

When booking your gorilla trekking experience, it’s important to understand the cancellation policy. If you are unable to make it on the scheduled date, refunds are generally not offered for cancellations made 0-8 days before the trek.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you’re planning to fly into Kigali and head to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the good news is that gorilla trekking is possible year-round. However, the ideal time to visit is during the drier months, which run from January to February and June to early September. These months are considered the best because the weather conditions are favorable, making travel to the parks easier and the vegetation in the forest is less dense, offering better visibility of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali

Gorilla trekking requires proper preparation, especially when hiking through the dense forest terrain. Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda:

• Comfortable Hiking Boots: Choose sturdy, waterproof boots that are ideal for muddy and uneven trails.
• Long-Sleeve Cotton Shirt & Long Trousers: These will protect you from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.
• Insect Repellent: Essential for keeping insects at bay while trekking.
• Flashlight (Torch) and Spare Batteries: For navigating the forest, especially if trekking during early morning or evening hours.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, so bring a refillable bottle.
• Camera and Lenses: Capture the incredible moments with the gorillas (don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards).
• Gardening Gloves: Helpful for gripping and balancing during the trek.
• Sandals or Comfortable Walking Shoes: For relaxing after the trek.
• Hat and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun when you’re not trekking.
• Rain Jacket: Weather in the forest can change quickly, so be prepared for rain.
• Sweater or Fleece: It can get chilly, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Swimwear: If you plan to visit lakes or pools during your trip.
• Binoculars: For bird and game watching during your safari.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Gorillas?

When you book your Uganda Gorilla Trekking tour from Kigali with Trek Africa Gorillas, you’re assured a seamless, memorable experience. We offer a variety of trekking packages to suit different budgets—from budget to mid-range and luxury options. We’ll handle all the details, including securing your gorilla permits and advising you on the booking process.

We take pride in our excellent service, as reflected in our TripAdvisor reviews, where you can read about the experiences of our satisfied clients. Our team of knowledgeable tour consultants is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Book your gorilla trekking safari with us for a truly unforgettable experience in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. Fly into Kigali, visit Uganda and embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Trek Africa Gorillas!