How Rwanda Supports and Promotes Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking Tours

How Rwanda Supports and Promotes Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking Tours

Rwanda has long been recognized for its tourism marketing efforts, especially regarding gorilla trekking. Given its proximity to Uganda, many visitors choose to combine Rwanda’s well-known tourism attractions with Uganda’s more affordable gorilla trekking experiences. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a prime destination for gorilla trekking and Trek Africa Gorillas offers an easy way to access it from Kigali, Rwanda.

Our Uganda Gorilla Safaris from Kigali take you to both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering the convenience of starting and ending your tour in Kigali. This option not only saves you time but also allows you to enjoy a memorable experience at a more affordable price compared to trekking in Rwanda.

Budget Uganda Gorilla Safaris Starting from Kigali

Trek Africa Gorillas offers budget-friendly Uganda gorilla trekking tours departing from Kigali. These safaris are perfect for those looking to start and end their journey in Rwanda while keeping costs low. A highlight of booking a tour from Kigali is the reduced travel time—just 4-5 hours from Kigali to Bwindi—compared to the 8-9 hours it would take if departing from Entebbe, Uganda.

Our Budget Uganda Gorilla Safaris include all the essential services for an affordable yet comfortable trip. This includes well-maintained budget accommodations, a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up roof for scenic views and the services of an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. Whether you’re trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, we ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Gorilla Trekking Locations in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two key national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.

• Buhoma and Ruhija are in the northern part of the park and are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo, located in the southern part of Bwindi, are near Mgahinga, a great destination for both gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. Rushaga is especially known for having multiple gorilla families, giving trekkers a better chance of encountering these magnificent animals.

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are home to a portion of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi alone hosts over 15 habituated gorilla families that are open for trekking. The total population of mountain gorillas is around 1,064, with half of them residing in Bwindi.

How Much Does Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali Cost?

The cost of a Gorilla Permit in Uganda varies depending on your residency status:

• USD 800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• USD 80 for East African Citizens

A 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari starting from Kigali, which includes transportation, accommodation and a gorilla permit, costs around USD 1,290 per person.

Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today to plan your unforgettable Uganda Gorilla Trekking adventure from Kigali and enjoy an experience that combines the best of both Rwanda and Uganda’s gorilla tourism!

How to Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit

Booking your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure begins with securing your gorilla permit. Gorilla trekking permits are available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

If you’re arriving in Uganda via Entebbe, we recommend purchasing your permits from the UWA headquarters in Kampala. If you’re coming through Kigali, Rwanda, permits can be bought at the UWA office in Kisoro, which is just a 1-2 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make booking your gorilla trekking permit seamless. Once you’ve shared your preferred dates with us, we’ll tentatively reserve your permit online. After you’ve confirmed and made payment, we will finalize the purchase of your permits and send you scanned copies for your records, ensuring your gorilla trekking adventure is officially confirmed.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which run from January to February and June to early September. These months offer the best conditions for trekking, as the paths are less muddy and the vegetation is less dense, giving you clearer views of the gorillas.

Essential Gorilla Trekking Gear: What to Wear in Uganda

Choosing the right clothing for your trek is essential for both comfort and safety. Here’s a list of what to wear for your gorilla trekking adventure:

• Long-sleeved shirt: The weather can be chilly and a long-sleeved sweater will keep you warm.
• Two pairs of long trousers: Protect your legs from scratches, insects and branches.
• Waterproof hiking boots: You’ll be trekking through wet terrain, so waterproof boots are a must.
• Hat and sunglasses (optional): These help protect you from the sun when it’s out.
• Camera with extra batteries: Capture your memories! Remember to keep your flash off.
• Binoculars: Helpful for spotting the incredible birdlife and other wildlife in Bwindi.
• Gardening gloves: Useful for holding onto branches while navigating through dense forest.
• Raincoat: Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is always possible, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Mosquito repellent: The forest is home to various insects, so protect yourself from bites.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun, especially during the hotter months.
• Neutral colors: Avoid bright colors, as they might scare the gorillas. Black and blue are also not recommended as they attract tsetse flies.

Where to Stay During Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can take you to either the northern or southern sectors. Here are some great accommodation options in each region:

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

Each of these lodges is conveniently located near the starting points for gorilla trekking, so you’ll be ready for your adventure first thing in the morning.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is a leading local tour operator based in Uganda, specializing in tailor-made safaris, including Uganda gorilla trekking tours from Kigali. Our team is known for being reliable, responsive and dedicated to making your journey unforgettable.

Here’s why you should choose us:

• Quick responses: We answer all your questions within 20 minutes.
• Personalized travel plans: We’ll craft the perfect itinerary based on your preferences.
• All services booked in advance: We take care of everything to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.
• Expert guides: Our knowledgeable guides are available in multiple languages, ensuring you have an exceptional experience.
• Diverse tour options: From a 3-day gorilla trek to a longer 11-day Uganda tour, we have options to fit your schedule and interests.

If you’re interested in exploring Uganda’s gorilla trekking opportunities or have any questions, feel free to contact us for more details.