Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Wondering why so many tourists prefer to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda? Well, when it comes to gorilla trekking in Africa, so many people prefer to trek gorillas in Uganda than any other destination.

This has very little to do with marketing and preference but rather facts that Uganda is the best gorilla tracking destination in the whole world. Uganda has two places where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild and these include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla permits in Uganda cost only $800 each all year round, with no low season discounts. This is $700 less than the huge $1500 price tag on Rwanda gorilla permits.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the face of gorilla tourism in Uganda. The park is home to over half the total remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world.

It also has four gorilla trekking sectors, giving clients a chance to decide which sector they prefer to trek gorillas in. These sectors include Rushaga Sector, Nkuringo Sector, Buhoma Sector and Ruhija Sector. Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors of Bwindi are the most popular when it comes to Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali because of accessibility. They are the easiest to access.

Please note that each sector has its own advantages and disadvantages and you should always consult with us on which sector is the best at the moment.

Despite having only one gorilla family with seasonal migrants, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park does offer a nice gorilla trekking experience as well.

The gorilla trekking experience here is very different from the one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as you get to trek in a whole different terrain. Mgahinga shares the Virunga Conservation Area with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC Congo’s Virunga National Park.

The experience in Bwindi is mainly characterized by trekking through forests whereas the one in Mgahinga involves more of trekking through mountains and elevations.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Video by Wode Maya

The Four Trailheads, Gorilla Trekking Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four gorilla trekking sectors and these include Buhoma Sector (Northern Sector), Ruhija Sector (Eastern Sector), Rushaga Sector (Southern Sector) and Nkuringo Sector (Western Sector).

• Buhoma Sector: Of all the sectors, Buhoma Sector is the oldest and most popular. It is where the first gorilla trekking activity in Uganda took place in the 1990s. This is where the famous Bwindi Massacre also happened; one of the most unfortunate occurring in the history of Ugandan Tourism. This sector in Particular carries a lot of history and is easy to access from Kampala or Entebbe; reason why so many tourists prefer to trek here. Some of the best luxury gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are found in Buhoma Sector.
• Ruhija Sector: In the east lies Ruhija Sector, one of the most accessible sectors. Trekking gorillas in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not so strenuous like other sectors; especially the southern and western sectors. The sector is also right at the main road hence, if you do not want to drive through a lot of bumpy roads to the park, this sector should be your preference. Ruhija Sector is preferred by travelers why wish to combine their trek with destinations like Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park or any other destination.
• Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors: Rushaga Sector and Nkuringo Sector are the best and most convenient when arriving and departing from Kigali in Rwanda.They are the closest and most of the time when you book Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali, you will be booked to trek in one of these two sectors.

In case there is no gorilla permit availability in these two sectors, you could get booked to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Ruhija and Buhoma Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The trek in the southern and western sectors can mean to be strenuous at times but you can request for an easy trek in advance.

Other Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

So many tourists visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and end up missing out on a lot other interesting activities to do in this park.

• Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Nature Walks in Bwindi National Park
• The Batwa Cultural Experience

Distance from Kigali to Bwindi National Park

The distance from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. This time includes the minutes you spend at your particular border post clearing up to enter Uganda and returning to Kigali from Bwindi.

This is what makes most clients book Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours besides the cost aspect. With this time, you can actually arrive in the morning, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and reach before evening.

However, most clients use the excess hours to carry out a city tour around Kigali City and explore some of its attractions before actually getting on the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This is highly recommended because Kigali City has some great attractions that you should see.

Visiting most of these attractions is free. Highly notable is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Monument, a place that commemorates the 1994 Rwanda Genocide; one of the darkest days in the history of Rwanda.

From here, you will learn a lot about the genocide from start to end. The actual activity takes about 2 hours. Other notable attractions are Caplaki Crafts Village, Kimironko Market and Hotel Milles Des Collines (appeared in Hollywood blockbuster movie – Hotel Rwanda) and a few more.

The actual 4 hours and 30 minutes to southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park could have been less if it weren’t for Rwanda’s strict traffic rules and emphasizes all drivers to limit their speed to 60 kilometers per hour or less.

Border clearance can take up to 30 minutes depending on how busy it is though most of the times it takes less than that. So the distance from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is actually not long.

If even possible to trek gorillas in Bwindi and drive back to Kigali on the same day from drop offer or departure from Kigali International Airport.

With Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Tours, you feel less tired

No traveler wants to feel tired during their trip. Fatigue can mess up your trip and let you carry out activities at half potential or skip them in the worst scenario.

We have seen cases where gorilla trekking clients give up their trek in the forest and have to be carried all the way to the gorillas and back. As you plan your trip, endeavor to request your tour operator to craft for you a trip that is less tiring.

This way, you will get to enjoy it the more and probably carry out more safari activities.

Scheduling your arrival and departure from Kigali International Airport is a great way of managing fatigue on your trip. Travelling for long hours can mean to be so tiring at times and will keep you tired.

You should always try to avoid this. As you may notice, most of our travel packages tackle this. We always try to minimize driving time as much as we can by cutting long journeys in half, shorter routes and using scheduled flights where possible.

All these measures are put in place to help clients enjoy their safaris more and at full potential. When you book Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris with us, you’ll always be in the right shape throughout your trip.

Regarding gorilla trekking difficulty, trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can mean to be so tiring at times. However, nowadays things have changed.

Park Rangers go gorilla tracking before clients and direct clients towards the right direction of gorillas unlike the previous years when clients had to search for the gorillas themselves.

This has made treks much simpler, shorter and straight forward. It has also made it possible for clients who are unable to carry out long hikes to request for shorter treks.

Comparing the Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

The biggest cost of gorilla trekking is gorilla permits. However, in some cases accommodation fees might take up the most share of the gorilla trekking quotation especially when staying in high-end luxurious lodges like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge and Buhoma Lodge among the rest.

The mode of transportation also determines your gorilla tour costs. A 4×4 safari van will cost way less than a 4×4 safari land cruiser. Also, when you book a longer trip, you’ll pay more than someone who goes on a short gorilla tour.

All in all, do not mind so much about the cost, it’s the experience that matters and you ought to make it as comfortable as you can at whatever cost.

Securing Uganda Gorilla Permits

Booking your gorilla permits through a trust gorilla travel agency like us is highly recommended. We shall take care of everything right from the booking process and printing the actual permits and deliver them on ground with your tour guide.

In case of any reschedules, we can help with that as well. However, booking your gorilla permits several months in advance is highly encouraged especially when traveling in the high and peak seasons.

Last minute bookings might not get you the availability you want especially in high-demand gorilla trekking sectors like Buhoma.

Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Not everyone is allowed to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo in Africa. Only children above 15 years of age are allowed to trek gorillas. This rule is very strict in Rwanda and DR Congo.

In Uganda, there is a chance of signing an indemnity form consenting to all consequences that may arise during a gorilla trekking experience should your child refuse to follow the set gorilla trekking rules, regulations and guidelines.

A child has to be over 12 years to increase your chances of approval.

Essential Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tips for Planning Your Flights

As mentioned earlier, arriving and departing through Kigali in Rwanda will shorten the driving distance to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Instead of spending eight to ten hours on road traveling, you will only spend four hours and thirty minutes, which is pretty much a good deal.

This will keep you in the best shape possible for your gorilla trek and not feel fatigued.

Gorilla trekking can mean to be a difficulty tour activity at times hence, you have to minimize on all possible sources of fatigue prior to your actual encounter with mountain gorillas.

What to avoid when planning your Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali Tours

When it comes to a safari In Uganda or Rwanda and DR Congo, you should fully entrust your tour operator with the planning process to avoid messing up.

So many times, we receive requests from clients trying to tailor their own trip.

This is not a bad idea but on cases where we advise you or recommend something better, you should highly take that into account.

As a gorilla travel agency on ground, we are always updated everything regarding gorilla trekking and can give you the best travel information.

How long should your Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tours be

Short trips involve a lot of traveling and less hour of rest. I wouldn’t advise anyone to take on a short trip unless they feel it’s their only option.

For the best Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris, we recommend three days and four days if your main point of interest is gorilla watching.

If you intend to add wildlife viewing to your package, you should consider a trip longer than 5 days. Booking a two days Kigali to Bwindi gorilla tour should be the last thing on your mind.

It’s not easy to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and drive back to Kigali on the same day for departure or drop off much as it’s doable.

Budget Gorilla Trekking vs Luxury Gorilla Trekking?

Finances should not limit your level of enjoyment on a safari in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. Many times, budget travelers try to minimize as much as they can and end up complaining about services.

Because of this, we operate at certain standards and can only stick to that.

In most cases, our budget quotations might seem pricier than those from competitors and this is not because we are expensive or perhaps trying to make a lot of profit from your trip, it’s simply because we are booking the best services and facilities for your budget.

Comparing Bwindi Vs. Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking – Which is Best?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is incomparable to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is apparently the best place to see mountain gorillas in the whole world.

Over half the remaining population of gorillas live in the thick misty forest of this park. It is a very common point of interest among Uganda travel destinations. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only one gorilla family with rare seasonal immigrants from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

The only difference is it has more diverse activities. In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can also trek golden monkeys, hike Mount Sabyinyo, hike Mount Gahinga, go bird watching, take on the Batwa Cultural Trail and visit the Garama Cave among many other interesting safari activities.

If you are planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you should definitely consider having your trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Crossing the Border from Rwanda to Uganda and back

Uganda and Rwanda are both part of the East African Community hence, you will not find a hard time clearing up at the border. All you need for border crossing is a Visa, Passport and Yellow Vaccination Certificate (Rarely Asked).

If you do not get your visa in advance, you will have to apply for one at the border post you are using. The approval process usually takes a few minutes if you have all the other requirements.

Just in case you have all your details ready, you are likely to spend a maximum of 30 minutes clearing up with the authorities at the border before you are granted entourage to Uganda. When returning back to Kigali, you will spend less time at the border than before.

Why we recommend getting the East Africa Tourist Visa over Single-entry visas

An East African Tourist Visa is a single visa document that allows you up to 90 days of stay in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Each East African Tourist Visa costs $100 and should be applied for your point of entry.

If you are arriving through Kigali in Rwanda, you should apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa through Rwanda. However, if you enter Burundi or Tanzania, your East African Tourist Visa automatically expires and you’ll have to pay for another one on return.

Where to stay in Bwindi – Top Gorilla Safari Lodges

Waking up on a comfortable bed with a stunning view of the forest is something that puts you in the right mind. If things are not right from accommodation, you are least likely to enjoy your gorilla trekking trips.

Accommodation plays a very big role when it comes to safaris. After trek gorillas, its better you return to a very relaxing gorilla safari lodge and rest without worrying about poor service or amenities and facilities.

We often recommend the best gorilla safari lodges irrespective of your class of travel.

Popular Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Tour Questions & Answers

Below are some of the most popular Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking questions and answers.

• Why do tourists prefer trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda? Uganda offers the best gorilla trekking experience with affordable permits and great options for viewing gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Where can you see mountain gorillas in Uganda? You can see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda? A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 all year round.
• How does the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda compare to Rwanda? Uganda’s permits cost $700 less than Rwanda’s, which are priced at $1500.
• Why is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park so popular? Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas and offers diverse trekking options.
• What are the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? The four sectors are Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija.
• Which sectors are best for trekking gorillas from Kigali? Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are the most accessible for travelers coming from Kigali.
• Is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a good option for gorilla trekking? Yes, Mgahinga offers a unique experience with a different terrain and a single gorilla family.
• What is the main difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga for gorilla trekking? Bwindi involves trekking through forests, while Mgahinga focuses on mountainous terrain.
• Can I trek gorillas in Bwindi and return to Kigali on the same day? Yes, it is possible to trek gorillas and return to Kigali on the same day.
• How long is the drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? The drive takes approximately 4.5 hours.
• What other activities can you do in Bwindi besides gorilla trekking? You can enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and the Batwa Cultural Experience.
• What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda? The minimum age is 15 years, but exceptions may be made for children over 12 with consent.
• What are the key attractions in Kigali City before heading to Bwindi? Notable attractions include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Caplaki Crafts Village.
• What makes Kigali to Bwindi tours less tiring? Shorter driving distances and proper planning reduce fatigue during the trip.
• Why should you book gorilla permits in advance? Booking in advance ensures availability, especially during high-demand seasons.
• What is an East African Tourist Visa? It is a visa that allows you to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for up to 90 days for $100.
• Why is Buhoma Sector of Bwindi popular? Buhoma is the oldest sector, easy to access, and offers luxury accommodations.
• What is the best trip duration for gorilla trekking from Kigali? A three- to four-day trip is ideal for gorilla trekking.
• How does transportation affect gorilla trekking costs? Using a safari van costs less than a safari land cruiser, and shorter trips are cheaper.
• How has gorilla trekking become easier in Bwindi? Park rangers now guide trekkers directly to the gorillas, reducing trek difficulty.
• What are the advantages of Mgahinga besides gorilla trekking? Mgahinga offers activities like golden monkey trekking and mountain hikes.
• How long does border clearance take from Kigali to Uganda? Border clearance usually takes less than 30 minutes.
• What should you avoid when planning a gorilla tour? Avoid planning trips alone; rely on a trusted tour operator for better guidance.
• Why is Ruhija Sector good for combining destinations? Ruhija is near Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine destinations.
• What is the Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi? It is an activity that showcases the traditions and lifestyle of the Batwa pygmies.
• Why are longer gorilla treks sometimes tiring? Trekking through dense forests or mountainous terrain can be physically demanding.
• Which is better for gorilla trekking: Bwindi or Mgahinga? Bwindi is better due to its larger gorilla population, but Mgahinga offers unique experiences.
• Can budget travelers still enjoy gorilla trekking? Yes, but they should prioritize good accommodations and services to enhance their experience.
• How can you avoid fatigue on a gorilla trekking trip? Minimize travel time, schedule breaks, and plan your arrival and departure wisely.