Gorilla Tracking Holidays via Kigali to Bwindi forest

Gorilla Tracking Holidays via Kigali to Bwindi Forest – A Seamless Journey

Embarking on Gorilla tracking holidays from Kigali to Bwindi Forest has gained popularity, offering an easily accessible route for travelers seeking the awe-inspiring experience of encountering mountain Gorillas. The journey commences with a flight into Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport, acting as a gateway for an immersive Gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Traditionally, the lengthy drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park deterred many from undertaking Gorilla tracking in Uganda. Rwanda’s strategic position has, therefore, made it a pivotal stop for Gorilla enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali International Airport.

In recent times, Rwanda’s decision to double its Gorilla permit fee from USD750 to USD1500 has redirected traveler focus to neighboring Uganda. The short distance from Kigali to Bwindi forest, the haven of Uganda’s mountain Gorillas, is a key factor drawing an increasing number of visitors to book Gorilla tracking safaris from Kigali. The streamlined route allows travelers to seamlessly connect to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated at the Uganda-Rwanda border, with Kigali serving as the gateway to these endangered mountain Gorillas.

The travel time from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a mere 3-4 hours, positioning Bwindi as the habitat for nearly half of the world’s mountain Gorilla population, totaling over 550 individuals. The accessibility to Bwindi National Park from Kigali is facilitated through either Chanika border to Kisoro district or Katuna border to Kabale district, covering the southern and northern sectors of Bwindi respectively. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo are conveniently reached via Chanika border, while the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma are accessible through Katuna border. This ease of access provides travelers the flexibility to trek in any of Bwindi’s sectors, offering a golden opportunity at a relatively lower cost.

Notably, opting for a Gorilla tracking safari via Kigali proves to be a cost-effective choice, particularly for budget travelers, as Uganda’s Gorilla permit costs half of its Rwandan counterpart at USD1500. This amount in Rwanda covers only the Gorilla permit, excluding accommodation and transport. The affordability of Uganda’s Gorilla permit has positioned the country as an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers, previously discouraged by the long-distance factor.

For a 2-day Uganda Gorilla tracking holiday via Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelers swiftly transfer to Bwindi upon arrival in Kigali. This allows them the opportunity for additional activities such as a cultural visit to the Batwa community or a forest walk, enhancing their pre-tracking experience. The second day is dedicated to Gorilla tracking, followed by a return to Kigali for either a flight departure or an extended stay at their hotel in Rwanda.

All travelers opting for our Gorilla tracking holiday via Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are required to obtain an East African tourist Visa, facilitating seamless travel between Uganda and Rwanda for a period of 90 days. The Visa, costing USD100, eliminates the need for single entry Visa applications in either country.

Beyond Gorilla tracking, Uganda offers a unique Gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector, allowing travelers four hours of interaction with semi-habituated mountain Gorillas at the same cost as a one-hour trek in Rwanda. Currently, the Bikingi Gorilla family in the Rushaga sector is undergoing habituation, welcoming four visitors daily.

South-western Uganda, the gateway to Bwindi, offers a plethora of activities beyond Gorilla tracking, including visits to the Batwa and Bakiga local communities, hiking the Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park, boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda, as well as forest and nature walks. The combination of these activities ensures that your Gorilla tracking safari via Kigali to Bwindi forest becomes a truly unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, choosing a Gorilla tracking holiday via Kigali-Rwanda provides an added advantage, offering an efficient and cost-effective route. Fly to Rwanda now, seamlessly connect to Uganda, and embark on a Gorilla tour that promises a lifetime of memories at a reasonable cost. Trek Africa Expeditions is your dedicated partner, ensuring your journey is filled with unparalleled experiences, including the option to combine your holiday with mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.