Is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali possible? Yes, you can fly into Kigali and also be part of the thrilling mountain gorilla experience in Bwindi National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali is perfect for trekkers who would like to get the best of magical encounter with mountain gorillas yet at a relatively pocket friendly rate. Fly to Kigali International Airport and have 4 hours’ drive in our comfortable 4×4 drive car to Bwindi National Park in southwestern Uganda to kick off with your lifetime gorilla adventure. Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Kigali-Rwanda is far better than, time saving compared to if you took a flight up to Entebbe International Airport then drive to Bwindi National Park which is 8-10 hours’ drive depending on the driver’s speed, route taken among other factors.
Why go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali
With about half of 1004 mountain gorillas that still exist on planet earth all confined within the lush jungles of Uganda, a glimpse at these massive creatures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is worth starting your gorilla safari from Kigali.
Unlike other gorilla parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home to 20 families all set for tourism and research purposes. To trek the habituated groups in Bwindi National Park, visitors start their treks from Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo or Rushaga sector. In Buhoma sector, the groups to explore include Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare and Katwe; Nkuringo region; the groups to trek include Nkuringo, Christmas and Bushaho; Ruhija region consists of Kyaguliro, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Mukiza gorilla family whereas Rushaga region comprises of Bweza, Mishaya, Kutu, Rwigi, Mucunguzi Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye and Bikingi.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali takes trekkers fewer hours than if they traveled directly from Entebbe Airport. To reach Bwindi from Kigali, you need only 4 hours compared to 8-10 hours if you traveled from Entebbe or Kampala. From Kigali, you will be driven via Chanika or Katuna border area to Bwindi.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park is relatively cheaper with gorilla permits costing about US$700 per person for foreign non-residents; $600 for foreign residents and Ug.shs 250000 for East African citizens to secure a gorilla permit in Uganda which still remains pocket friendly compared to Rwanda where gorilla trekking permits cost US$1500 per person.
Several of the gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are accessible from Kigali and they range from budget to luxury which gets everyone covered.
After your thrilling gorilla trekking experience, you can sum up your trip by embarking on canoe ride along the magical Lake Bunyonyi which consists of 29 scenic islands and free from bilharzias, crocodiles making it ideal for swimmers.
This also means that it is possible for you to take a 1 day gorilla tour in Bwindi National Park and the more days you spend, you have variety to enjoy including gorilla habituation experience, hiking, biking, Batwa and Bakiga cultural experience, bird watching to mention but a few.
Staring your gorilla trip from Kigali gets you a chance to also embark on a city tour in Kigali with a chance to visit Kigali genocide memorable site for you to learn in depth about what took place during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can incorporate other experiences like hiking/forest walks, biking, birding, Batwa encounter and others.
How to get gorilla permits
Gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be obtained through our reservation team or directly with reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority. About 160 gorilla permits are available for booking in Bwindi alone however, you need to book your permit in advance to avoid any kind of disappointments. Each gorilla trekking permit costs $600-for foreign non-residents; $500-foreign residents; UGX.250000-for East African citizens. However, come 1st July 2020, gorilla permits will be issued out at $700, $600 and shs.250000 respectively.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi National Park is open to visitors on gorilla trekking safari throughout the year. But it is perfectly explored during the dry season which starts in June, July, August and September. Or pay a visit to this park for gorilla trekking in second phase of dry spell which occurs in December, January and February. While weather conditions are ideal during the dry season for gorilla trekking, the wet or rainy season is also gives you get another option to realize your dreams. It begins in March, April, May and October, November although this period is characterized by heavy rainfall.
What to pack on your gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park
In your packing list for gorilla trekking, you need to consider essentials first including waterproof hiking boots, water, energy giving snacks, first aid kit, camera with no flashlight, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, trousers, hat, sunscreen, walking stick-this can be got at the park or lodge, sweater, rain jacket/poncho and others.
Where to spend a night in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi National Park has wide range of accommodation options for your overnight stay. You can opt for budget, midrange or luxury. Luxury options include Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Forest Camp/Chameleon Hill Lodge/Mahogany Springs Lodge; midrange options include Gorilla Mist Camp/Gorilla Valley Lodge/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Engagi Lodge; Budget options-Broadbill Forest Camp/Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Wagtail Eco Safari Camp.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali is exceptional in that trekkers are able to save not only time but also money for other safari activities or things.
