Travel Company: Dav Safaris Website: www.davsafaris.com Email: info@davsafaris.com Tel: +256757795781 or +256701412430 Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali is one of the best Uganda Rwanda safari options as it allows you to engage in other activities like the Kigali City Tour or Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Imagine the thrill of combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with the cultural richness of Rwanda. Starting your Uganda Rwanda safari in Kigali offers a unique and convenient gateway to the lush forests of Uganda, where you can encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. Let’s explore the incredible experience of Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali, highlighting the best times to visit, costs, travel logistics, and additional activities to enrich your safari. Popular Gorilla Trekking Packages 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Habituation Safari 3 Days Flying Safari to Gorilla Trekking. 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari and Batwa Pygmies Visit in Bwindi National Park 4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari 4 days safari with Gorilla and Queen Elizabeth national park 5 Days wildlife, Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking safari In Uganda 7 Days Primates Adventure Safari in Uganda. 10 Days Uganda Ultimate Primate Safari 12 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Encounter and Cultural Safari 15 Days Gorilla Safari and wildlife in Uganda Why Start Your Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali? Starting your gorilla trekking safari from Kigali is not only convenient but also offers a plethora of additional activities. Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, is a mere 4–5-hour drive from Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This proximity makes it an ideal starting point for your Uganda and Rwanda safari. While in Kigali, you can explore the city’s rich history and culture. The Kigali City Tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art galleries. Additionally, you can engage in golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, an experience that complements your gorilla trekking adventure. How to Plan Uganda Safari from Kigali Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Golden Monkey Trekking (Optional) On this day we will take you to visit the most popular cultural and heritage sites in Kigali; you will also encounter unique authentic experiences regarding the culture, religion, historical and traditional lifestyle of the people. This tour offers you a glimpse of what happened during the 1994 massacre on your visit to the famous genocide memorials in Kigali city. Additionally, we can opt to go for a golden monkey safari in Volcanoes National Park depending on time and your preference. Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali Day 2: Kigali Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park You will meet your Safari guide and go through a simple briefing from your Hotel in Kigali. From there embark on your road trip towards Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The road trip is very scenic and it goes through the thousand hills of Rwanda to the Pearl of Africa. Border crossing is approximately north of Kigali city 80km at Katuna or Chanika land border as well we shall have our lunch stopover at Kabale town or Kisoro town and embark on our journey to Bwindi impenetrable national park, upon arrival you will check-in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Haven or equivalent Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Kigali Immediately after your breakfast with your picnic-packed lunch have a short drive to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. The Park management team will take you through the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, from there you go to the starting point of your gorilla family. You will be put into a group of 8 guests and each group is allocated. Gorilla trekking activity takes approximately 3 hours or more. Your assigned ranger guide will explain to you in detail about the livelihood of mountain Gorillas, you will be allowed to have a full 1 hr. time with the Gorillas for the photographic moment and observe them. From there you will transfer back to Kigali Rwanda via the Katuna or Chanika border for your international departure flight. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodation: No Accommodation Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda by 2024 As of 1st July 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents the rest of Africa $500 and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. The permit fee includes park entry, a guided trek, and one hour with a gorilla family. This fee contributes to conservation efforts and community development projects, ensuring the protection of these endangered animals and their habitats. Gorilla Trekking Rules Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Uganda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include: When you set out Ensure to carry with your payment receipts and permits Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness The minimum age for tracking is 15 years Human waste should be buried 30cm (12 inches) deep The maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group When You Are with The Gorillas: Maintain a 10m (32.8ft) distance from the gorilla Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted during the tracking If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day Do not use flash photography. Do not leave litter in the forest Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking The best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the weather is more favourable, with less rainfall making the trekking trails easier to navigate. The lush landscapes and clear skies provide the perfect backdrop for your gorilla trekking adventure. Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda? Gorilla trekking in Uganda is primarily conducted in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is home to almost half (51%) of the world’s mountain gorilla population, making it a prime location for trekking. Mgahinga, though smaller with only one gorilla family (Nyakagezi Family), offers a unique and less congested experience with its scenic views and diverse wildlife. How to Get to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Sites from Kigali Getting to Uganda’s gorilla trekking sites from Kigali typically involves a road trip through the thousand hills of Rwanda to the Pearl of Africa. Border crossing is approximately north of Kigali city 80km at Katuna or Chanika land border as well we shall have our lunch stopover at Kabale town or Kisoro town. What else to do on a Gorilla Trekking Tour While gorilla trekking is the highlight, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on your tour. These include: Chimpanzee Trekking While gorilla trekking is the main draw, Uganda offers a wealth of primate experiences. Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity in Kibale Forest National Park, where you can observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and the park is often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World” due to its high primate diversity. Bird Watching Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 species recorded across the country. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone is home to more than 350 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual observer, bird watching is a delightful addition to any gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. Nature Walks and Batwa Cultural Experiences Apart from gorilla trekking, you can engage in nature walks, guided by experienced rangers who will introduce you to the park’s rich flora and fauna. Visiting the local Batwa community is another highlight, offering insights into the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous people who once lived in Bwindi’s forests. Where to Sleep When on a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda Luxury Lodges Uganda offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. For those seeking luxury, high-end lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga provide an exceptional experience. These lodges often feature spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms, private balconies with forest views, and personalized services such as private butlers and gourmet dining. Many luxury lodges are eco-friendly, incorporating sustainable practices to minimize their impact on the environment. Mid-Range Accommodations Mid-range accommodations offer a balance between comfort and affordability. These lodges and camps are well-equipped, with cosy rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and locally sourced meals. They are often located close to the park entrances, providing easy access to the starting points for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Mid-range options are ideal for travellers who want a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. Budget Options on a gorilla trekking Safari For budget-conscious travellers, there are numerous campsites and budget lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga. While these accommodations may lack the luxuries of higher-end options, they provide basic amenities, including shared bathrooms and simple meals. Staying in budget accommodations allows you to allocate more of your budget to activities and permits while still enjoying the beauty of Uganda’s wilderness. Proximity to the Parks One of the key considerations when choosing accommodation for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is proximity to the park. Staying closer to the park entrance minimizes transfer times and allows for a more relaxed start to your trekking day. Additionally, many lodges are situated in areas with abundant wildlife, offering the chance to spot animals from the comfort of your accommodation. Essentials to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda Packing for a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials to bring: Pack some warm clothes like sweaters for when the weather drastically changes. A raincoat is necessary whether you are travelling in the dry or wet season. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly coloured clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans. First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek. Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season. Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them. Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight, extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others. Gorilla Trekking Safari with Dav Safaris Choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference in your gorilla trekking experience. Dav Safaris offers expertly guided tours, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure. Note that the Uganda Wildlife Authority prints limited permits per day, so it is important to book early for your trip. After purchasing your permit, expect to track gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Whether you opt for a 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or a longer itinerary, you need to book for the gorilla safari in advance because of the high demand for gorilla permits and easy planning. Contact Us to help you book the gorilla permit and organize your entire safari to Uganda, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.