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+256 782 991 524 info@habakkuksafaris.com

UGANDA GORILLA SAFARIS FROM KIGALI

GORILLA SAFARIS IN UGANDA COMING VIA KIGALI

Introduction

If you’ve ever dreamed of coming face to face with majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda but dread the long drive from Kampala, then Gorilla Safaris from Kigali should be the best option. Bwindi Impenetrable National and Mgahinga, where gorilla trekking adventures happen, are located 500 km from the International Airport, requiring almost 10 hours of driving.

Since the two gorilla parks offer the most budget-friendly options to trek gorillas, tourists prefer Uganda for gorilla safaris, and the shortest route is through Kigali. On this page, we give you the best offers for this incredible journey into the magical world of Uganda Gorilla Safaris, starting from the vibrant city of Kigali.

Traveling from Kigali and Border Crossing

Your unforgettable journey begins in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, known for its lush greenery, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage. Kigali International Airport is the main entry point for travelers heading to Uganda for gorilla safaris. The city itself is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, making it an ideal place to start your adventure. From Kigali, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Rwanda. The journey itself is an adventure, offering glimpses of rolling hills, terraced farms, and local villages. As you approach the Uganda-Rwanda border, you’ll begin to sense the anticipation of what lies ahead. It takes about 3 hours to reach the border and about 30 minutes to go through immigration procedures. Expect to drive for about an hour to reach the gorilla destinations in Uganda.

GORILLA SAFARI PACKAGES VIA KIGALI

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

From$490
The 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour is a magical journey into the isolated jungles of East Africa in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, where you should expect a gorilla trek experience.

3 Day Fly in Gorilla Habituation Experience Tour

From$1,200
Our 3 day fly in gorilla habituation experience tour to Bwindi Impenetrable national park is meant for those that do not have many days in Uganda but want to spend more time with mountain gorillas.

3 Day Gorilla Habituation Experience Road Tour

From$1,200
Our 3 Day Chimp trekking safari will make you think that spending one hour with chimps on a traditional chimpanzee tracking safari is exhilarating, but wait until you spend 4 hours

5 Days gorillas and white water rafting safari, source of the nile

From$2,385
Our 5 Days Gorillas and White Water Rafting Safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda with the magnificent white water rafting experience

3 Day Chimp Habituation or Trekking in Kibale

From$490

8 Days Gorilla Tracking Tour

From$2,590
8 Days Gorilla Tracking Tour takes you to Lake Mburo NP for game drive and a boat ride on the Lake in search for wildlife, this takes you about 4-5 hours from Kampala to Lake Mburo NP

5 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

From$0
Gorilla trekking Rwanda tour and safari is for those that are looking for gorilla tracking and later extend to other countries like Uganda , Tanzania and Kenya as this tour gives you enough

4 Days Gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey trekking Safari

From$1,940
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park with on our 4 Days gorillas and golden monkey safari. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost

3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience Through Kigali

From$560
Our 3 day bwindi gorilla habituation experience through Kigali gives you up to 4 hours with mountain gorillas in one day. Take advantage of the four hours gorilla habituation

5 Day Rwanda Gorillas and Nyungwe Forest

From$1,200
You’ll visit two of Rwanda’s most iconic national parks: Nyungwe Forest National Park home to chimpanzees and Volcanoes National Park a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas.

5 Day Luxury Gorilla Habituation and Chimp trekking Safari

From$4,630
This 5 Day Luxury Gorilla habituation and chimp trekking safari is good for those who want to spend more time with the world’s great primates in the names of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. This trip takes you to the southern part of Bwindi

5 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Culture

This 5 day Rwanda Gorillas and Culture tour is meant to provide our clients with a cultural and gorilla experience in Rwanda as a tourism destination. You will spend some time in the northern part

3 Day Luxury Bwindi Double Gorilla Trek Through Kigali

From$1,645

4 Day Gorillas and Mountain Sabinyo Hiking

During this Safari you will be able to Track Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Sabinyo Mountain Hike in Mgahinga National Park. Mount Sabinyo

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

From$1,415
This Rwanda Gorilla Tracking experience takes you toVolcanoes National Park. First day Our professional driver guide will transfer you to Volcanoes National Park via the Genocide Memorial

4 Day Luxury Double Gorilla Safari From Kigali

From$2,020
This 4 Day Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali is meant for those people interested in trekking mountain gorillas twice in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but are starting from Kigali in Rwanda.

5 Day Uganda Gorillas and Game Safari From Kigali

From$2,090
Our 5 Day Uganda gorillas and game safari from Kigali gives you an option of doing one gorilla trek or one gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi. In Queen Elizabeth National Park

5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimp trekking Safari

From$1,200
5 Day Gorilla habituation and chimp trekking safari is good for those who want to spend more time with the world’s great primates in the names of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Tour

From$400
First day, you will be picked up from Kigali airpot or Hotel and transferred to Volcanoes National Park, you trek gorillas on the second day and drive back to Kigali to end the trip.

3 Days Mountain Sabinyo Hiking

This 3 Days Mountain Sabinyo Hiking safari is meant for those interested in Mountain Sabinyo hiking. During this 3 Days Mountain Sabinyo Hiking Safari you will be able to hike Mountain

3 day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience through kigali

From$1,645

2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari Through Kigali

From$480
It is also meant to reduce on the driving time from Kigali to Bwindi which is about 4-5 hours drive compared driving from Entebbe to Bwindi. Our 2 day bwindi gorilla safari through

6 Days Safari in Nyungwe National Park & Lake Kivu

From$2,095
Starting and ending in Kigali, this journey takes you to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, Lake Kivu for serene relaxation and a canoe ride

5 Days Gorillas and Game Safari

From$1,975
This 5 Days Gorillas and Game Safari will take you to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, that connect Lake George and lake Edward

Places you can trek gorillas coming from Kigali

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a remarkable sanctuary renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and its crucial role in the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas. The park encompasses a vast lush rainforest, mist-covered hills, and rugged terrain, creating an enchanting and seemingly impenetrable landscape. 

One of its most notable inhabitants is the mountain gorilla, of which nearly half of the world’s population resides within the park’s borders. To access Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, travelers a scenic drive that takes approximately four to five hours, covering a distance of around 170 kilometers. This journey typically involves crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border at Katuna or Cyanika, followed by a drive through the beautiful countryside of southwestern Uganda.

More details about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the dramatic Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. This stunning park is renowned for its lush bamboo forests, mist-shrouded peaks, and captivating biodiversity. Home to a significant portion of the remaining mountain gorilla population, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. To access Volcanoes National Park from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, travelers can take on a scenic drive of approximately two to three hours, covering about 110 kilometers. The well-maintained roads wind through picturesque landscapes, with stunning views of the rolling hills and rural countryside. It’s also possible to arrange domestic flights from Kigali to the nearby Musanze airstrip, reducing travel time to a short 30-minute flight, followed by a brief transfer to the park entrance.

More details about Volcanoes National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a captivating gem in the Virunga Mountains. This small yet remarkable park is renowned for its unique blend of captivating wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the rare mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and various other wildlife species. To access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, travelers can embark on a scenic drive that takes approximately four to five hours, covering a distance of around 160 kilometers. The journey typically involves crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border at either Cyanika or Katuna, followed by a drive through picturesque countryside and rolling hills.

More details about Mgahinga National Park

Best time to go for a gorilla safari?

The best time to go for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali is during the drier months of June, July, August, and early September. These months offer more favorable weather conditions, with less rainfall and less mud on the trekking trails. It’s the peak season for gorilla trekking, so it’s important to book your permits well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. The demand is high due to the limited locations where mountain gorillas can be found and their endangered status.

Read month-by-month details >>

Trek Gorillas in Uganda vs Rwanda

Both Rwanda and Uganda offer incredible gorilla encounters, but the choice depends on personal preferences. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides convenience and accessibility with shorter travel times and well-developed infrastructure. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer a more immersive experience with larger gorilla populations and diverse landscapes. Conservation efforts are prioritized in both countries, and encounters with mountain gorillas are equally awe-inspiring. Consider factors such as accessibility, costs, and additional attractions when deciding between the two destinations.

A more comparative detail >>

Uganda and Rwanda Entry Visa

Apologies for the previous incorrect information. Both Uganda and Rwanda offer the convenience of online visa applications. Travelers can apply for the Uganda visa at visas.immigration.go.ug and Rwanda visa at migration.gov.rw/visa/visitors-visa in advance. This allows for smoother entry into both countries, eliminating the need for visa-on-arrival procedures. Additionally, for those planning to visit multiple East African countries, including Uganda and Rwanda, obtaining an East African Visa is highly recommended. The East African Visa allows for multiple entries and covers travel to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, making it an excellent option to streamline the visa process and facilitate hassle-free travel within the region. It’s important to check the latest visa requirements and application procedures before planning your trip.

How to book an East African Visa >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Why go gorilla trekking in Uganda via Kigali, Rwanda?

Choosing to go gorilla trekking in Uganda via Kigali, Rwanda offers several advantages. It provides a shorter and more convenient route, reducing travel time and avoiding long drives from Kampala. Additionally, Kigali is a vibrant and accessible city with good infrastructure, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure into Uganda’s gorilla territories.

Which Uganda gorilla national park is better for gorilla safaris from Kigali?

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary choice for gorilla safaris from Kigali. It is closer to Kigali compared to Mgahinga National Park, offering easier access and a greater variety of gorilla families to visit.

Which Uganda-Rwanda border do I use if I want to trek Uganda gorillas from Kigali?

If you want to trek Uganda gorillas from Kigali, you would typically use the Cyanika border crossing. It is the most common and convenient border crossing point for travelers going from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Which Uganda-Rwanda border is better if I want to visit Rushaga and Nkuringo gorillas from Kigali?

For visiting Rushaga and Nkuringo gorillas from Kigali, the Cyanika border crossing is the preferred option. It provides easier and shorter access to these specific gorilla trekking regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Which Uganda-Rwanda border is better if I want to visit Ruhija and Buhoma gorillas from Kigali?

For visiting Ruhija and Buhoma gorillas from Kigali, the Katuna (Gatuna) border crossing going through Kabale is often used. It offers a shorter and convenient access to the northern Buhoma & Ruhija sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Which Uganda-Rwanda border is better when planning a Mgahinga gorilla safari from Kigali?

When planning a Mgahinga gorilla safari from Kigali, the Chanika border crossing is the recommended option. It provides direct access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

How far is Kigali from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda?

The distance between Kigali and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is approximately 180 kilometers (about 115 miles). The travel time can vary depending on the specific route taken and any border crossing procedures but it’s generally about 5 hours including border crossing.

How far is Kigali from Mgahinga National Park in Uganda?

The distance between Kigali and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda is approximately 140 kilometers (about 87 miles). The travel time can vary depending on the specific route taken and any border crossing procedures.

Is it possible to do a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali in two days?

Yes, it is possible to do a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali in two days. However, it would require careful planning and coordination to optimize your time for gorilla trekking and travel. It is recommended to consult with a trusted tour operator like Encounter Africa to ensure a well-organized and efficient itinerary.

Should I use Rwanda or Uganda tour operators to book my Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali?

Both Rwanda and Uganda tour operators can assist you in booking your Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali. However, it may be more convenient to work with Uganda-based tour operators as they have direct knowledge and experience in organizing safaris within Uganda, including gorilla trekking.

Which regions of Bwindi are better for Gorilla Safaris from Kigali?

The regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that are better for gorilla safaris from Kigali depend on your specific preferences and interests. However, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija are popular regions known for their closeness to the Rwanda border, more gorilla families and stunning mountainous and forest views. If you hope to extend your gorilla trekking safari to the Ugandan savannah parks, the Buhoma Sector would be preferable.

When is the best time to book Uganda gorilla safaris from Kigali?

The best time to book Uganda gorilla safaris from Kigali is during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and December to February. These months generally offer more favorable weather conditions and better trekking conditions, increasing the chances of a successful and enjoyable gorilla safari.

Which visa should I apply for when planning a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, Rwanda?

When planning a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, Rwanda, it is recommended to apply for the East Africa tourist visa. The East Africa tourist visa allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya within a specified period. This visa facilitates seamless travel between these countries, making it convenient for tourists who want to explore multiple destinations during their trip.

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3 Day Amboseli Kenya Safari

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