If you’re thinking about going gorilla trekking, you might be concerned about the expense and logistics. Accessing gorilla trekking in Uganda from Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport is not only easier but also less expensive than doing so from Entebbe. A breathtaking 5-hour trip from Kigali, including border crossing, will take you right to Uganda’s gorilla refuge. This is far faster than the 10- to 11-hour travel from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Imagine yourself in the center of a beautiful jungle, surrounded by the sounds of intriguing birds and the delicious aroma of flowering flowers. You’re about to start on an adventure that will take you deep into the dense forest, where you’ll meet Africa’s most majestic creature: the mountain gorilla. These majestic species can only be found in two areas on the planet: the Virunga Mountains, which span three nations, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is located in Uganda. The experience is not only thrilling, but it also helps to preserve these beautiful primates.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that both nature lovers and adventure seekers want. And what better way to begin this amazing experience than by traveling to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport?
In this post, we’ll look at the intricacies, logistics, and pure inspiration of getting to gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali International Airport in Rwanda’s capital.
Why should you fly into Kigali International Airport?
While there are other airports and border crossings in Uganda from which to go gorilla trekking, Kigali International Airport in Rwanda has become a popular alternative for several reasons:
Kigali International Airport is the nearest major international airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to some of Uganda’s greatest gorilla trekking experiences. The airport’s closeness cuts travel time greatly and helps you to immerse yourself in the trip more immediately.
Travel Ease: Rwanda has made substantial expenditures in its infrastructure, making it simpler for visitors to get to the airport and border into Uganda. The roads are in good condition, and the border crossing procedure is simple.
Rwanda is well-known for its political stability and security. It gives you peace of mind while driving across its picturesque scenery.
Availability of Gorilla licenses: Ugandan gorilla licenses are less expensive and more easily accessible than Rwandan permits. The permit in Uganda costs $700, whereas the permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person. In addition, Uganda has more habituated gorillas available for monitoring than Rwanda.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Before you can begin your gorilla trekking trip, you must first arrive at Kigali International Airport (Kanombe Airport), Rwanda’s main airport. Direct flights to Kigali are available from 29 airports globally, including London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Entebbe, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Kenya Airways, Rwandair, KLM, Virgin, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada, United, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa are among the airlines that serve Kigali. Kigali Airport is well-equipped with contemporary amenities, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free arrival.
The drive from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the precise spot in Bwindi you choose to visit. The Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors in the park’s south, as well as the Ruhija Sector in the northwest and Mgahinga, are simpler to reach. While the park headquarters at Buhoma Sector, located to the north of the park, requires more time to arrive.
Booking a private transfer with a reputable tour operator, such as All In Africa Safaris, is a pleasant and easy way to go to Bwindi. The operator will meet you at the airport and transport you to your selected gorilla trekking location in a secure and hassle-free manner.
Public Bus: For individuals wishing to save money on transit, certain public bus services run in Uganda between Kigali and Kisoro or Kabale. While this alternative may be less expensive, it may include many stops and a longer journey duration.
Self-Drive: If you prefer the freedom of driving yourself, you can rent a car in Kigali and drive to Bwindi. However, drivers in East Africa must be mindful of the road conditions, border crossing rules, and potential problems.
Border Crossing and Visas
When traveling from Kigali International Airport to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you must manage the border crossing process. The following are the necessary procedures to guarantee a seamless transition:
Visa Requirements: Most visitors to Rwanda and Uganda will need to get a visa. To prevent delays, it is best to get these visas in advance through the appropriate embassies or online websites. To avoid having to apply for visas in two countries, apply for an East African Visa, which allows you to visit Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya all in the same trip. The EA visa is available through the online visa portals of Uganda and Rwanda (visas.immigration.go.ug and migration.gov.rw/visa).
Yellow Fever Vaccination: It is critical to know that a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers before travelling to Uganda and Rwanda. Remember to receive this certificate before you leave.
cash Exchange: You may exchange your cash at the border or in adjacent cities for Ugandan Shillings, which are widely accepted in Bwindi and other regions of Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking
After successfully navigating your way from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and obtaining your gorilla trekking permit, the adventure can begin. Here’s a taste of what you may anticipate from your gorilla trekking adventure:
Briefing: On the morning of your hike, park rangers will lead a pre-trek briefing. This occurs at 7:30 a.m. at the trekking centre specified on your gorilla permit. Rangers will tell you about the gorillas, the hiking restrictions, and safety procedures.
Group Assignment: To guarantee a safe and non-disruptive experience, you will be allocated to a specific gorilla family group, each of which is accustomed to human presence.
Trekking: The time and difficulty of the walkthrough of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest vary depending on the gorilla group you’re allocated to. Some gorilla excursions might last as little as 30 minutes, while others can last many hours or all day. You should be prepared for high heights, steep inclines, dense foliage, and muddy pathways because the landscape is tough.
When you arrive at the gorilla family, you will get one fantastic hour to see and photograph these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. To guarantee the safety and well-being of both you and the gorillas, keep a respectful distance and obey your guide’s recommendations.
