Gorilla Tour in Uganda Starting from Rwanda
Embarking on a Uganda gorilla tour starting from Rwanda invites you to an extraordinary adventure where you can truly appreciate the stunning landscapes of two remarkable East African destinations. These gorilla tours in Uganda offer unforgettable moments with the magnificent mountain gorillas –gentle giants that leave a lasting impression.
Are you excited about heart-pounding encounters in the wild with gentle giants—mountain gorillas? Our comprehensive guide to unforgettable Uganda gorilla tours, starting from Rwanda, includes helpful tips, gorilla permits, transportation routes, cozy accommodations, the best times to visit gorillas, and so much more!
Recommended locations for a gorilla tour in Uganda.
If you’re yearning for heart-pounding adventures, Uganda offers incredible gorilla trekking experiences! Don’t miss the chance to go on a thrilling gorilla tour in this beautiful country. You have two fantastic locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, both exceptional for your unforgettable adventure! Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a larger and more diverse park, offering a variety of trekking experiences. Mgahinga, on the other hand, is smaller and more intimate, with the bonus of being the only park in Uganda where you can spot the rare golden monkeys.
Visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga ensures remarkable encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural surroundings. Notably, both locations have specific gorilla trekking points where visitors can kick off their adventures. To begin your journey, the primary trekking points are Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ntebeko.
Uganda hosts the most significant mountain gorilla population, nearly half the 1063 worldwide. It offers the most gorilla families open for trekking, with about 25 fully habituated groups, each allowing up to 8 visitors to engage with these magnificent creatures.
The gorilla trekking tour in Uganda includes families like Bweza, Kahungye, Mubare, Habinyanja, Posho, Rushegura, Katwe, Muyambi, and Mukiza. Other groups are Christmas, Bitukura, Nkuringo, Kutu, Mucunguzi, Bushaho, Mishaya, and Busingye. Most families are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What does it mean to start Uganda gorilla tours from Rwanda
Starting your Uganda gorilla tours from Rwanda is not just a choice; it’s a convenience. Rwanda’s proximity to the gorilla trekking points in Uganda makes it a perfect starting point for your adventure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Starting your Uganda gorilla tour from Rwanda is an exciting adventure that begins with a border crossing! Depart from the lively city of Kigali, where you can choose between the Chanika or Katuna border. If you’re eager to track mountain gorilla families in the Ruhija and Buhoma sectors of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, crossing via Katuna is the way to go! On the other hand, the Chanika border conveniently connects you to the Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ntebeko trailheads, making it easy to continue your journey.
The fantastic thing about crossing the border into Uganda for gorilla trekking is how much time you can save on your journey! Rather than spending nearly 9 hours to get to Bwindi or Mgahinga from Kampala or Entebbe, you can enjoy a scenic drive of just 4-5 hours from Kigali City in Rwanda, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable travel experience.
Starting your journey from Rwanda opens up the excellent opportunity to explore a city tour of Kigali! This fantastic tour takes you to historical and cultural sites that will leave you in awe. The lively city of Kigali is famous for its cleanliness and safety, iconic attractions, and the critical Kigali genocide memorial.
Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a stunning 331 sq. km lush forest that offers an incredible experience for anyone looking to encounter mountain gorillas. Out of about 1063 mountain gorillas, around 459 call Bwindi their home, making it a truly special place for wildlife enthusiasts. The landscape here is breathtaking, with its rugged terrain, mist-covered hills, and magnificent rainforests creating a magical atmosphere.
Mgahinga National Park is cherished for being the tiniest park in Uganda and as a sanctuary for incredible wildlife, including golden monkeys and majestic mountain gorillas, alongside the stunning Virunga Volcanoes. Visitors are often in awe of the park’s breathtaking landscapes, which showcase the magnificent Virunga Mountain ranges and vibrant, lush vegetation. When you go on a gorilla tour in Mgahinga National Park, you’ll have the unique and privileged opportunity to explore the Nyakagezi gorilla family, the only group available for viewing!
Potential options for Uganda gorilla tours from Rwanda
If you’re dreaming of encountering the majestic gorillas of Uganda but plan to start your adventure in Rwanda, you’ll find various exciting itinerary options! Some of Rwanda’s best gorilla safari itineraries include a 3-day tour to Bwindi from Kigali, a delightful 3-day tour to Mgahinga National Park, and a fantastic 4-day gorilla trekking tour starting from Kigali. These options are perfect for travelers eager to experience the beauty of gorilla trekking on a shorter journey.
Experience incredible long gorilla tours from Rwanda to Uganda that blend multiple activities! Consider options like the 6-day gorilla and wildlife tour, the 7-day tour, the 8-day expedition, the 9-day safari from Kigali, or a fantastic 15-day journey through Uganda. Contact us to learn more about exciting cross-border gorilla tours!
The best time for Uganda gorilla tours
A Gorilla tour in Uganda starting from Rwanda can be planned and booked at any time of the year, which is fantastic! However, the drier months often bring the most pleasant weather conditions, making them the favorite time for many to embark on gorilla tours in Uganda. The drier months typically span from June to early September, with July and August being especially popular. These peak months see a tremendous influx of tourists excited to track mountain gorillas, contributing to a vibrant experience for everyone involved!
The following months usher in the delightful rainy season for many beautiful destinations in Uganda, including the incredible Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, famous for their exciting gorilla trekking experiences. This enchanting wet season unfolds in two main phases, from March to May and October to November.
Travel tips
Embark on an unforgettable cross-border gorilla expedition to meet Uganda’s majestic gorillas in their natural habitat! For a fantastic adventure, reach out to Native Africa Tours, the top choice for planning and booking your cross-border gorilla safaris and wildlife tours. It’s always best to plan for your gorilla safari and ensure you have all the necessary border crossing licenses or documentation ready to go.
When planning for your unforgettable gorilla tours, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a great experience. Start with essentials like a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, a handy first aid kit, a safari hat, long trousers, and a rain jacket. And of course, don’t forget your gorilla permits! While you’re at it, bring your camera to capture those unforgettable moments, a walking stick you can find at the gorilla trekking point, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and some tasty snacks to keep your energy up along the way!
Obtaining Gorilla permits
Every tourist needs a valid gorilla permit, your gateway to the unforgettable trekking experience! With a gorilla permit, you can access incredible trekking destinations where you can be assigned a group of gorillas to track. For those interested in Uganda gorilla permits, you can book yours at USD 800 for all foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and just UGX 300,000 per person for East African citizens.
Visitors who desire to interact with gorillas for a long time may consider purchasing a gorilla habituation permit. Foreign nonresidents can book a gorilla habituation permit at USD 1500 per person, USD 1000 per visitor under foreign residents, and USD 750,000 for East African citizens.
Accommodations options
When finding places to stay in and around Mgahinga and Bwindi, you’ll discover a delightful range of options that cater to all budgets, from cozy and affordable to luxurious escapes. For those planning overnight stays, some of the top accommodations to consider include the warmth of Buhoma Lodge, the charm of Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, the inviting atmosphere of Rushaga Gorilla Camp, the unique experience at Chameleon Hill Lodge, the tranquil setting of Nshongi Camp, the comfort of Mahogany Springs Lodge, and the friendly ambiance at Gorilla Leisure Lodge. If you’re exploring Mgahinga National Park, you won’t want to miss out on lodges like the welcoming Golden Monkey Guesthouse, the scenic Mount Gahinga Lodge, and the lovely Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, among others!
In conclusion, a gorilla tour in Uganda from Rwanda offers excellent flexibility. Tourists can start their adventure from Rwanda rather than just Kampala, which means more options and convenience for everyone!
