Gorilla Trekking From Rwanda To Uganda

Gorilla Trekking From Rwanda To Uganda : Gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered one of the top tourist activities, which attract large populations of people to travel from all over the world to trek within the country. and one of the reasons why is it best to trek in Uganda compared to Rwanda is that it is more affordable due to the fact that a gorilla trekking in Uganda is charged at a cost of about 700 USD per person whereby in Rwanda individuals will be required to pay a fee of about 1500 USD per person. Therefore for tourists who can do gorilla trekking in Uganda from Rwanda, it is always a good memorable experience and these trekking tours usually begin from Kigali International Airport and very affordable and convenient for individuals on a tight budget as well as for those with a fixed travel schedule.

And for tourists with their best interest  can opt to do trekking from perfect destinations like; do a 2 day gorilla tracking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or a 3 day gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is known to be a home to over 800 endangered mountain gorillas. During the two-day gorilla trekking tours, tourists will picked up from your hotel in Kigali city and lead them to Mgahinga gorilla national park where they can spend an overnight or Kisoro town, prior to your day of trekking.  Alternatively, for those individuals who choose to do 3 days gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable national park will be picked up from your hotel in Kigali City and spend the night in Bwindi National Park.

Tourists on a gorilla trekking safari need to note that these activities best done from two national parks such as; Mgahinga Gorilla national park where they normally begin from the park’s headquarters in Ntebeko and in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, gorilla trekking commence in Buhoma. More so, tourists doing gorilla trekking in Bwindi can track gorillas from any of the four sectors of the national park, and these include; Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga. In addition, there are currently two habituated gorilla groups that are available for tourists to track in Mgahinga national park, and these include the Hirwa and Nyakagezi gorilla families. For visitors trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, there are 19 habituated gorilla families/groups, with 15 of these gorilla groups available for tourists to track. These habituated gorilla families include; the Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahunge, Busingye, Bweza, Bikyingi, Mucunguzi and Rwigi families in the Rushaga sector. The Buhoma sector in Bwindi has four habituated gorilla groups, which include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe and Rushegura gorilla families. The southern part of Bwindi national park has the Nkuringo sector with three habituated gorilla groups and these include; Nkuringo, Christmas and Bushaho families. Finally, the Ruhija sector in the eastern part of the national park has four habituated gorilla families, and these are; Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mukiza and the Kyaguriro gorilla groups.

Uganda gorilla trekking activities commence at exactly 8am in the morning. Tourists travelling from Kigali city in Rwanda have to make sure that they are at the respective parks’ headquarters by 7am on the day of trekking.  They are always encouraged to arrive an hour before the trekking because it is during this period of time when they are given short briefings about the rules and regulations that have to follow during the trekking. In addition, after that, individuals are put in groups with a maximum of eight members according to which gorilla family they are willing to trek. Each of these groups is being assigned to with a park guide whose role is to lead them through different trails and an armed UWA ranger who ensure the top security of the trekkers.

Uganda gorilla trekking activities usually involve tourists engaging in vigorous trekking and hiking activities. Gorilla trekking activities in Uganda can go between 4-7 hours of tracking depending on where the gorillas are located. Once trekkers have located a gorilla family/group, visitors are given strictly be given an hour to spend with the gorillas.  And during this time, tourists always get chances to learn more about the behaviours and characters about the species such as; they get to watch how they eat and feed their young ones, how they play and sleep among others.  This one hour that tourists are given is to spend amidst the gorillas and mark the highlight of any gorilla trekking safari in Uganda from Kigali.

However, tourists are always encouraged to purchase an East African Tourist Visa at a fee of USD 100 dollars, in order be granted easy entry into both Rwanda and Uganda. Travelers can acquire an East African tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport or online from the Rwanda immigration website. Alternatively, visitors can acquire the services of a trusted and registered tour operator, who will assist you in getting the visa.

What to pack for your Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda.

Visitors travelling from Rwanda to do gorilla trekking in Uganda will require to pack the right essentials prior to your day of trekking and some of these include; sunscreen, insect repellent, a good pair of hiking boots, long trouser and long sleeved shirt, a rain coat, mineral water, Uganda gorilla trekking permit, packed lunch/snacks, camera and a pair of binoculars.

Rules and regulations of trekking gorillas in Uganda.

It is important for gorilla trekkers to adhere to the following rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Uganda;

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done ONLY by visitors aged 15 years and above.
• Senior citizens who wish to take part in gorilla trekking activities in Uganda should be both physically and mentally healthy. In cases where a visitor has a health condition e.g. heart conditions, asthma, or acute/high blood pressure; one will have to sign a Release of Liability taking full responsibility for any accident that he/she may get while trekking gorillas.
• Do not trek gorillas in case your have a cold, cough or any air-bone diseases.
• Uganda gorilla trekking activities take place in groups of a maximum of 8 members only.
• Visitors must have a valid passport (at least 6 months valid) and East African tourist visa.
• Visitors should wash their hands before and after gorilla trekking.
• Gorilla trekkers should always stick to your groups. Do not wondered away from your trekking group.
• Keep your voice down throughout your trekking activities.
• Do not litter the national park.
• Once the gorillas have been located, maintain a safe distance of 7 meters between you and the gorilla group.
• Do not maintain eye contact with the gorillas especially a Silverback.
• Visitors should not eat, drink or even smoke when in the presence of the gorillas.
• Visitors should avoid unnecessary movement when in the midst of gorillas.
• Always stay calm in case a gorilla charges at you, and carefully listen to the instructions given to you by your guide.
• Flash photography is prohibited especially when you are with a gorilla group. Visitors should always ensure that your camera’s flash is disabled.

Finally, your Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali will end after your safari guide has dropped you off at your hotel in Kigali City of at Kigali International Airport. This gorilla trekking tour is very convenient for any visitor on a Rwandan safari and wishes to trek gorillas at an affordable price.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your gorilla trekking safari.