Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali - Discover Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

Guide for Booking Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda 2023/2024

Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali or Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking is being prefered by so many clients because of affordability and the short distance.

So many clients preferred Rwanda gorilla tour experience to Uganda gorilla tour experiences before.

This was mainly because of the short 2 hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park compared to the eight hour long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi.

With the possibility of booking one day and two day gorilla safaris, it somehow became a bit cheaper for a client to trek gorillas in Rwanda.

The blow came in 2017 when Rwanda Development Board announced a 100% ($750 to $1500) increment on permits.

Ever since this happened, so many clients now prefer to arrive in Kigali and trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda because not all are willing to pay the huge amount for Rwanda permits.

Bwindi permits cost only $700 each all year round. Besides, it is just a four hours drive from Kigali to Southern Bwindi.

On this website, our main aim is selling gorilla trekking tours that start from Kigali in Rwanda.

Besides organizing Uganda gorilla safaris, Rwanda gorilla safaris, Congo gorilla safaris and East African Safari Tours, we also organize wildlife safaris, honeymoons, group tours, primate safaris, beach getaways and so much more all within the East African region.

Why book Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking?

Booking Uganda gorilla tours from Kigali will save you a lot. If you are visiting Bwindi or any other Southern Uganda destination then booking your trip this way will still help you a lot.

Its much easier to transfer from Kigali to Southern Uganda then from Entebbe. Below is list down some of the major benefits of starting your gorilla tours from Rwanda.

Save Money: Uganda gorilla tours from Kigali is way much cheaper than starting from Entebbe or Kampala.

You can arrive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the same day just like you can trek gorillas in Bwindi and transfer to Kigali for departure on the same day.

If you choose to start from Kampala, you will have to spend money on accommodation for the first and last night of your safari.

The Uganda gorilla trek cost is also friendly. Instead of blowing $1500 on Rwandan permits, you will spend $700 on each Ugandan permit.

Short Drive: It is about a four to five hours drive from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

If it wasn’t for the fact that Rwanda limits driving speed form 40-60 kilometers per hour, it would have been a three hours drive.

The journey is approximately 176.8 kilometers, almost thrice shorter the distance from Entebbe to Bwindi.

Please also note that the border does not close. You can even arrive at 6PM and transfer to Bwindi on the same day.

Shorter Trips: The short distance makes it easy to carry out shorter trips.

You can even visit Bwindi in two days; you arrive in Kigali and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on day one then trek gorillas and transfer back to Kigali for departure on the second day.

However, we recommend staying for at least two nights in Bwindi. Three to four day Bwindi tours are awesome.

Save on Flights with Rwandair: Rwanda has their own airlines called Rwandair. Visit their website and check out their routes and prices.

You could chance cheap fares and save some money. Some routes are direct with no stopovers hence, less traveling time.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Monument: The Kigali genocide monument is a must visit for all clients who arrive in Kigali.

This landmark paints the dark history of Rwanda on your face. You will get to learn a lot about the 1994 Rwandan Genocide:- how it started, what caused it and how it stopped. The Kigali Genocide Audio Experience costs $25 per person and makes your experiential tour even more better.

The visit takes about two hours hence, you have to make sure you are at the entrance by 12:00 am as the closing time is 4pm (EAT).

Distance from Kigali to Bwindi

Transferring from Kigali to Bwindi is approximately 176.8 kilometers, about four to five hours of driving.

This journey could have taken less time if it wasn’t for Rwanda’s low driving speed limit. Please note that there are no direct flights from Kigali to Bwindi. You can only travel by road.

Choosing Uganda Gorilla Safaris from Rwanda

Opting for Uganda gorilla tours from Kigali is the best decision you can make; especially for shorter gorilla trips.

On this website, we specialize in offering such trips hence, guarantee the very best of your adventure.

We can make this trip a reality to you at very affordable and discounted costs.

Just like mentioned earlier and above, if you book a trip that lasts for twelve days or more or rather travel in a group of eight tourists, we shall offer you a free Uganda gorilla permit worth $700.

To claim a free Rwanda permit, you have to book in a group of eleven people or more. Contact us now for Bwindi gorilla tours from Kigali.

About Mountain gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is one of the countries in East Africa that are inhabited by mountain gorillas and therefore supports gorilla trekking tours in some of its thick tropical rain-forests. Gorilla trekking safaris are done in the southwest of Uganda in strictly two Ugandan national parks – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers extraordinary gorilla trekking tours in its isolated sectors – Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma sectors. All these sectors are inhabited by habituated gorillas that are comfortable with human beings in their habitat. The different gorilla sectors have various gorilla families.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Video by Wode Maya

The Four Trailheads of Bwindi (Gorilla trekking sectors)

The four trail heads (gorilla trekking sectors) of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include; Rushaga sector (South of Bwindi), Nkuringo sector (West of Bwindi), Ruhija sector (East of Bwindi) and Buhoma sector (North of Bwindi).

• Rushaga gorilla sector. This sector is made-up of 8 gorilla families. It is located in the South of Bwindi forest and gorilla families here are; Nshongi comprised of 21 individuals led by one dominant silverback, Kahungye with 25 gorillas, Mishaya group that is led by a dominant silverback Mwine who is responsible for their feeding and protection in the jungle, Busingye group on the other hand is composed of 9 members and Bweza has 15 individuals. Each of the gorilla families is normally composed of a silverback, black backs, mothers, infants and juveniles.
• Nkuringo Gorilla sector. Nkuringo is also located in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and is made-up of four different families scattered in its thick rainforests. Gorilla families here include Nkuringo family, after which the sector is named. Nkuringo was the first family in the sector and later other families like Christmas, Posho and Bushasho emerged. This Nkuringo gorilla sector is a renowned place for calm experiences and assured gorilla encounters.
• Ruhija gorilla sector. Ruhija is located in the eastern part and is made-up of four different exciting gorilla families that visitors enjoy to encounter in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi. Ruhija has four families. The gorilla families in the sector are Bitukura with 13 individuals, Oruzogo gorilla family is made-up of 10 individuals, Mukiza family made up of 15 individuals and Kyaguliro family made up of 10 members. Encountering gorilla families in Ruhija sector is such an exciting experience and provides memorable moments to visitors with the pictures they take and also learn a lot from them as they groom their young ones in the jungle.
• Buhoma Sector. This is the most popular sector, situated in the northern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest and thus the most accessible for visitors from the northern direction. The sector is made-up of five gorilla groups that can be tracked by visitors in the forest. Gorilla families in Buhoma sector include; Mubare group comprised of 9 members, Habinyanja gorilla group, Rushegura family led by the famous silverback Mwirima, Muyambi family and Katwe family with 9 individuals. All these families are fully habituated and therefore can be accessed by visitors in the jungle with the help of game rangers and guides.

It is important to note that all these families are habituated though there are other non habituated gorillas in the jungle of Bwindi extending southwards to the Virunga massif. Therefore, it is important for visitors to be accompanied by Rangers as they trek gorillas to avoid running into non habituated gorillas that are not familiar with human beings and could possibly see them as a threat.

List of Popular Uganda Gorilla Families to Trek on your Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 18 gorilla families and groups. Mountain gorillas are descendants of ancestral monkeys and apes found in Africa and Arabian continents from the start of Oligocene (24-34 million years ago). They are one of the rare and critically endangered primate species found in the world. It was 9 million years ago that this group of primates later evolved into gorillas, originating from common ancestors with humans and chimps. This is when the genus ‘gorillas’ came up.

Gorilla families in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Mubare family. This is the first group to be habituated in the year 1993. Mubare gorilla family comprises 5 members under the leadership of 1 silverback. The name came from a gorgeous Mubare hill where they were first sighted. There were 18 members at first and the number kept reducing due to deaths and massive migration. It has turned out to be the smallest gorilla family in Bwindi NP, especially after the demise of its pioneer silverback – Ruhondeza. Some of Mubare family members currently include Kanyonyi – the lead black back, Muyambi, Malaika and Kashundwe.
• Habinyanja gorilla family. Habinyanja gorilla family comprises of 20 members with 2 silver backs. The name Habinyanja comes from the local name for water – “Nyanja” relating to the fact that the group was first discovered near a swamp. This group is hard to trek because it moves over a wide range in the forest. Prominent members in this group are, Maraya the blackback,late Mizayo (Was brutally killed by poacher’s traps and spears), Binyonko, Nyabuche, Nyamuhango, Rukundo, Kisho, and Rugyendo the adult females, Kavuyo the sub adult male and Ruyombo the sub adult female, Malaika, Hamusini, Makara, Rwansigazi among others.
• Rushegura group family. In the year 2000, Rushegura gorilla family broke away from Habinyanja with 20 members and 1 silver back called Kabukojo. It is easier to trek this group because it roams around the park headquarters, sometimes coming to the lodges. Among others the members in this family include, mwirima, kabukonjo, kibade, nyamunwa, nyampazi, ruterena, kafuruka, kibade and karungyi, among others.
• Katwe family. Katwe gorilla family is the newest edition to the gorilla family profile of Buhoma sector. Katwe was established in the summer of 2018 after successful habituation by Uganda wildlife authority. Katwe family comprises of 7 members including one silverback (Silverback Katwe), four adult females, three black backs and two infants. The exact number of members of Katwe family is still uncertain as new members keep joining and leaving the group occasionally.

Gorilla families in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi National Park

• Nshongi gorilla group. Nshongi gorilla family derives its name from a river close to it where this group was first sighted during habituation; it is the biggest gorilla family ever to be habituated. It currently has 25 members under the leadership of 2 silver backs as the group continues to expand. The members in this group are, Nshongi, Kakono, Bweza, Matama, Busasa, Bwire, Bukojo, Mahoro among others.
• Mishaya gorilla group. Mishaya gorilla family comprises 12 members and 1 silver back which broke off from Nshongi in 2010 due to the dispute that broke out between competing silverbacks. Among other members include, Bakunzi, Mwiza, Rutaro, Mize, among others. Please note that Mishaya – the former leader after which the group was named died and when he died, Mwine his son took over.
• Kahungye gorilla group. Kahungye gorilla family has over 13 members with dominant silver back known as Rumansi. The group was officially launched in October 2011 following two years of successful habituation process. At the time of habituation, this family was under the leadership of a subordinate silverback, known as Ruhemuka. Ruhemuka led Kahungye family until March 2013 when it succumbed to what was termed as a forest accident.
• Busingye gorilla family. Busingye gorilla group is another group in Rushaga sector. The family split from Kahungye gorilla group, under silverback Busingye (peace). The family has 9 members including 3 infants, 5 black backs and 1 sliver backs. Uganda Wildlife Authority is yet to announce all the names of the members in this family.
• Bweza gorilla group. With roughly 12 members, Bweza gorilla group split up from the original Nshongi because of some simple rivalry. Despite UWA’s speculation last year that the group would reunite with Mishaya, it has remained independent and still open for tracking in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Uganda Gorilla groups in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Bitukura Gorilla Family. Bitukura gorilla family is one of the most peaceful family groups and was 1st habituated in 2017. This Family has a group size of 13 members including 4 silverbacks with dominant silverback, Nduhura the youngest silver back in the park. The members in this family among others are Nduhura, Kakara, Twakire, Ruhara, Betina, Kadogo, Mugisha and Obia.
• Oruzogo family Group. Oruzogo gorilla family is one of the newly opened families in Ruhija, with its habituation beginning in 2009 and the group was officially opened in 2011. It is till now open for tourists in the Ruhija sector all year round; with a family size of 16 members including 1 silverback (Bakwate). The members include Birungi, Bucura, Otaka, Bwoba, Muteesi, Nyakiina, Kaganga, Katooto, Kanywani, Busungu, Kakobe among others.
• Kyaguriro gorilla group. Kyaguriro Gorilla family was first habituated in 1995, but the family was never visited by any tourist because by that time there was no guarantee to secure gorilla permits to trek this group. Kyaguriro group is often found in the deep jungles of Ruhija sector and it is apparently comprised of 15 members including 2 Silverbacks. Despite its habituation, Kyaguriro Gorilla family does not receive visitors for trekking tours because it was put aside primarily for research and study purposes.

Uganda Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Gorilla Park

Nkuringo is in the southern corner of the park in Kisoro district, near the border with D.R. Congo. Nkuringo comprised of only one gorilla family, until 2018 when the second group, Christams was launched.

• Nkuringo Group. Nkuringo gorilla family is the original family to settle in this region with 18 members and 2 silver backs. In fact, this is the most exciting group to visit. However, you will need to be physically fit to do trekking in the sector because it is a bit strenuous though worth it. The members in this family among others include Rafiki, Bahati, Karungi, Karibu, Kwesima, Magara, Muhozi, Kiiza and Faraha.
• Christmas group. Christmas gorilla family is the recent gorilla family to be habituated in Bwindi, together with Katwe family in Buhoma. Under the leadership of silverback Christmas, this group broke up from the original Nkuringo group. The group is comprised of 9 members, including one silverback, three female gorillas, one black back and one baby gorilla. Please note the number of gorillas in each group keeps changing because of many factors such as the birth of new babies, death, and migration to other groups, among other factors.

Mountain Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park (Virunga Conservation Area)

Mgahinga National Park is one of the areas inhabited by the mountain gorillas, staying on the slopes of the three of the 8 dormant Virunga Volcano Mountains which are Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. The gorilla family here inhabits the slopes of these volcanoes that are forested and that is where they can be trekked well from.

Mgahinga National Park sits on an area of 33 square kilometers in the southwestern part of Uganda and is comprised of 1 habituated gorilla family known as Nyagakezi. The welcoming Nyakagezi gorilla family is comprised of 11 members and with 3 silverbacks including Mark, Matthew and Mafia. They are responsible for migration patterns in the forests, feeding and offering full time protection to other members in the family.

Mgahinga National Park provides extraordinary gorilla tracking experiences and is located 510 kilometers from Kampala City via the Kampala – Kabale – Kisoro Highway. It should however be noted that visitors to the park can also fly, boarding from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrips to Kisoro airstrip in the southwest of Uganda. A visitor can be received by a professional tour guide and embark on the journey to the National Park for unforgettable gorilla expeditions.

Uganda gorilla permits

For anyone planning a trip to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, they should know that permits in Uganda can be obtained from the reputable, licensed and registered tour operators. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost a non-negotiable fee of $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for the foreign residents and Uganda shillings 250,000 for East African citizens.

What to wear when going for a gorilla trek?

Visitors embarking on the gorilla trekking adventure are highly advised to dress properly for the adventure in order to have uninterrupted experiences in the jungle.

• Visitors are advised to put on long sleeved shirts to keep the biting insects away and trousers to ensure that the sticky plants don’t get to the skin.
• Mosquito repellents are also paramount in the jungle since they help prevent one from the unwanted tiny bloodsuckers, therefore preventing diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.
• Strong all-terrain boots are important since they help a visitor to get through the shrubs and irregular slippery and steep slopes with no difficulty.

What is the best time to go for gorilla tracking in Uganda?

The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months. Dry seasons are always in mid-year and at the end of the year – long dry seasons of June up to late September and the short dry seasons running from December up to mid February. These seasons are characterized by steady grounds that make it easy for the visitors to maneuver through these forests.

It Is however important for visitors to know that gorilla trekking is not only possible in dry seasons but it can also be done during rainy season though it can be a little bit hectic. This is because of the slippery grounds and the disturbing rain in the forest that makes it less enjoyable than in the dry seasons.

Rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla tracking tour is a highly regulated but an exciting adventure which is governed by a set of rules to ensure that the habitat is conserved for the next generations while the present-day visitors enjoy their time in the jungle.

• Do not litter. Visitors are required not to litter the forest in order to keep it in its natural state and also leave it clean. A clean environment also improves the lives of gorillas and so they do not have to get diseases from the dirty plastics and polythene bags left by visitors while trekking.
• Gorilla trekking minimum age. Visitors embarking on gorilla trekking safaris are required to be of 15 years and above. This guideline helps to regulate the playful nature of the young ones and the risk of not managing the long hikes. It is also however important to note that children of below 15 years’ age normally have communicable diseases such as flu, colds, cough which could possibly be transmitted to gorillas.
• No illnesses. Visitors going for gorilla tracking are required not to be sick especially of contagious diseases such as flu cough, cold and COVID-19 which could possibly lead to their death and extinction of the entire species.
• Gorilla trekking permit regulation. Visitors going for gorilla trekking tours are required to show a gorilla tracking permit that they received from the regulating body – Uganda Wildlife Authority. This helps ensure that all visitors have met the requirements that support the conservation of gorillas in this national park.

How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is precisely a mild adventure. It is moderate since it is not so difficult and not that easy. This is because the adventure requires patience from trekkers and also the guts to be able to maneuver through the thick rain-forests in all weather conditions, the slippery terrain, thorny bushes and shrubs, hiking the highlands, sloping the valleys, and crossing streams to get to the assigned gorilla family.

All those petty hardships are quickly forgotten the moment you encounter a habituated group of gorillas therefore making the activity worthwhile and rewarding.

Are Bwindi gorilla sightings guaranteed?

People willing to see mountain gorillas should know that a tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guarantees them a chance to view mountain gorillas. However, this is not 100% but it is a matter of fact that no one has ever missed seeing mountain gorillas in Bwindi national park. Gorillas live in habituated groups that are well monitored by park guides and game Rangers, therefore they are monitored, tracked and observed 24/7.

Top Things to See in Bwindi Gorilla Park

• Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi National Park is most notable for more than 500 mountain gorillas, almost half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas. 21 habituated mountain gorilla groups are open to tourism in four different sectors of Buhoma, Ruhijja, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
• Forest/Flora. The park is among the most diverse forests in East Africa, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 200 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.
• Bird-life. The park provides habitat for over 350 bird species including hornbills and endemic birds like Rwenzori turacos.
• Mammals. The park is a sanctuary of forest buffaloes, elephants, giant hogs, olive baboons, Colobus monkeys and many more.
• Chameleons. The park has a variety of chameleon species including the most sought-after three horned Jackson’s chameleon.
• The Batwa people. The Batwa people are indigenous to the area and have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. They offer cultural tours that provide insight into their traditional way of life.

Top Things to Do in Bwindi National Park

• Gorilla Trekking: This is undoubtedly the most popular activity in Bwindi National Park. Visitors can trek through the forest to observe gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: A Gorilla habituation experience (GHEX) allows visitors to spend more time with gorillas than gorilla trekking does because the gorillas visited are still undergoing habituation. It is only enjoyed in the southern Rushaga sector.
• Forest/Nature Walks: Visitors can take guided walks through the forest to observe Bwindi’s incredible flora and fauna.
• Bird Watching: Bird watching tours are available for visitors who want to observe some of the park’s 350 bird species.
• Batwa Community Experience: Visitors can learn about the Batwa people’s traditional way of life by taking a cultural tour.
• Chameleon Tracking: Visiting Bwindi national park gives one an opportunity to track and observe chameleons with a guide through the forest usually at 1700 meters and above. The type of chameleons tracked here are the notable 3-horned chameleons.
• Waterfalls Hiking Experience: Rushaga sector is home to the stunning Munyanga falls and therefore, visitors can hike to waterfalls within the park while enjoying scenic views along the way.

Where to stay when tracking gorillas in Uganda?

Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1. Buhoma Lodge

This lodge is located within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Buhoma sector and therefore it is a walk-able distance to the park headquarters where gorilla trekking starts. The lodge is on a raised platform and surrounded by tall trees, the rooms are cozy and designed using polished wood to give off a rustic aura.

It has a complete lounge and bar area, dining place and ever-green relaxing gardens where you can set up a fireplace and wind off in the night.

It also offers free Wi-Fi, airport transfers and the staff are very professional and friendly.

2. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

This mid-range lodge is in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Nkuringo sector. It is an eco-lodge that has won several awards. The lodge was built using local materials such as papyrus for the ceiling, wood and volcanic rock for the floors and uses corrugated iron sheets to harvest water free from chemicals.

It is 10-15 minutes away from the starting point in Nkuringo sector, it has two lounge areas with stunning views of the Virunga massif and Bwindi Forest. There are six cottages with ensuite bathrooms, fireplaces and private terraces.

It has electricity and free Wi-Fi, a variety of meals are prepared, and special diets can also be ordered for. They provide packed meals when going on gorilla treks.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1. Mount Gahinga Lodge

This luxury adventure lodge is located at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes on the Ugandan side. Opened in 2002, it is one of the perfect places to stay during the gorilla trekking tours.

It offers rustic charm inspired by traditional design and building techniques. The lodge has beautiful living rooms, sunrooms, and terraces with fantastic views of the volcanoes and the Kisoro Valley below.

There are two deluxe and six standard rooms forming the 8 traditionally designed and hand-built luxurious Bandas with distinct colors visualizing the aesthetic traditions of the Bufumbira people. Each Banda has an ensuite luxury shower room, fireplace, and private terrace.

The hotel has great amenities such as a beautiful restaurant offering both local and international meals served by well-trained staff. This offers a great dining experience. It also offers personal butlers for guests, a modern gym, laundry services, free internet, and a well-stocked bar with premium drinks.

The lodge has a direct path that leads you to the gorilla trekking trail used when trekking the only gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park.

2. Lake Mutanda Resort

Located on the shores of Lake Mutanda at the base of the Virunga mountains, this resort has one of the most beautiful and breathtaking views in the region. It’s a popular destination for hikers, bird lovers, and gorilla trackers.

It’s a wonderful lodge in a beautiful location, the hospitality is top-notch due to the friendly professional staff. It has a cozy restaurant offering great food and drinks. The resort has cottages stretching into the lake with private porches and ensuite bathrooms, it also has tent-like structures that are raised and furnished with well-polished wood creating a luxurious atmosphere.

It has single, twin and family rooms, hence can accommodate all kinds of people. The place is serene and great for those looking for a second planet on earth.