Can I travel from Kigali to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? A gorilla safari in Bwindi is such an amazing opportunity to locate the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. This can be on a normal gorilla trek or gorilla habituation experience. All the two adventures require you to have a valid gorilla permit. Gorilla safaris in Bwindi National Park are possible even when you begin your trip from Kigali Rwanda. Here is how to plan a Bwindi gorilla trekking tour from Kigali;
Identify the region you want to visit gorillas from
When you think about a gorilla trekking trip in Bwindi, 4 sectors must be put into consideration. It is from these sectors where you can begin your trek to see a habituated gorilla family, and about 20 groups are open to tourists. The four sectors of Bwindi include Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Purchase a valid gorilla permit in advance
A gorilla permit is necessary for anyone intending to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is one document that can give you access to the park and also a gorilla family to track. Not any permit is needed but should be valid and each costs USD 700 per person for category of foreign nonresidents, USD 600 for foreign residents and Ugandans plus other East African citizens you require UGX 250,000.
Obtaining a gorilla permit for your gorilla tour in Bwindi is easier and safe with a reliable tour operator on ground. This should be done early enough at least 2-6 months before the actual visit to Bwindi National Park to see gorillas. To ease the tour operator’s work when purchasing a permit on your half, your details are needed, copy of passport and others.
Book your accommodation in advance
Before the actual visit to see gorillas, you must consider booking a comfortable place for your night stay. When finding where to stay, mind about the region you intend to track mountain gorillas from –Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga or Nkuringo. All these regions have gorilla safari lodges for visitor stay ranging from budget to luxury.
Some of the most popular gorilla safari lodges to book for a night stay in Bwindi include Gorilla Resort, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and others.
Book your rental car for your travel to and from Bwindi
Connecting from Kigali to Bwindi National Park is easier by road through Gatuna/Katuna or Chanika. Drive time is about 4 to 5 hours and we recommend that you rent a 4×4 vehicle in Uganda considering the nature of roads in Southwestern Uganda.
When should you book your gorilla tour?
The dry season is the best time to visit Bwindi to see the endangered mountain gorillas although the park is open to guests all year round. This is from June, July, August, September, December, January to February.
It is also possible to travel to the park for gorilla trekking around the wet season although the conditions may not be as favorable as the dry months of the year. The wet season is regarded as off season and runs from March, April, May, October to November.
How safe is gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi National Park is one of the safest African safari destinations and a gorilla trek can be safely and successfully with the lead of an experienced and armed park ranger guide. Maximum security is ensured right from the moment you touch the soils of Uganda at the check point till you return home. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) park rangers do not work alone, but they coordinate with other security agencies.
Is gorilla trekking in Bwindi strenuous?
Trekking with gorillas in Bwindi requires some level of fitness given the nature of the park’s topography. To find gorillas, you must hike through the forest and high altitude with higher chances of bumping into slippery steep slopes and muddy areas. All these factors require you to be fit enough to have a complete trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park searching for a family of gorillas assigned to you by the park official.
Things to pack for your gorilla tour in Bwindi from Kigali
You need to have essentials first for your gorilla trekking trip and these include a camera with no flashlight, safari boots, gardening gloves, insect repellents, toiletries, backpack, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, first aid kit, safari hat, snacks, bottled water and others.