Gorilla Trekking In Uganda From Kigali International Airport
Gorilla Trekking In Uganda From Kigali International Airport, Rwanda : Gorilla Trekking Excursions in Uganda using Kigali International Airport rather than Entebbe: If you’re thinking about going on a gorilla trekking safari, you might be concerned about the price and how to get there. Going on a gorilla hike in Uganda is more accessible from Kigali International Airport in Rwanda than it is from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, and it is also less expensive. You can reach the gorilla refuge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after a magnificent 5-hour journey from Kigali, which includes crossing the border. Compared to the 8–11-hour travel from Entebbe International Airport, this is substantially quicker.
Imagine yourself in the center of a beautiful rainforest, surrounded by the lovely aroma of in-bloom flowers and the sounds of intriguing birds. The mountain gorilla is one of Africa’s most majestic animals, and you’re about to set off on a journey that will take you far into the dense jungle. Only a few locations in the world are home to these majestic animals: the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and the Virunga Mountains, which span three nations: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition to being thrilling, the experience aids in the preservation of these amazing primates.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip, gorilla trekking in Uganda, is a dream come true for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers. And what better way to begin this thrilling journey than by landing at Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport? The details, logistics, and pure motivation behind going gorilla trekking in Uganda from the heart of Rwanda’s city, Kigali International Airport, will be covered in this article.
WHY SHOULD YOU FLY TO KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RATHER THAN ENTEBBE AIRPORT?
Although there are many airports and border crossings from which you can enter Uganda to go gorilla trekking, Kigali International Airport in Rwanda has grown to be a popular option for several reasons:
- Kigali International Airport is the closest major international airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to some of the best gorilla trekking opportunities in Uganda. The proximity of the airport drastically cuts down on travel time, allowing you to jump right into the action.
- Travel convenience: Rwanda has made considerable infrastructural developments, making it simpler for visitors to reach the airport and traverse into Uganda. The border crossing procedure is rather simple, and the roads are well maintained.
- In terms of political stability and safety, Rwanda is renowned. It offers tranquility for exciting road trips through its beautiful surroundings.
- Availability of gorilla permits: Compared to Rwanda, Uganda offers gorilla permits at a lower cost and with greater ease. Rwanda’s permit is $1500 per person, while Uganda’s is $700. Additionally, Uganda has more habituated gorillas available for tracking than Rwanda does.
GETTING TO KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
You must travel to Kigali International Airport (Kanombe Airport), Rwanda’s main airport, before beginning your gorilla trekking expedition. Direct flights from 29 airports globally, serving 29 cities in 21 nations, including London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Istanbul, Doha, Entebbe, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg, are available to Kigali. Kenya Airways, RwandAir, KLM, Virgin, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada, United, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa are just a few of the airlines that fly into Kigali International Airport. The Kigali Airport is well-equipped with contemporary amenities, ensuring a hassle-free and seamless arrival.
Depending on the part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest you want to see, it will take you anywhere between 4 and 6 hours to drive there from Kigali International Airport. It is simpler to get to the Nkuringo and Rushaga Sectors in the park’s south, the Ruhija Sector in the northwest, and Mgahinga. While it takes longer to go to the park’s headquarters in Buhoma Sector, north of the park.
Private Transfer: Arranging a private transfer through a reputable tour company like Focus East Africa Tours, Explore Rwanda and Achieve Global safaris is a relaxing and practical way to go to Bwindi. Your chosen gorilla trekking location will be reached safely and without incident, thanks to the operator’s pick-up at the airport.
Public Bus: Some public bus services run between Kigali and the Ugandan cities of Kisoro or Kabale for people wishing to reduce their transportation expenditures. Although it can be less expensive, this option might require more stops and take more time to travel.
Self-Drive: You can rent a car in Kigali and travel to Bwindi by road if you prefer the flexibility of doing so. It’s important to be aware of the East African driving conditions, the procedures for crossing borders, and any potential difficulties.
VISA AND BORDER CROSSING BETWEEN RWANDA AND UGANDA
When flying from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, you must handle the border crossing procedure. The crucial actions to guarantee a smooth transition are listed below:
The majority of visitors to Rwanda and Uganda will need a visa. To prevent any delays, it is advised to get these visas in advance via the appropriate embassies or online portals. Apply for an East African visa, which will allow you to enter Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya on the same trip, to avoid needing visas in both countries. The online visa application portals for Uganda and Rwanda (visas.immigration.go.ug and migration.gov.rw/visa, respectively) offer the East African visa.
Yellow Fever Immunization: It is very important to be aware that all tourists must have a current yellow fever vaccination certificate in order to enter Uganda and Rwanda. Remember to get this certificate before your trip.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange your local currency in Ugandan shillings at the border or in surrounding cities. These are generally accepted throughout Bwindi and the rest of Uganda.
GETTING A GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS
Your golden ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime encounter is a gorilla trekking permit. With these permits, you are able to visit the gorilla habitat in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend an hour up close and personal with these wonderful beings. The following is some crucial information regarding gorilla trekking permits:
Gorilla trekking permits must be reserved in advance with payment through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or a licensed travel operator such as Focus East Africa Tours. It is advisable to obtain your permit well in advance of the dates of your trip because they are scarce and in high demand.
Cost of Permit: A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs UGX 250,000 for East African citizens, $600 for foreign residents, and $700 for foreign non-residents. Checking the most recent prices is crucial because prices may have changed.
Included in the price of the permit are the services of a qualified forest guide and an unforgettable hour with the gorillas. Additionally, it supports the conservation efforts made to save these vulnerable animals.
You must show your passport on the day of the hike in order to prove that the permit truly belongs to the holder.
GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN UGANDA FROM RWANDA’S KIGALI AIRPORT
It’s time to start the adventure now that you’ve found your way from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and obtained your Gorilla Trekking Permit. An example of what to expect from the gorilla trekking experience is given below:
You will participate in a pre-trek briefing led by park rangers the morning of your hike. This occurs at the designated trekking facility listed on your gorilla permit at 7:30 a.m. important details about the gorillas, trekking regulations, and safety procedures will be provided by rangers.
Group Assignment: To provide a secure and peaceful experience, you will be placed with a particular family group of habituated gorillas.
Trekking: The length and level of difficulty of the trip through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can vary, depending on the gorilla group you’re assigned to. While some gorilla excursions can last as little as 30 minutes, others can last for several hours or even the whole day. You should be ready for high altitudes, steep inclines, dense foliage, and muddy trails because the terrain is rough.
The Experience: After you arrive at the gorilla family, you’ll get a wonderful hour to view and take pictures of these amazing animals in their natural environment. To guarantee the safety and welfare of both you and the gorillas, keep a respectful distance from them and heed their directions.
FOCUS EAST AFRICA TOURS: YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR THE GORILLA TOUR
The best tour operator should be chosen when organizing a gorilla trekking excursion in Uganda from Kigali International Airport to ensure a successful and fun experience. A reliable and well-known travel operator with a focus on gorilla trekking excursions in Uganda is Focus East Africa Tours. The following are some reasons to think about making a reservation with them:
- Expertise and experience
The staffs at Focus East Africa Tours are made up of knowledgeable experts who are committed to offering first-rate service and passionate about protecting wildlife. Your time going gorilla trekking will be as safe and educational as possible, thanks to their knowledge. They will pick you up from Kigali, make picturesque pauses so you can take in the countryside scenery, and then make reservations for the ideal woodland house so you can have the whole jungle experience.
- Ethical Gorilla Trekking
Tourism that is ethical and environmentally friendly is highly valued by Focus East Africa Tours. They follow ethical procedures when trekking with gorillas, advocating the welfare and preservation of these amazing animals and their habitat. Focus East Africa Tours solely collaborates with locals to support community development and cultural preservation. You may actively help to protect mountain gorillas by selecting Focus East Africa Tours.
CONCLUSION: GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA FROM KIGALI
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, Uganda gorilla trekking safari offers a rare chance to interact with one of the magnificent and critically endangered creatures of the planet. In addition to making logistical sense, beginning your adventure from Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport also adds excitement and ease to your gorilla trekking experience. Uganda Gorilla trekking from Kigali International Airport can be a memorable experience if you prepare carefully, obtain the required permissions, and embrace the breathtaking adventure that lies ahead. So grab your bags, set out on this amazing adventure, and be lost in nature’s wonder!
