Gorilla safaris from Kigali tend to be more convenient to travelers compared to other destinations. Whether you are trekking gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo, Kigali acts as the central linking points to all the gorilla trekking destinations within these countries.
Embarking on a gorilla safari from Kigali is an extraordinary adventure that allows individuals to connect with nature and spend time with gorillas in their natural habitat.
When starting the gorilla safari from Kigali, there are different places where the gorilla trekking experience can take place including Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi national park in Uganda or Virunga national park in Congo.
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda and from Kigali international airport, tourists can choose to drive to the different destinations for their gorilla safaris or drive from the airport or hotel in Kigali to the national parks where gorillas can be seen.
Before going to the different gorilla trekking destinations from Kigali, tourists can spend the night in Kigali around hotels such as Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Des Milles Collines hotel, Onomo hotel Kigali, Park Inn by Radisson Kigali, Kigali Serena hotel, Kigali Marriott hotel among others.
Gorilla safari from Kigali to Volcanoes national park
The primary destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda from Kigali is Volcanoes National Park, which is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families such as Agashya, Amahoro, Bwenge, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Susa B, Umubano among others .
Volcanoes national park is located about 2 hours from Kigali city and the different gorillas which can be seen in Rwanda are given names during the Kwita izina ceremony when baby gorillas are named.
The Kigali International Airport serves as the main gateway for travelers visiting Rwanda. From Kigali, tourists can get transportation to Volcanoes National Park, where the gorilla trekking safari takes place.
Before taking part in the gorilla trek, tourists are required to obtain gorilla permits which cost 1500 USD in Rwanda. These permits can be booked from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through licensed tour operators
The gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park starts with a briefing at the park headquarters before tourists observe these magnificent gorillas closely in their natural habitat.
Tourists are accompanied by experienced guides and trackers as they engage in gorilla trekking through the lush forest in search of the gorilla families of Volcanoes national park in their groups of 8.
Once the gorillas in Volcanoes national park are located, visitors have the chance to spend a precious hour observing and photographing them from a safe distance.
It is also important to follow the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Rwanda to ensure the safety and well-being of the gorillas in Volcanoes national park such as keeping a distance of about 7 meters from the gorillas.
Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park include various lodges and camps that cater to visitors embarking on gorilla treks, offering comfortable lodging and amenities for budget, midrange and budget tours.
Lodges around Volcanoes national park include Le Bambou gorilla lodge, Five Volcanoes lodge, Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge among others.
Additionally, tour operators can assist with organizing transportation, permits, and other aspects of the safari including accommodation and park fees.
Cultural Experiences are among the activities to do in addition to the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park, visitors can also explore the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda.
Kigali itself offers tours to museums and the Kigali memorial sites that provide insights into the history of Rwanda. Engaging with local communities and experiencing traditional Rwandan culture can further enrich your journey.
From traveling to Kigali to obtaining permits and immersing yourself in the beauty of Volcanoes National Park, every aspect of this journey promises unforgettable memories.
Gorilla safari from Kigali to Bwindi national park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is a popular destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The national park is known for its big population of mountain gorilla making it a prime destination for gorilla safaris in Uganda. Half the population of mountain gorillas in the world is found in Uganda.
Many tourists opt to start their journey to Bwindi national park from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, due to its proximity to Bwindi National Park as compared to Entebbe or Kampala. The journey from Kigali to Bwindi national park involves crossing the border into Uganda and navigating through scenic landscapes before reaching the park.
When traveling from Kigali to Bwindi National Park, visitors cross the border from Rwanda into Uganda via the border crossing point at Cyanika or Katuna.
Gorillas in Bwindi national park can be seen in the different sectors of the national park such as Rushaga sector, Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector and Nkuringo sector. Gorilla permits for Bwindi national park cost 700 USD for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans.
Gorilla safari from Kigali to Mgahinga national park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda near the town of Kisoro. It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area.
The national park is known for its population of mountain gorillas as well as golden monkeys, which are a critically endangered species in Uganda.
Visitors often embark on gorilla safaris to observe these mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Mgahinga national park which is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family. The cost for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park is the same as trekking cost for Bwindi national park.
Traveling from Kigali to Mgahinga National Park takes about 5 hours via the Cyanika border. The journey offers stunning views of the countryside and allows visitors to experience the beauty of both Rwanda and Uganda.
Gorilla safari from Kigali to Virunga national park
Virunga National Park is another destination where mountain gorillas can be seen after travelling from Kigali.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park costs about 400 USD and is the lowest cost for a gorilla permit in comparison to gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
The drive from Kigali to the Goma border takes about 3 hours and from there tourists can connect to the Grand Barrier border where they can start the gorilla trek in Virunga national park. After the gorilla trek in Virunga national park, tourists cross back to Kigali city via Gisenyi border.