1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
The 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali is one of the best short Uganda safaris. It is crafted to allow you to be part of the most striking encounter with a habituated family of the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. It is an exceptional package offering a lifetime experience to those of you on budget gorilla safari or if you have limited time.
The 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour is distinct from other trips as it takes you only a day. Besides, it takes you through border crossing from Rwanda through Katuna to Kabale then you drive to Bwindi or drive via Chanika border via Kisoro to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will be briefed on gorilla trekking rules and later, engage in a trek to view mountain gorillas. Driving from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes you about 3 or 4 hours and preferably, you will use a 4×4 drive vehicle.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a magical gorilla park and it sits in the Southwestern districts; Kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. It is about 8 to 9 hours’ drive if you are driving from Entebbe/Kampala capital city to Bwindi. This park has existed since 1991 when it was founded as a national park and later, it was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1994. It spreads to cover 331sq.kms of land area, but largely comprising of an ‘Impenetrable’ forest.
This gorilla park alone protects an estimate of 459 mountain gorillas that make up part of the 1063 total population of these endangered species on earth. In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park there exist also chimpanzees, over 360 bird species, elephants, L’Hoest monkeys plus several other primates and wildlife species. Gorilla treks in Bwindi are specifically conducted in anyone of its 4 gorilla tracking areas; Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Buhoma regions. These 4 regions shelter the 20 habituated gorilla families and only 1 will be assigned to you to track on this 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour.
Things to expect on 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
- Enjoy an hour with mountain gorillas during gorilla trek in Bwindi
- Border crossing from Kigali to Bwindi through Katuna/Chanika border
- Ground travel in 4×4 drive safari vehicle
- Service of an English-speaking tour
Detailed itinerary of 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
Have the best of your leisurely cup of tea and after, meet your tour leader ready to transfer to Bwindi. Drive through Chanika/Katuna border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offices to have briefing on the guidelines for gorilla trekking.
Every group of 8 visitors will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family to track and then the park ranger guide takes you on actual search for these apes. The trek to see mountain gorillas can last for 2 to 6 hours and it covers 1 hour of your magical encounter with these creatures, taking photos and learning more about their daily behaviors.
20 habituated gorilla families that can be trekked on gorilla tour in Bwindi include Mucunguzi, Bikingi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kahungye, Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushaho family, Mubare, Katwe, Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Kutu, Rwigi, Oruzogo, Rushegura, Habinyanja group, Nshongi and Busingye. After the long day interaction with mountain gorillas, return to briefing point in Bwindi to meet the driver guide then drive back to Kigali. This will mark the end of your 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali capital city of Rwanda.
End of 1 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
The tour includes
- Gorilla permit at US Dollars 700
- Travel in 4×4 drive vehicle
- Meals
- Relevant government taxes
- All trip activities except the optional ones
- Bottled drinking water
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
The tour excludes
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Visa fees
- Flight/airfares
- Hotel fees
- Laundry
- Shopping bills
- Cigarettes
- Personal insurance