Want to book Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris from Entebbe or Kampala? Before Rwanda increased its gorilla permit fees from $750 to $1500, most gorilla safaris in Uganda started and ended in Entebbe or Kampala.
This was mainly because very few Uganda tour operators had thought of offering Uganda gorilla trekking tours from Kigali. Just like any other arrangement, booking your Uganda gorilla trekking tour this way has both good and bad sides.
We shall look at these in detail. But if you do not want to go into details, you can contact these Uganda tour and travel operators or selected gorilla trekking companies for a quote.
Brief Highlight About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Rwanda also says the same, but that is not correct. I have been writing about tourism for a long time and I know the facts. Uganda has more gorilla families, and there is no argument about that.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the most popular and visited. Mgahinga has only one gorilla family, which often moves between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Recently, the movement has reduced, and tourists can now track this group often. Bwindi has over 17 habituated gorilla families, with more still under habituation. The habituation process helps gorillas get used to people, even though they still live in the wild.
Uganda offers both budget and luxury gorilla trekking experiences.
Why Should You Book Gorilla Trekking Tours from Entebbe or Kampala?
As mentioned earlier, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this. Let’s first look at the good side of booking your Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Entebbe or Kampala.
Cost
These trips are cheaper! Most Uganda tour operators are based in Kampala, so it is easier for them to pick you up and start your tour. Tours that begin from Kigali usually require two extra days. The tour guide has to travel to Rwanda the day before to pick you up on time.
On the last day, the guide cannot drop you off and return to Kampala on the same day. He has to spend the night in western Uganda and travel back the next day. This means another extra day you may need to pay for.
When you book your Uganda safari from Kampala or Entebbe, the days are fixed, and the cost becomes lower. If you still want to arrive through Kigali, it’s better to book with a Rwanda tour operator or a Uganda company that has offices in both countries. You can find some of these companies here: https://ugandatravelblog.com/travel-ideas/uganda-tour-operators/
Countryside
Uganda has many beautiful places, and some are along the road to Bwindi or Mgahinga. When you book your trip from Entebbe or Kampala, you get to see more of the country. A good stopover is at the Equator—a line that divides the earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. You can do simple science experiments and stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
You will also see towns, forests, lakes, and green hills. You should not miss this experience.
A Step Into the Capital City – Kampala
When you travel far, it’s nice to visit the capital city of the country you are in. Entebbe is the former capital of Uganda, while Kampala is the current one. Both are great places to stay. Since most Uganda gorilla tours from Entebbe or Kampala begin here, you will get a chance to spend a night in either city before heading to the gorilla parks.
Why You Shouldn’t!
Now that we’ve seen the good side of booking your safari from Entebbe or Kampala, let’s also look at the challenges.
Distance
It takes about 8 to 10 hours to drive from Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga, including stopovers.
Not all tourists enjoy sitting in a vehicle for many hours. Some choose Uganda flying gorilla safaris to reduce the travel time, especially women who go trekking while pregnant. If you enjoy long drives, this won’t be a problem for you.
Extra Costs on Accommodation
You cannot land in Entebbe and transfer to Bwindi on the same day unless your flight arrives before 9:00 a.m. (EAT). Because of this, most clients book a night in Entebbe or Kampala and travel the next day.
The same issue can happen at the end of the trip if your flight does not leave late. You may have to book another night and leave the next day. These extra nights come at an added cost. Some clients are okay with this as it adds more days to their safari. Some even go for a short city tour before departure.
Missing Flights
Clients who book flights that leave before 6:00 p.m. (EAT) are likely to miss them. It’s better to book a late-night flight. This also allows the driver to take you safely and not rush, which is safer for everyone.
Fatigue
Imagine driving 8 hours from Bwindi to Entebbe, then flying for 4–8 hours back home. That is very tiring. You may not want to go through that.
You will feel tired during your trip. For example, you might travel for 9 hours on day one, trek gorillas on day two, and drive back for 9 more hours on day three, only to board a long flight. If you still want to begin your tour from Entebbe, consider booking scheduled flights. These cost about $273 one way or $446 round trip. They take less than 2 hours to reach Bwindi. Some gorilla trekking companies in Uganda offer flying safaris.
Wrapping It Up!
So, do you want to book Uganda gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali or from Entebbe/Kampala? Both are good choices, but each has its own pros and cons.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
