Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Want to go gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali, Rwanda? Uganda gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali have become very common nowadays. Many tourists choose this option to save time and money.

These tours are also known as Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking.

If you find Rwanda gorilla permits too expensive or would rather see gorillas in Uganda, then this option is for you. Want to know why?

Would you rather spend 8 to 9 hours traveling by road from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or spend only 4 hours traveling from Kigali to Bwindi? Almost one out of every ten tourists now books Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali.

These recommended gorilla trekking companies, Uganda tour operators, and Rwanda travel companies are experts at organizing Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking trips at affordable prices. Consider inquiring with them and they will plan for you a great gorilla trekking safari.

My most recommended company is: Magical Gorilla Adventures. Inquire with them for a great experience.

In this article, we explain why many travelers now prefer starting their Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking trips from Rwanda instead of Uganda. We will also look at the good and bad sides of this option.

Before we talk about the pros and cons, I suggest you read my Uganda gorilla trekking review and Rwanda gorilla trekking review to understand what it’s like in both countries.

You may also want to read my budget gorilla tours and luxury gorilla tours reviews.

Why Book Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali?

As I mentioned earlier, many tourists now prefer to trek Uganda gorillas from Kigali, Rwanda. Let’s look at the reasons why.

From my experience, I will explain the small details that make this option better. If you are pregnant and cannot afford flying, this may be your best option.

Cheaper Flights

If you didn’t know, Rwanda has its own airline. Clients from the UK and other selected countries benefit from this because RwandAir has direct flights to Heathrow Airport. This helps those going for Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris.

Flight tickets are often cheaper, especially for tourists. You can check RwandAir’s website: https://www.rwandair.com/ for more details.

Uganda Airlines stopped flying years ago. However, Uganda is planning to restart it with support from Canada. I will update this section once Uganda Airlines starts operating again.

Short Distance

The drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 4 hours. This is 5 hours shorter than the 9-hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi.

This trip could be even shorter if it wasn’t for Rwanda’s strict speed limits. You are not allowed to drive more than 40 km/h in Kigali or more than 60 km/h in other areas.

Without these limits, the drive could take just 2.5 to 3 hours. Still, you save a lot of travel time.

Saves You Money

Clients who book Uganda gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali can land and transfer to Bwindi on the same day. This helps them avoid paying for extra accommodation.

As many know, Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500, while Uganda’s Bwindi permits cost $600. Trekking in Bwindi saves you $900 per permit.

Clients starting from Entebbe or Kampala often need to book a night at a hotel on both the first and last days. This is because you cannot arrive and travel to Bwindi on the same day unless your flight lands before 9:00 a.m. (EAT). Such flights are rare, so you’ll likely need an overnight stay before and after your safari.

Visit the Gisozi / Kigali Genocide Memorial Monument

If you arrive through Kigali, you can visit one of the most historic sites in the world—the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Monument.

This memorial honors those who died in the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. Try to visit before 12:00 p.m. The visit takes about 2 hours and is free.

Shorter Trips

Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali makes it possible to complete the tour in just 2 days. Day one is for arrival and transfer. Day two is for trekking and departure.

Yes, it’s possible to trek gorillas in Bwindi and return to Kigali the same day.

Less Fatigue

Traveling less means less tiredness—unless you enjoy long drives. Four hours is a comfortable drive, and it keeps you fresh for your trek the next day.

The Downsides of Starting Your Uganda Gorilla Trek from Kigali

More Expensive (Sometimes)

This option can be more expensive unless you book through a Rwanda-based company or a gorilla trekking company with offices in Rwanda.

I mentioned earlier that this option saves money—and here it may seem like I’m saying the opposite.

The truth is: yes, it saves money in one way but costs more in another. Most Uganda tour operators are based in Kampala or Entebbe. They must send a guide to Kigali the day before your pickup. On the last day, the guide will drop you in Kigali, sleep in western Uganda, and return to Kampala the next day.

So, a 2- or 3-day safari becomes a 4- or 5-day safari in real cost. You are charged for the vehicle, fuel, and the guide’s time.

Note: not all companies do this. Our recommended gorilla trekking companies do not charge for these extra days if you book Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.

Miss Out on Seeing Uganda’s Countryside

Uganda is a beautiful country. Arriving through Rwanda means you’ll miss seeing Uganda’s countryside and the Equator line on Masaka Road.

There’s a lot to see on the 8-hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi.

You May Only Meet the Guide

It can feel strange to plan your safari with a tour consultant and then be picked up by someone you’ve never spoken with.

Most companies send only the tour guide to pick you up in Rwanda. Some travelers would feel more comfortable if the consultant who helped them was present during pickup or drop-off.

This doesn’t always happen when you book Uganda gorilla tours from Kigali, but it can.

Traffic Jam at the Border

Sometimes, there’s heavy traffic at the Uganda–Rwanda border. Every car must clear before crossing. This can happen both when entering and leaving Uganda.

Depending on how busy it is, you might spend almost an hour waiting at the border.