How do I Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda
Fly from Dubai to Uganda to trek Mountain Gorillas
Are you planning to go to Uganda to see the Mountain Gorillas, Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Uganda is the best way to visit gorillas in Uganda, Uganda is one of the great places to trek Mountain Gorillas, Mountain Gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here’s a general guide to help you with your travel plans from Istanbul to Kigali and then to Uganda for gorilla trekking:
1. Flights from Istanbul to Kigali
You’ll need to book a flight from Istanbul (IST) to Kigali (KGL). Some airlines that operate on this route include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. Flights might have layovers in cities like Addis Ababa, Doha, or Nairobi, you can choose Turkish Airlines because this one offers a direct flight from Istanbul to Kigali.
Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Uganda, you can even do this trip within 24 hours, even though it is exhausting but it is possible, The Turkish Airlines arrives in Kigali midnight, you can leave at 3am Rwanda time to Bwindi trek gorillas and be back in Kigali by 4pm, have dinner a quick relax and after drop off again at the airport at midnight to catch your flight back to Instanbul.
2. Travel from Kigali to Uganda
By Road: Another option is to travel by road from Kigali to southwestern Uganda, where the gorilla trekking areas are located. This involves crossing the border at either Cyanika (near Kisoro) or Katuna (near Kabale).
3. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda offers two primary locations for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here’s how to arrange your trek:
Permits:
- You need a gorilla trekking permit, which costs around $700 USD per person. These can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a tour operator.
Accommodations:
- Book accommodations near the trekking sites. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts.
Tour Operators:
- Consider using a tour operator who can arrange permits, transportation, and accommodations. Some well-regarded operators include Gorilla Trek Africa, Volcanoes Safaris, and Primate World Safaris.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Arrive in Kigali and stay overnight. You can explore Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial, and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 2: Transfer to Uganda
- Either fly to Entebbe or drive to southwestern Uganda. If driving, expect 4-6 hours depending on the border crossing and destination. Settle into your lodge near Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
- Embark on your gorilla trekking adventure early in the morning. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla families.
Day 4: Optional Activities
- Depending on your interest, you can go for a second gorilla trek, visit local communities, go bird watching, or take nature walks.
Day 5: Return to Kigali
- Travel back to Kigali by road or fly from Entebbe to Kigali. Spend another night in Kigali or catch your flight back to Istanbul.
Tips for Gorilla Trekking
- Fitness: Be in good physical condition as trekking can be strenuous.
- Gear: Wear long sleeves, sturdy hiking boots, and bring gloves, a hat, waterproof clothing, and insect repellent.
- Packing: Carry a daypack with water, snacks, and a camera with a telephoto lens.
- Health: Make sure to have up-to-date vaccinations, including yellow fever, and consider taking malaria prophylaxis.
Please note that gorilla trekking permits are required to visit the gorillas in Bwindi, and they need to be obtained in advance. The permits are limited in number and need to be secured well in advance through a tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only 4 national parks home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorilla permits allocated to each group per day.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is done in 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A Gorilla Uganda Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents and USD80 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest once you find them on your trek.
How to purchase a Uganda Gorilla trekking permit
‘Gorilla trekking permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours drive to Bwindi. Eco Adventure Safaris is one of the best gorilla safari companies which can purchase for you your gorilla permit in advance and on short notice, once you confirm your dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp we will first tentatively reserve the gorilla permits for you online and then send you an invoice for you to make payment and once money comes through on our account we will purchase your gorilla permits immediately and send you scan copies of your permits for your records and perusal and this will confirm you have purchase your gorilla permits for your gorilla trek in Bwindi forest for a given date.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla trekking.
Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda on last minute through Eco Adventure Safaris starting your trip either in Kigali and by Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Uganda.