Getting or accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali

Getting or accessing Bwindi Impenetrable Park from Kigali, Are you looking for tips on accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali? Here we present a simple process to assist you with proper planning. The Bwindi via Kigali route is a popular and efficient option for those opting to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi but prefer travelling short distances.

The road drive from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is basically or approximately 4 to 5 hours, significantly a much reduced option than the 8 to 10-hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi by road, making it a preferred option for shorter gorilla trekking journeys and people with limited time.

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Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali by road

There are two designated border crossing options from Kigali, Rwanda, into Uganda, so depending on which sector or region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you are planning to visit will influence the border point to use in accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali.

The Katuna (Gatuna as referred in Rwanda) cross border point.

For those trekking mountain gorillas in the north and Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we advise Katuna border point since it fits well with these sectors.

From Kigali city or Kigali international Airport, our driver guide will drive you approximately 2 hours to the border crossing. Dependently, you will have lunch in Kabale town before driving to Ruhija or Buhoma side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Please note that we highly recommend trekking the mountain gorillas of Ruhija side on the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park since this section is much closer to Kigali compared to Buhoma.

For one reason or another, if you choose to do gorillas in Buhoma, expect a 40mins extra drive from Ruhija to Buhoma sector.

The Cyanika (Kyanika) Border Crossing option:

Consider using Cyanika border crossing when visiting the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali. The southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are Rushaga and Nkuringo in Kisoro district, where the closest border crossing for these two is Kyanika.

Depending on the availability of services such as gorilla permits and Lodge rooms, Encounter Africa safaris will advise which side of the park from border crossing to use to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali Rwanda.

Please further note that from the drive is approximately 3 hours (119km) via Musanze to the Cyanika border along Rwanda-Uganda border. From here, you will roughly drive a 90-minute to one hour on off-road terrain to reach the southern trailheads of Rushaga or Nkuringo.

You may choose to enjoy your lunch in Kisoro town or proceed directly to your overnight lodge for a lazy evening or optional activities such as community/village walks or visiting the Batwa.

Essential Travel Information for accessing Bwindi from Kigali

• Tourists accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali are highly encouraged to apply for the popular  East African Tourist Visa ($100), which allows multiple entries into three East African countries of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Please contact Encounter Africa safaris for more information.
• Vehicle Options: A 4x4 safari Land Cruiser or Van is highly recommended due to the winding, rough terrain and occasionally unpaved roads leading to Rushaga or Nkuringo and to gorilla trekking trail heads.
• Costs: Bwindi Gorilla permits in Uganda currently cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents with working permits and $600 for African Passport holders, compared to $1,500 in Rwanda.
• You may consider the gorilla habituation experience that allows you to spend up to four hours with mountain gorillas at only $1500 per person. This is far more value for money compared to $1500 cost for a Rwanda gorilla permit, which allows you only one hour. Please check our Gorilla habituation experience safaris  from Kigali and get in touch

Encounter Africa Safaris organizes Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali and handles all services including gorilla permits, accommodation, and transport. All our Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are organized by professional safari staff in office and conducted by well-trained safari guides well conversant with Uganda and Rwanda.

Encounter Africa Safaris is a well established Tour company located in Uganda, conducting safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. We are licensed by Uganda Tourism Board and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We are highly reviewed on TripAdvisor and you can visit our page for more details.