Organizing a short-notice Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari through Kigali

Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda are the top tourist activities carried out in the country. Thousands of tourists visit yearly to spot the rarely-seen primates in their natural habitat. Gorillas and chimpanzees, although different from each other when it comes to size, share 98% DNA with humans and almost act the same way. Planning a gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari in Uganda from Kigali is possible with the help of a trusted local tour operator, and the safari planning can only commence when the purchase of the permits is complete.

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Gorilla trekking in Uganda can done in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi has 19 habituated gorilla families in the four Bwindi sectors, including Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Mgahinga National Park is home to only the Nyakagezi family, and both are good safari destinations for gorilla trekking worldwide.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in different destinations, including Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kalinzu Forest.

How to plan for a gorilla and chimp trek in Uganda from Kigali

The gorilla and chimp trek in Uganda from Kigali is easy to plan if you follow the right procedures. The first step is purchasing the gorilla and chimpanzee trek through Encounter Africa Safaris, a local tour operator. After booking the permits, plan to secure the best accommodations you wish to use and reserve the means of transport between the two countries. All this can be tiring, but when you contact us, we can help plan everything for you.

Requirements needed for the gorilla and chimp trek through Kigali

If you plan on Kigali, Rwanda, being your starting point for the gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, you need to have a few requirements to be able to cross the border into the country. Gorilla and chimp trek safaris organized require one to have a few requirements before taking on the safari, and some of the requirements needed for the gorilla and chimp trek safari include:

• A passport.
• A visa can be obtained online or when you arrive at the airport. If you plan on getting the Visa at the airport, come with cash.
• A gorilla and chimpanzee trek permit needs to be done at least six months in advance to get the dates that you prefer.
• Insurance is important when traveling on safari. Make sure that you have travel and health insurance.
• Vaccinations that are required, like the yellow fever vaccine, among others.

How to get to Bwindi and Kibale from Kigali

After flying to Rwanda, a representative will drive from Kigali to either the Gatuna border or Cyanika, the only land border between Uganda and Rwanda. The drive from Rwanda takes about 3 to 4 hours, a shorter distance than the drive from Kampala to Bwindi, which takes 8 to 10 hours. The drive is done using 4x4 comfortable safari vehicles, and after crossing the border, you are driven to Bwindi. From Bwindi, the drive takes you to the Kibale National Park through Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Another option is flying from Kigali International Airport to Entebbe International Airport and then charter domestic flights to the nearest airstrips, the Kisoro and Kihihi airstrips. A safari car will take you the rest of the way.

The cost of the gorilla and chimpanzee permit

The gorilla and chimp permits are documents that are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are the property of the government of Uganda. The permit is the only document that gets you access to the gorillas and chimps and has to be purchased in advance because it sells out fast, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on the trek.

Gorilla and chimp trek permits can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted local tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris to help you purchase the permit and plan your entire gorilla and chimp safari. After getting in touch with us with the trek dates, we check for the availability of the permits and get back to you. You will be requested to send full payment to the company bank, and once the confirmation has been made, the purchase will be made on your behalf, and details will be sent to you. It is also good to note that the permit can only be used by the person who has purchased it and can never be exchanged with any other person, and it is also valid for only the date printed on the permit.

The gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for Foreign residents and 300, 000 UGX for East African citizens. The gorilla habituation permit is $1500, and there are no discounts for either gorilla permits or gorilla habituation permits.

The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit differs from gorilla permits because of the other safari destinations, each having a unique price. The permit cost in Kibale National Park is $300 for non-residents, 250 000 UGX for East African citizens, and $250 for residents. On the other hand, the chimpanzee habituation permit is $300 for foreign non-residents.

The cost of the chimpanzee permit in Kyambura Gorge, found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, is $50 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents and 30, 000 UGX for East African citizens, Budongo forest chimp trek permits go for $85 for East African residents, $130 for foreign non-residents and $150 for foreign residents. During the low season, the permits in Budongo are reduced to $80 for EAC citizens, $110 for foreign non-residents, and $150 for foreign residents.

The cost of a gorilla and chimpanzee trek in Uganda from Kigali

The cost of the gorilla and chimpanzee trek in Uganda comes with many factors, whether you will have an affordable or a luxury safari. The different things that affect the safari cost include transport means, accommodation, and travel season.

Transport means

The mode of transport chosen affects the cost of the gorilla and chimp trek, and road and air transport are the most commonly used to get to Bwindi and Kibale for gorilla and chimp trekking through Kigali. The road is much cheaper and will take you through the land borders. Getting to Bwindi after airport clearance will take about 4 to 5 hours. It is an adventurous way of traveling and touring two countries simultaneously with beautiful scenery from Rwanda and Uganda and then driving through the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale National Park for Chimpanzee trekking. If you wish for a luxurious safari, fly from Kigali to Entebbe and then fly to the Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, nearer to Bwindi. Flying is faster but more expensive.

Accommodation:

There are three types of accommodation facilities to choose from when gorilla and chimpanzee trekking: basic/budget facilities, mid-range facilities, and luxury facilities. The type of accommodation chosen will either increase or reduce the cost of the safari. Talk to your tour operator about your budget and specifications for the services needed for the safari, and you will be given a list from which you can choose. If you are traveling on a budget, we advise that you choose basic or mid-range or travel during the wet/low season when some of the accommodation facilities offer discounts.

Accommodation facilities that you can choose from when chimpanzee trekking in Uganda include Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Kyaninga Lodge, Primate Lodge, Kibale Safari Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, and Kyaninga Royal Cottages, among others.

Bwindi is large, and the four sections are Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Tourists are advised to book accommodation that is close to the sector they have been assigned to, and some of the recommended accommodation facilities include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bwindi Nshongi Camp, Ichumbi Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, Bwindi Bakiga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Guest House, Bwindi Silverback Lodge, and Mahogany Springs Bwindi, among others.

Mgahinga accommodations include Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Amajambere Iwacu, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, and Community Camp, among others. Mgahinga is a small park, and most of the accommodation is in nearby towns.

Season of travel

Uganda and Rwanda have two seasons of travel: the dry and wet seasons, and tourists can visit Uganda through Kigali in both seasons. The dry season is from December to February and June to September; this is also the peak season and is considered to be the best time to go for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, not only because the trek routes are easier to use since they are not muddy and slippery. The bushes are thinner, making it easy to trek the chimps and gorillas. Many service providers increase the costs of their services to earn more because of the many tourists visiting the country during this period, and that is why tourists are told to have extra money for the safari to be able to get good services, making it an expensive time to travel for the safari.

The wet season, on the other hand, is from October to November (short rains) and March to May, and it is an excellent time to travel if you are looking at cutting costs because some accommodation facilities reduce the costs to attract more tourists.

Other activities carried out after gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

There are so many activities you can engage in. Tourist attractions to visit after gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda if you decide to remain in the country after the safari include golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Park, boat cruises, primate walks and bird watching among others.

When you return to Kigali, the different attractions to check out include Akagera National Park for game drives, gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, canopy walks, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and an exploration of the genocide centers.

What to pack for the gorilla and chimp trek safari through Kigali

• Camera to keep the memories of gorilla and chimp safari alive. You must also pack extra batteries, lenses, storage, a waterproof camera bag, and a tripod.
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A wide-brimmed sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Hiking safari boots to walk through the jungle quickly.
• Insect repellent to keep the bugs away.
• Foldable and refillable water bottle
• First aid kit for emergencies
• Long-sleeved shirts in colors that are neutral and jungle-friendly, like brown, green, and khaki
• Extra clothes after gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
• Light-weight pants also in neutral colors
• A day backpack to help you carry all the essentials you need during the trek
• A waterproof raincoat and warm sweater.
• Light shoes, for example, sandals or flip-flops, to use after trekking
• An adapter and charger
• Gardening gloves
• Warmers to use when it gets cold during the morning and evening hours
• Cash for personal purchases and tipping.

What is the best time to book and go for a gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari through Kigali?

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda from Kigali is an all-year-round safari, but the best time is during the dry season. The dry season is usually a peak and the best season because the gorillas and chimpanzees are most active during this period; they are easier to see, and the routes are better used during the dry season.

Few tourists visit the national parks for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking during the wet season because of the wet and muddy trails. The wet season is your best option if you wish to have a more private and budget-friendly gorilla and chimp trek safari from Kigali.

Start planning your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari to Uganda from Kigali with us, and for more information and a quote, contact us to start organizing your safari today.