Embark on an unforgettable Uganda wildlife adventure from Kigali, Rwanda
From Kigali, Rwanda, embark on an unforgettable Uganda game safari: Safaris to Uganda, which can be readily reached from Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali, are becoming more popular. These days, Kigali, Rwanda, is the starting point for many wildlife excursions in Uganda. The accessibility of transportation between Kigali and the most popular tourist destinations in Uganda is a major factor in this city’s attractiveness. You may reach your goal, Uganda, considerably faster if you fly into Kigali-Rwanda instead of driving from Entebbe. Traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, to Uganda on a wildlife safari provides a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Starting in Kigali, yours.
Safaris to Uganda’s wildlife begin in Kigali, Rwanda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the final stops for many tourists who fly to Rwanda in the hopes of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda. Common entry points for tourists visiting the parks are Kigali International Airport and the border crossings at Katuna in Kabale and Cyanika in Kisoro. The Katuna border is typically the most direct route to Bwindi, whilst the Cyanika border is the most direct route to Mgahinga.
It takes less than four or five hours to drive from Kigali to Bwindi or Mgahinga, compared to the entire day it takes to go from Entebbe Airport. Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southern Uganda, is a famous tourist attraction. Just than half of the world’s mountain gorillas call this park home.
There are four distinct gorilla habitats in the Bwindi Forest, each housing a unique family of these apes. Across 21 distinct groups, Bwindi is home to more than 500 mountain gorillas. Mubare Gorilla Family, Habinyanja Gorilla Family, Rushegura, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, and Kyaguriro are just a few of the groups that fall under this category. Only the Nyakagezi gorilla family calls Mgahinga Gorilla National Park home. Gorilla treks are always an exciting adventure since you never know when you could get a glimpse of these remarkable creatures. Despite being home to one of the biggest gorilla families in the world, very few tourists visit Mgahinga to see the primates up close.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost UGX300,000 for inhabitants of East African countries, $700 for foreign residents, $800 for international visitors, and $700 for residents of other countries.
Habituation experience with gorillas
Located just south of the park and easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, the Rushaga sector of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the sole location where one can participate in a gorilla habituation experience. Habituation refers to the process of socializing wild mountain gorillas with humans (not the same thing as a definition). During the two to three years it may take to finish gorilla habitatuation, researchers visit a specific group of wild gorillas every day. Unlike gorilla trekking, which limits visitors to just one hour with the primates, this thrilling experience gives them four hours to spend with the mountain gorillas. Travelers have the opportunity to work alongside a group of environmentalists, scientists, and park rangers.
The Bwindi Forest is home to two distinct gorilla families, and this special activity is reserved for just four people. In the same way that gorilla trekking requires a permit, an intimate four-hour encounter with these remarkable, endangered creatures may be yours for $1500.
Keeping tabs on golden monkeys
Most tourists beginning their wildlife safari in Uganda from Kigali, Rwanda, can also embark on golden monkey tracking, another popular safari activity. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the best place to undertake this exciting activity because it is home to the country’s sole national park population of the critically endangered golden monkey.
Keep in mind that if you want to travel and see these vivacious primates in their native environment, you’ll need to shell out $100 for a tracking permit in Uganda.
Trail of Batwa Culture
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors can experience life as a Batwa pygmy by following the Batwa Cultural Trail. Join the Batwa as they lead you into the Mgahinga Gorilla Forest to see their traditional culture in action. You will delve into their knowledge of beekeeping, firemaking, fruit identification, hunting, cave survival, and medicinal plant use.
Entertainment for the guests will be provided by Batwa performances, which encompass traditional storytelling, songs, dances, and poetry. These detail their coexistence with forest animals before gorilla protection and tourism began in the region.
Begin your Uganda wildlife safari from Kigali, Rwanda, then climb the Batwa volcano.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three of the Virunga Mountains, and your journey to climb one of them can begin in Kigali, Rwanda. On the boundary between Rwanda and Uganda are the three volcanic mountains of Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. The larger Virunga Conservation Area is comprised of eight volcanoes, including these majestic summits.
A journey to Bunyonyi Lake
Setting out from Kigali, an incredible adventure awaits you as you make your way to the breathtaking lake Bunyonyi. Known as Africa’s second-deepest lake, this spectacular body of water is situated in the Kabale district of Uganda and is a genuine marvel of the country. Lake Bunyonyi is a hidden jewel that deserves your exploration. The land is filled with 29 islets and complemented by gorgeous hills. As you set off on an island-hopping safari, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas of the lake, the picturesque local houses, and the farmland that surround them. Ziplining, exploring the Batwa and Bakiga villages on a community tour, having a picnic at the mountaintop, going on nature hikes, touring farms, and riding bikes are just a few of the many activities available at Bunyonyi. Near Lake Bunyonyi, you may choose from a wide range of affordable to opulent hotels, all of which provide clean, comfortable rooms and tasty breakfasts. Places like the Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Arcadia Lodges Lake, and Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort are highly recommended.