How to Plan Your 2 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda via Kigali

If you’re planning an adventure-filled trip to Africa, experiencing the thrill of a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park should be on your bucket list. The park is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it a popular adventure tour site in East Africa. This 2 day trekking safari will take you through the diverse terrain of central Africa, including majestic mountains and dense forests. If you’re travelling to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, you can easily add the safari to your itinerary. In this article, we’ll show you how to plan a 2 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda via Kigali.

Overview of the Tour

This gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a small-group excursion limited to just 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is designed to provide travelers with the rare opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The package includes ground transfers, meals, and gorilla trekking permits. Campsite stays within the park are available at an additional cost. Travelers will get guidance from trained national park guides on gorilla tracking. Here are the tour details in brief:

– Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
– Duration: 2 days
– Maximum group size: 10
– Accommodation: Camping within the park at an additional cost
– Inclusions: Ground transfers, meals, gorilla trekking permits, and guidance from national park guides

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

– Travelers will be picked up from the airport in Kigali.
– The journey from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes approximately 7 hours.
– During the drive, travelers can enjoy the picturesque landscape of Uganda including hills and valleys.
– After arriving at the park, you will set up camp at the designated camping site.
– Dinner will be served around the campfire.

Day 2: Gorilla Trek and Return to Kigali

– Breakfast will be served before the trek.
– The trekking safari starts in the morning and can take up to 8 hours to complete.
– The national park guides will lead the group to the gorilla families.
– After an encounter with the gorillas, the group will return to the camp where lunch will be served.
– Pack up the camp and travel back to Kigali.

What’s Included in the Tour?

– Ground transfers from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and back to Kigali.
– Meals – breakfast, and dinner on Day 1 and breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
– Gorilla trekking permits and guidance from national park guides.

What’s Not Included in the Tour?

– Visas, travel insurance, and items of personal nature.
– Flights – domestic and international.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in booking the 2 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, you can do so at the Viator tour website. The tour is offered by Bamboo Ecotours, a certified tour operator in Uganda. Book the tour through the following website: book the tour here.

Final Thoughts

A gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With the right planning and preparation, the tour can be an unforgettable adventure. Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by the national park, listen to your guides, and respect the gorillas’ space. Remember to carry basic necessities such as a rain jacket, comfortable hiking boots, a hat, and sunscreen. With the above guide, you can easily plan your 2 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda via Kigali with the peace of mind that comes from a well-planned trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kigali:

Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is a bustling metropolis with a population of over one million people. As a city that has undergone rapid development in recent years, there are many questions that visitors may have about Kigali. In this post, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about the city.

1. What is the weather like in Kigali?

Kigali has a subtropical highland climate, which means that it generally has moderate temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F), and the city experiences two rainy seasons: one from mid-March to May, and another from mid-September to mid-December. It is important to note that the city is at a higher altitude than many other cities in the region, which means that it can be cooler than expected.

2. What are the best places to visit in Kigali?

Kigali has a variety of tourist attractions that offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Rwanda. Some of the most popular places to visit include:

– The Kigali Genocide Memorial: This memorial honors the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and provides insights into the history of the conflict.

– The Inema Arts Center: This center showcases the work of local artists and offers workshops and classes.

– The Kimironko Market: This market offers a lively atmosphere and a chance to buy local handicrafts, clothes, and food.

– The Presidential Palace Museum: This former home of the Rwandan president has been turned into a museum that displays artifacts and documents from Rwanda’s history.

3. What is the currency in Kigali?

The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). ATMs are widely available in Kigali, and major credit cards are accepted at many businesses in the city. It is worth noting that many smaller businesses may only accept cash, so it is advisable to carry some local currency with you.

4. Is it safe to visit Kigali?

Kigali is generally considered to be a safe city for visitors. Violent crime and theft are rare, and the local authorities have taken steps to improve the security situation in recent years. As with any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

5. What are the transportation options in Kigali?

Kigali has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses and taxis. The city is also relatively small and easy to navigate on foot. In recent years, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt have also become available in Kigali.

6. What is the food like in Kigali?

The cuisine in Kigali is heavily influenced by traditional Rwandan dishes, which typically include meat, vegetables, and grains such as maize and beans. Some popular dishes include:

– Ugali: A maize-based dish that is similar to polenta.

– Ibiharage: A dish made from beans that are cooked in a tomato sauce.

– Isombe: A dish made from cassava leaves that are cooked with onion, garlic, and tomato.

In addition to traditional Rwandan cuisine, Kigali also has a wide range of international restaurants that offer everything from Italian to Chinese food.

7. What is the nightlife like in Kigali?

Kigali has a thriving nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs that cater to different interests and tastes. Some popular spots include:

– Papyrus: A bar that offers live music and a laid-back atmosphere.

– K-Club: A popular nightclub that plays a mix of African and Western music.

– Sundowner: A rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city.

As with any city, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when out at night.

8. What is the best time of year to visit Kigali?

The best time to visit Kigali is during the dry months, which are from mid-December to mid-March and from mid-June to mid-September. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and there is less rain.

9. Are there any cultural customs or traditions that visitors should be aware of?

Rwandans are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors, and there are few customs or traditions that visitors need to be aware of. However, it is important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or in rural areas. Additionally, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and use formal titles such as “sir” or “madam” when speaking with elders or people in positions of authority.

10. What is the language spoken in Kigali?

The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, English, and French. Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language, followed by English and French. Many people in Kigali speak English, particularly in the tourism industry, but learning a few basic phrases in Kinyarwanda can be helpful and is appreciated by locals.