Ultimate Guide for Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
Gorilla trekking from Kigali means starting your gorilla experience in Kigali, which could be in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda.
For the Rwandan option, tourists begin their journey from Kigali town and are transferred to Volcanoes National Park, moving from the city air to the fresh air of nature.
At the park, experienced rangers welcome and brief visitors before starting the trek to see mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda has open terrain, which gives clear views and makes gorilla trekking easier.
For the Ugandan option, tourists cross the border between Rwanda and Uganda. Those using the road will cross at Cyanika or Katuna.
The road journey passes through hills, villages, farms, and forests, giving travelers views of local life.
When visitors arrive at Bwindi, guides welcome them and give a briefing on the rules to follow while trekking gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas in the wild.
After the briefing, tourists follow park rangers on trails under thick vegetation. The trails are often wet and steep, which can be challenging, but reaching the gorillas is a rewarding experience.
Trekkers who keep a steady pace will find the gorillas faster than those who move slowly due to the terrain. Deeper in the forest, the air changes, and the sounds of birds and animals fill the surroundings.
Soon, tourists will see mountain gorillas feeding, grooming, and playing. The guide explains the behaviors and interactions of the gorillas. Visitors can spend only one hour with the gorillas, and when the time is up, they are asked to leave.
At the end, many tourists wish to see more and look forward to their next adventure. Depending on the transport used, tourists can return to Kigali for more experiences.
