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Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga from Kigali

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga from Kigali. Are you in Rwanda and dreaming of a gorilla trekking adventure, but hesitant about the high cost of Rwanda’s gorilla permits? You’re not alone. Many travelers find the $1,500 gorilla permit fee in Rwanda to be quite steep. Fortunately, there’s a more affordable and equally thrilling alternative just a few hours away — gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These parks offer the same unforgettable experience at a fraction of the price, with gorilla permits in Uganda costing only $800 per person.

If you’re already in Kigali or flying into Rwanda’s capital, you can easily cross into southwestern Uganda for a budget-friendly and thrilling gorilla trek. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your cross-border gorilla safari from Kigali to Uganda.

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Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with two premier destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers great gorilla trekking, Uganda presents a more affordable and immersive experience — especially for those who want to combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife safaris.

Uganda’s permit price is almost half of Rwanda’s, which makes it attractive for budget-conscious travelers, families, and small groups.

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Crossing the Border: Kigali to Uganda

One of the biggest advantages of trekking in Uganda from Rwanda is the short travel distance. From Kigali, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the Cyanika border near Kisoro, which is the gateway to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you’re heading to southern Bwindi, the Gatuna/Katuna border is your best route.

Make sure to carry your passport and a valid visa. Most travelers will need an East African Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. It costs $100 USD and can be applied for online before travel. If you’re only visiting Uganda, a single-entry visa for $50 USD is sufficient.

Once you’ve crossed into Uganda, your tour operator or private driver will continue the journey to your lodge near the park. It’s best to start early in Kigali to reach your destination by evening, especially if your trek is scheduled the following morning.

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Choosing Between Mgahinga and Bwindi

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller, less crowded, and home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is known for being relatively easy to track because they tend to stay within the park boundaries. Mgahinga is a great choice for those seeking a quieter, more serene trekking experience.

On the other hand, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is larger, with over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each offers unique terrain, lodging options, and gorilla groups. Bwindi is ideal if you want more variety and the option to combine gorilla trekking with community walks, Batwa cultural experiences, or birdwatching.

If time and logistics allow, some travelers even opt to combine both parks for a richer gorilla experience.

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Buying Gorilla Permits in Uganda

A gorilla trekking permit is required for anyone wishing to participate in a trek. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are often booked through a registered tour operator.

As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is:

• $800 USD for foreign non-residents
• $700 USD for foreign residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

Permits should be booked at least 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February), as slots are limited and demand is high.

Your tour operator will typically handle permit booking, transportation, accommodation, and park entrance logistics as part of a safari package.

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Combining Gorilla Trekking with Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

If you’ve made the journey into Uganda for gorilla trekking, why not take the opportunity to explore more of the country’s incredible wildlife?

You can easily combine gorilla trekking with:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (4–5 hours from Bwindi): Enjoy game drives to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Don’t miss the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.
• Lake Mburo National Park (en route to Kampala): Ideal for a walking safari, horseback riding, and spotting zebras and impalas.
• Kibale Forest National Park: Known for the best chimpanzee tracking experiences in East Africa, along with rich biodiversity including 13 species of primates.

These add-ons allow you to experience Uganda’s full safari spectrum — from jungle trekking to classic savannah game drives.

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Where to Stay

Lodges around Mgahinga and Bwindi range from budget to luxury. In Mgahinga, popular options include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Traveler’s Rest Hotel in Kisoro. In Bwindi, choices like Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge cater to various budgets.

Most lodges are eco-friendly and situated close to the starting points of gorilla treks, offering stunning views of the forested mountains.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, starting your journey in Kigali and trekking in Uganda is the perfect solution. You’ll save significantly on permit costs, experience a different side of East Africa, and possibly combine your trek with game drives, community encounters, and scenic road trips.

Whether you choose Mgahinga for its tranquility or Bwindi for its diversity, Uganda delivers a life-changing encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas — all within reach from Rwanda.