Review: Kigali 2-Day Gorilla Trek in Bwindi – Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re thinking about seeing some gorillas. Specifically, you are pondering that gorilla trek starting from Kigali and going all the way to Bwindi. That sounds like quite a wild idea, right? I thought about the trek for ages, did loads of study, and then, I went for it. What follows here, very frankly, is my experience—what was wonderful, what was a bit trickier, and my honest view about whether this rapid adventure is something you might fancy, too. I tried to offer many human experiences to relate to my story to make my experience quite interactive for my readers.

Why Choose Kigali for Your Gorilla Trek Starting Point?

So, why would you begin your gorilla watching in Rwanda rather than Uganda? Well, here’s what people like you often tend to do, consider: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, actually the place to spot mountain gorillas, is way closer to Kigali than it is to Entebbe (Uganda’s primary worldwide airport). It’s something of a game changer in terms of time saved. You could be saving something like, basically, four to five hours of driving on rather bumpy roads. Plus, Kigali International Airport has become very busy lately, so too it’s an easy spot to find flights, which makes things simpler to plan. You will appreciate that, like your fellow traveller, you won’t regret spending some time researching these details and background.

What to Expect on a Whirlwind 2-Day Itinerary

Okay, so two days sound very brief, yet that’s really what a lot of treks from Kigali are. Here’s basically a breakdown:

• Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi. It kicks off extremely early, usually, that, is about 4 AM or 5 AM, since it is all drive, drive, drive. Crossing the border can take a moment. You may find that your lodge is almost Bwindi, then you will settle and get yourself ready for that next morning.
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking. You’ll get very simple instructions at the park HQ, be placed into a group, then begin trekking! The time with the gorillas can run approximately an hour; that feels too short yet very thrilling. Then it is returning to Kigali. That night you could already be sleeping at your hotel.

Keep in mind that it will be tiring yet remarkable. Those transfers between the sites tends to be something people actually focus their reviews on!

Getting to Bwindi: The Drive from Kigali

Oh my gosh, okay, the drive, actually, from Kigali to Bwindi will be quite something. Initially, so, that’s all well-paved streets of Kigali, soon those transform. Anticipate many bumps, and quite a bit of dust, especially in that dry season. That said, in a way the landscape, and the local settlements you pass through, provide such interesting insights into everyday life, away from tourist destinations, it has appeal. The trip will run roughly 4 hours, or maybe a 5, yet that actually relies on those border checks and current road work. You might just want to grab an energy bar or beverage; at times, it tends to be such a really lengthy stretch!

The Gorilla Trekking Experience Itself

Ok, really, this is the principal reason why someone signs up, is that not it? Watching the gorillas in person… it’s basically hard to describe. Right before heading out, there’s normally that short instructions. These are things that you just should be careful to stay at a good length from those animals and heed the guide instructions all the time. The guides understand such animals pretty good and will guarantee visitor safety. I think those moments whenever you initially observe such gorillas – such majestic giant ones, tender family times — are all times you’ll actually have inside your heart all the time. Trek duration differs a bit. That relies on whichever family that they’ve spotted today and that exact walking rate of such team members. Some of it can be brief like just several hours, but other walks consume most time. I heard once those who had tracked for approximately seven hours straight! Anyway they find such gorillas – wow!.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Okay, like your trek company choice is kind of really vital. Hunt around; see whether such agencies are officially authorized, how many years they’ve run this tour and examine client feedback. Examine well what precisely is contained in that trip charge; basically, those are gorilla permits and those accomodation types. I saw someone who got cheap quotes previously then eventually realized there existed some sneaky extra costs to include subsequently – not ideal. Some tourists, unlike yourself perhaps, skip background work; they depend heavily on their trip operator. Search hard for a company truly willing to answer questions clearly and that gives immediate response at any moment. It makes the planning experience easier whenever someone exists at any time that is there helping always

Permits, Costs, and Booking: The Nitty-Gritty

Speaking about dollars and sense, these gorilla permits can actually be such high expenses: In Uganda permits tend to hover approximately $700 per person for non residents. Now it may possibly appear steep, you realize, and I understand it, they are really very critical to gorilla protecting programs and sustaining the travel programs benefiting town’s close regions as well. Permits do get offered for sale rapidly very typically therefore schedule much forward like months maybe months whenever possible!. The firm should really handle securing one whenever possible when that tour you may use comprises one with charges inclusive however assure always things exist taken treatment on in due seasons always!

Accommodation Options Around Bwindi

Here near Bwindi are accomodations from camping grounds to hotels available for your choice. If such trekking takes a while treat them some luxury or for some cozy alternatives so like a backpack traveller these do occur so you consider. So if they exist, and those services look to get awesome be aware because location impacts trips very vastly as well. If its closer from their location such time you may save too which tends for you to experience way rested upon such next early mornings.

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Adventure

Okay, how can you do preparation well that’s great right? Some needs for packs, you want to add: Strong mountaineering type boots that assist upon slopes well. Pants long-sleeved tops, this aids around annoying bush vegetation together during walks but defend well insect stingers as ever!. Rainfall equipment; climate shifts almost surprisingly very there quite widely almost it might come almost! Pcs regarding sunscreen or such caps really are smart towards keeping them self away out from sunburn – as is some reliable pesticide, too it’s almost to ward off little stinging flies often seen here so!. Always remember h2o/treat items towards using because stroll will certainly use energy and keep energy restored for people quite properly too!. Your digicams remember!. Keep safe though: stay these cameras with you protected throughout climate fluctuations.

Is the 2-Day Gorilla Trek from Kigali Right for You?

All right is there just so for most people almost right. Some advantages for short time travellers particularly are almost worth so to consider the fact as for people short-stay at those area. Disadvantages does involve intense velocity/trekking as such pace does get for you weary a fair fraction. Really look and tell your limitations for hiking levels too so. Any type and nature about experiences trekking can usually deliver memories forever when managed sensibly!