Other Rwanda Attractions And Activities You Can Combine With Your Uganda Gorilla Safari From Kigali

Besides the life-changing Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali safari encounter, there are a variety of other Uganda safari attractions and activities you can combine with your Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali Rwanda. These can be experienced in Rwanda before you proceed to Uganda or after your gorilla trek in Uganda. They can also be enjoyed in Uganda before or after your gorilla trekking tour.

Rwanda Safari Attractions And Activities You Can Combine With Your Uganda Gorilla Safari From Kigali

1. Kigali City Tour And Genocide Memorial Visit

Before or after your Uganda gorilla trip, you can move around Kigali city through the new developments and to the outer city limits. You can explore the more poverty-stricken areas, along with the measures the government is putting in place to reduce these, though you’ll see also the massive amount of development the city has undergone.

Environmentally, not only are plastic bags banned in Kigali, but Umuganda which is the country’s monthly cleaning project has resulted in one of the cleanest cities you will have seen, and not just in Africa but in the whole world.

As you move around Rwanda, it is inevitable to be confronted with the effects of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, which had such a profound impact on the country’s history. On your Kigali city tour, you have the opportunity to stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum, which will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda’s shocking modern history. It is humbling yet remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period and it certainly adds a deeper understanding of the Rwandan people. The timings of the city tour largely depend on your arrival and departure times, and also how long you decide to spend in the museum.

1. Akagera National Park Safari

Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is just a comfortable 2-3 hour drive from Kigali. Thanks to continuous efforts to restore wildlife populations and implementing strict anti-poaching laws, Akagera has become the largest protected wetland in central Africa and a sanctuary for savannah-adapted animals in Rwanda. After the reintroduction of Eastern black rhinos and lions, Akagera is now once again a Big 5 safari park and also a convenient stopover before or after a gorilla-trekking experience. And with more than 480 bird species – including the rare, prehistoric-looking shoebill stork – Akagera is also a bird-watching paradise.

2. Nyungwe Forest National Park Tour

Nyungwe National Park is situated in the southwest of Rwanda, about a 4-5 hour drive from Kigali. It is a vast untouched tropical rainforest with a high, dense canopy. The interior of Nyungwe Forest is like a scene from a fairy tale. Ancient mahoganies, ebonies, and giant tree ferns tower above you, while orchids and other epiphytes cling to every tree branch. Brightly coloured birds flit around,  butterflies are everywhere, and walking silently you may even come across larger forest dwellers, including a variety of primates for which Nyungwe is famous.

About 13 primate species reside in Nyungwe and you go for at least one tracking experience, the most popular of which is chimpanzee trekking. Trekking in search of grey-cheeked mangabey and Rwenzori colobus monkeys is also on offer in Nyungwe Forest, the latter of which can be found here in troops of several hundred. And there’s no need to trek far to see L’Hoest’s monkeys – you will often see them ambling along the roadside as you drive past.

To get a real sense of the scale of Nyungwe, try East Africa’s highest canopy walk with a metal bridge dangling 50 meters above the verdant tropical rainforest, offering a dizzying view of the treetops and mountains in the distance. If you fear heights, you can skip the canopy walk and instead hike along with one of the park’s 15 hiking trails for an invigorating adventure that doesn’t fight gravity.

5. Visit The King’s Palace & Museum

The King’s palace and museum are approximately a 2 ½ hour drive from Kigali – you’re then a 2-hour drive down to Nyungwe Forest. They situated Rwanda’s Nyanza ya Butare district and was the traditional seat of Rwanda’s kingdom. This historical site was of key importance during the colonial period.

The ancient palace has been reconstructed in Rukari and you can now explore the replica King’s Palace, built using traditional materials and methods. You can learn about the evolution of farming and building through the centuries, and the venture into the ground to meet the long-horned cows, known as Inyambo. They’re beautiful to look at, with a stately elegance you don’t generally expect from cows until you learn they’re part of the royal heritage, used in many important ceremonies. You can find out about the breeding techniques and listen to the amahamba songs the shepherds sing as part of the grooming process.

A second palace, built-in 1932 for Rwanda’s King Mutara III Rudahigwa, is more modern, and homes exhibits detailing the monarchy and its expansion through from the 15th century and information on the kingdom and colonial-era under Germany and Belgium. You can also learn about Rwandese society through history, the king’s lifestyle, as well as the country’s history before the genocide.

6. Relaxation At The Shores Of Lake Kivu

After all your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure, there is no better place to relax in Rwanda than at Lake Kivu. The 2,700-square-kilometer, emerald-green oasis, surrounded by misty mountains, is Rwanda’s largest lake. You can soak it all up from Rubavu, a resort town on the northern tip of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. It has a lively waterfront, sandy beach, and stunning resorts. A few days in this peaceful town will leave you restored. You also enjoy a stunning sunset kayak trip with a singing fisherman on Lake Kivu, as well as multi-day paddling adventures that will leave you in awe.

7. Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village / Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

After your Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, you can visit the Gorilla Guardians Village also known as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village which is located near Volcanoes National Park. Here, you can immerse yourself in Rwandan culture. Run by reformed poachers, this non-profit cultural village gives you the chance to try your hand at Rwanda’s most famous crafts and activities.

You will learn how to carry a basket on your head like the Rwandan women do, weave your baskets, shoot an arrow, and grind grains with a heavy stone. It is worth sticking around for the entire dance recitals in the village. The traditional dancers, decked out with long straw wigs and skirts, put on an exciting show to the beat of rhythmic drumming. You will be up and dancing with them before you know it.

8. Diani Fossey Tomb Hike

Dian Fossey is famous for her research on mountain gorillas. First visiting Rwanda in 1963, she went on to study them for over 18 years, becoming a leading authority on their physiology and behavior. Through her research, she raised awareness of their vulnerability and promoted conservation initiatives, including setting up the Karisoke Research Foundation.

Dian Fossey did not enjoy universal popularity, and she made many enemies amongst local Rwandan’s, including poachers and those who wished to convert the gorillas’ habitat to farmland. Tragically she was found murdered at her research station in 1985, however, her legacy lives on and her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. She is buried on the slopes of Mt Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park near the graves of the gorillas she studied for so long.

After or before your Uganda gorilla safari, you can undertake a hike to her tomb. The hike takes you through dense bamboo and agenda forest en route and, if you are lucky, you may see the golden monkeys jumping through the trees. The trek takes 3-4 hours and on reaching the site, you will be able to see the ruins of her house and of course pay a visit to her grave. Lying next to her is the grave of her favorite gorilla, Digit, along with several other gorillas killed by poachers.

Other Uganda Safari Attractions And Activities You Can Combine With Your Uganda Gorilla Safari From Kigali

On a Uganda safari from Kigali offers a wealth of Uganda safari attractions and Uganda safari activities that you can incorporate into your Uganda gorilla safari trip from Kigali. Uganda is home to 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves, forest reserves, sanctuaries, spectacular mountain scenery, and lakes.

1. Lake Bunyonyi

When considering things to add to your Uganda gorilla safaris from Kigali, don’t forget the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi – Africa’s second deepest lake dotted with 29 spectacular islands.  If you want to chill for a couple of days before or after a Uganda gorilla trek, Bunyonyi is the perfect place to do it. If you do get restless, however, there is plenty of opportunity for hiking, swimming, boating, island hopping, Ziplining, chatting to the villagers, and even paddling a dugout canoe.

2. Kibale National Park Tour

Kibale National Park forest is the best place to see wild chimpanzees in Africa. This 795km² park is a superb addition to your gorilla safaris in Uganda from Kigali. It is home to the highest density and diversity of primates in Africa, ranging from the rare L’Hoest’s monkeys, Black-and-white colobus, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys to amazing Chimps. Aside from the park’s plethora of primates, Kibale Forest is home to other 70 elusive mammal species, 375 bird species, and 220 species of colorful butterflies. Amazing activities here include Uganda chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences, day and night nature walks, and birding.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Encompassing an area of 1978km², Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s best-loved savannah park, and if you have an extra on your 2 days Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, you can visit this amazing Uganda safari park. The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park but was renamed 2 years later to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. It is home to tree-climbing lions, 610 bird species, 95 mammal species, and a wonderful landscape of rolling savannah grasslands, tropical rainforests, freshwater lakes, fertile wetlands, and saline crater lakes. The lakeshore is dotted with Nile crocodiles, Pink-backed pelicans,  and wallowing buffaloes, while elephants and leopards wander along the forest grassland.

Game drives and scenic nature walks are the order of the day, while the Kazinga Channel boat cruise offers an opportunity for hundreds of hippos and fantastic waterbirds. You can even pair a game drive or boat safari in Queen Elizabeth Park with Kyambura Gorge chimp trekking or a chimp trek in the nearby Kalinzu Forest.

1. A Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

The 3,840km² Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National park and also a great addition to your Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali. Four of the Big Five roam about the edge of the legendary Nile River whose waters eventually crash through a 7 wide gap in the Rift Valley escarpment before plunging 45 meters below creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. Murchison also has 451 bird species including the pre-historic Shoebills and a plethora of wildlife including huge Nile crocodiles, Hippos, Rothschild’s giraffes can be spotted on hikes, Nile cruises, and game drives.

2. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The 70km² Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers an up-close encounter to Uganda’s only wild rhinos on foot. Watching these prehistoric-looking heavyweights on foot is a thrilling experience. And since proceeds go toward breeding and ultimately reintroducing Rhino into Uganda’s parks, visiting this popular destination on your gorilla tour in Uganda is a must.

3. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Before or after your Uganda gorilla trek tour from Kigali, you can go hike or climb the legendary Mountains of the Moon, officially known as the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, this park includes the 3^rd -the tallest peak in Africa (5109m) with alpine habitat complete with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes that exist within a few miles of the equator.  An abundance of endemic alpine flora, including prehistoric-looking giant heather and lobelias, adds to the park’s fantastic beauty.

4. Lake Mburo National Park

Halfway between Kampala and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park plus Mgahinga Gorilla Park lies Lake Mburo National Park which can make an amazing added destination on top of your 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali. Although the heavyweights such as elephants are missing, the great mix of wetland and woodland habitats makes for a wide range of birds and mammals such as Zebra, giraffes, Impala, Eland, Buffalo, Oribi, Waterbuck, Hippos, Hyaena, Topi, and Reedbuck. Mburo’s tranquil atmosphere and soothing views provide welcome relief after a tough journey. It also offers one of the most interesting game walks in Uganda.

8. Jinja – Source of the Nile River

The source of the Nile in Jinja is one of the most iconic places in Africa – the point at which the longest river in the world leaves the world’s second-largest freshwater lake to begin its long journey north to the Mediterranean Sea. Here, there are a variety of thrilling activities you add with your Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali. There is plenty to get your adrenaline pumping, from white water rafting, kayaking,  jet boating to bungee jumping. For those less eager, a sunset cruise, quad bike safari or simply lounging on at the stunning Wild Waters Lodge with rooms featuring outdoor claw-foot baths on the balconies overlooking the legendary Nile River.

9. Kampala – the Capital City of Uganda

Before or after partaking in your gorilla trekking tour from Kigali, you may take off some time to undertake a Kampala city tour, Uganda’s commercial, political and logistical hub.  If you are interested in culture, you can visit Kasubi Royal Tombs, Lubiri ceremonial palace, Mengo which is the Parliament of Buganda Kingdom.

10. Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the far northeastern part of the country. On your Uganda gorilla tours from Kigali, it is possible to combine these two great national parks by frying them from one place to another. In Kidepo, you have one of the best parks when it comes to wildlife, birds, and scenery and when combined with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi or Mgahinga, this will surely give you an experience of a lifetime.

List Of Things To Pack For Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour From Rwanda

• PCR Covid-test certificate
• Hand sanitizer
• Face Mask- N95
• Long-sleeved shirts and a pair of trouser
• Rain Jacket / Poncho
• A warm sweater
• Greens, browns, and khaki colored clothing are advisable for Uganda gorillas safaris
• Pair of waterproof hiking shoes
• A Longer pair of socks.
• A pair of gaiters
• Energy giving snacks
• Water bottle
• Camera with extra batteries & memory cards
• Light waterproof daypack
• Strong gardening gloves
• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a pair of sunglasses.
• Insect repellent.
• Any of your regular medication.
• A waterproof day pack

Rules and Regulations for Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour From Kigali

If you are planning a Uganda gorilla trip from Kigali, you must read about the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Rules Before You Visit The Gorillas

• Do not visit gorillas if you have a cold or any infectious disease. Gorillas share about 3% of DNA and are susceptible to many human diseases. Researchers have long feared that one sick visitor nay infects a gorilla, resulting in the death of the entire gorilla family.
• Visit each gorilla family is limited to a group of not more than 8 people a day to avoid behavioral disturbances to the gorillas.
• Visitors below 15 years are not allowed to visit the gorillas. Anyone below this age is considered a young and vulnerable person and therefore not fit trek the gorillas.

Uganda  Gorilla Trekking Rules On The Way To The Gorillas

• Speak in a low voice while in the forest and listen to the guide’s instructions. This will also enable you to observe other natural treasures in the forest such as birds and monkeys.
• Do not throw away garbage in the forest. Whatever you enter into the forest with, must be brought back out when you are living in the forest.
• Human waste should be buried 30 cm deep.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Rules When You Are With Gorillas

• Please maintain a distance of 10 meters from the gorillas. This rule is often contravened by curious youngsters and sometimes adults approaching their human visitor. In this case, you will need to slowly and calmly move backward to regain the distance.
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited. They may cause the gorilla to charge at you.
• Do not eat, drink and smoke in the vicinity of the gorillas.
• Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the instructions of the guide and don’t run away, it will increase the risk of gorillas chasing you.
• If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
• Visits are limited to 1 hour per gorilla group per day.
• Don’t touch the gorillas.
• Don’t feed the gorillas

Covid Sops To Follow On Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari From Kigali

The transmission of COVD-19 from humans to gorillas was only a theory until recently. In January 2021, 8 gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for Covid-19. On a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, the following Covid SOPs shall apply:

• Do not go if you feel ill.
• Sanitize/wash your hands thoroughly and have your body temperature taken before trekking the mountain gorillas.
• Bring face masks and wear them properly while trekking and when you are with the gorillas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) strongly recommends wearing an N95 mask.
• Before viewing the gorillas on your trek, you will sanitize again.
• Take distancing seriously- stay at least 10m away from gorillas.
• Turn away from the gorillas if you need to cough or sneeze.

Is It Safe To Visit Uganda Gorillas From Kigali?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda From Kigali is safe.  Mountain gorillas are often referred to as gentle giants, fully habituated and not aggressive. Their massive size would make them too dangerous to be close to if they were aggressive. The only reason they can be approached closely on foot is that they lack aggression.

You will be briefed on the safety precautions before going Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali. You should pay attention to and obey your guide’s instructions. For your protection, you must maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters. Gorillas, on the other hand, do not follow regulations and may approach you and get considerably closer. In most situations, your guide will advise you to take a step back. Due to dense vegetation, for example, this isn’t always possible. You will be told instructed to crouch down and avert your eyes until the gorilla has passed.

Also on your Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali expedition, you will be accompanied by armed rangers. These are well-equipped and well-trained to ensure a safe Uganda gorilla trekking trip.

Uganda has the added presence of the Tourism Police, providing an additional layer of protection and security for visitors on Uganda gorilla safaris.

Note: The biggest danger on a gorilla trek is maybe twisting an ankle on the slippery trail. Make sure you wear decent hiking boots/shoes that have been worn in before the day of gorilla trekking.

Best Time To Go On A Uganda Gorilla Safari From Kigali

The best time to go on a Uganda gorilla trekking trip from Kigali is during the dry season. However, gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done at any time of the year.

Gorilla Trekking In Uganda From Kigali During The Dry Season

There are 2 dry seasons in Uganda; December to February and June to early September. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more comfortable during these dry months.  There is less rainfall, the trails are relatively dry and less slippery. However, during the dry season, there is high demand for gorilla trekking permits, so you are advised to book at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability.

Gorilla Trekking In Uganda From Kigali During The Wet Season

The wet months of  March, April, May, late September, October, and November can make trails slippery and gorilla trekking tough.

It could be disappointing on your once-in-a-lifetime Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali if it rained the day you trek gorillas. The Mountain gorillas may also seek refuge from the rain in nests or trees, making them harder to find.

Also, not all gorilla families will be lolling around, munching leaves, and basking in the sunshine – some will be on the move. And they’re a lot better adapted to moving through their rainforest home than we are, so you will need to be able to keep up!

However, don’t be completely put off by the rains of November and March-May, as you will have the forests and mountains to yourself, the guides, and the gorillas. You can pack your hiking shoes, rain jacket/poncho, and other rain gear and embark on your Uganda gorilla tour.

Conclusion

Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali gives you incredible and lifetime memories as you spend time with the gorillas watching them feed, breastfeed, take plenty of photos among others, therefore, visitors interested in 4 Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali can book safari packages like 2 days gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali, 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.

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