Travel time and cost from Kigali vs. Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are two of East Africa’s crown jewels, best known for their critically endangered mountain gorillas. These parks, nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, draw thousands of visitors each year for once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experiences. However, one of the biggest decisions travelers face when planning their trip is how to get there — and from where.

The two main gateways are Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital, and Kigali, the clean, efficient capital of neighboring Rwanda. Both offer distinct advantages and challenges, but they differ significantly in travel time, cost, and overall convenience. Below, we break down the key considerations to help you make the best choice for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Distance and Travel Time

From Kampala:
Kampala is about 500–550 km (310–340 miles) from Bwindi, depending on which park gate or sector you’re heading to (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo), and roughly 520 km (323 miles) to Mgahinga. The drive takes 8–10 hours on average, depending on road conditions, weather, and traffic, particularly when leaving Kampala or passing through Mbarara.

Because of the long journey, most travelers split the trip over two days, often overnighting in towns like Mbarara or Kabale. There are also domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro, which dramatically shorten the journey to about 1 hour by air, followed by 1–2 hours of road transfer to the park. However, flights are more expensive and have strict baggage limits.

From Kigali:
Kigali is much closer. It’s roughly 170 km (105 miles) to Cyanika border near Mgahinga and about 170–190 km (105–120 miles) to the southern Bwindi sectors like Rushaga and Nkuringo. The road journey typically takes 4–5 hours, including border crossing time at Cyanika or Gatuna/Katuna, depending on your route. Even with immigration checks, Kigali offers a much faster overland option compared to Kampala.

If you fly into Kigali, you can often reach Bwindi or Mgahinga on the same day, eliminating the need for an overnight stop. This is a major convenience factor, especially for travelers short on time.

Cost Comparison

From Kampala:

• Overland (road only): Hiring a private 4×4 vehicle with driver-guide typically costs $150–$250 per day, depending on the vehicle type and operator. For a roundtrip including fuel and driver expenses over 3–4 days, expect around $1300–$1600.

• Budget group tours from Kampala start around $1700–$1800 per person for 3-day trips, including transport, accommodation, meals, and the gorilla permit.

• Flying option: A return flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro costs $300–$500, plus $100–$150 for road transfers to the park. You’ll still need to factor in accommodation and meals.

From Kigali:

• Overland (road only): Private transfer from Kigali to Bwindi or Mgahinga ranges from $200–$300 one way or $400–$600 return, depending on group size and vehicle type. This is slightly cheaper or on par with the Kampala option but over fewer days.

• Budget group tours from Kigali cost around $800–$1,000 per person for 3-day trips, including transport, accommodation, meals, and permits.

• Flights within Rwanda are unnecessary because of the short distances.

Gorilla permits cost the same no matter where you start: $800 per person (as of 2025) for Uganda and $1,500 for Rwanda, but many travelers staying in Kigali choose to cross into Uganda specifically to take advantage of the lower permit cost, making Kigali even more attractive.

Convenience and Practical Considerations

Kampala Route:

• Kampala offers the advantage of combining gorilla trekking with other Ugandan highlights like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, or Kibale Forest for chimp tracking.

• The road journey is long and can be tiring, particularly on bumpy, potholed sections near Bwindi.

• Traffic leaving Kampala can be chaotic, often adding hours to the trip.

• Travelers usually need an extra night before or after the trek, adding to time and accommodation costs.

• Entebbe International Airport is the main international gateway, but it’s located about 45 minutes from Kampala, sometimes much longer with traffic.

Kigali Route:

• Kigali is modern, well-organized, and remarkably clean, with minimal traffic congestion.

• The shorter drive allows travelers to fit gorilla trekking into tighter itineraries or even do a short 2-day loop from Kigali.

• Border crossing at Cyanika or Gatuna is generally smooth, but you’ll need a valid East African Tourist Visa or separate Ugandan and Rwandan visas. The East African visa is recommended for multi-country trips.

• Kigali’s international airport is close to the city center, making it convenient to fly in and depart without extra nights or long transfers.

Our Recommendations

If time and convenience are your top priorities, starting from Kigali is the clear winner. You can fly in, drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga in half a day, and often avoid the need for overnight stops en route. This is especially appealing for travelers on tight schedules or those seeking a less grueling overland journey. Kigali is also an excellent jumping-off point if you want to combine gorilla trekking with visits to Volcanoes National Park or cultural activities in Rwanda.

If you have more time and want to explore Uganda more extensively, starting from Kampala or Entebbe makes sense. You can visit several parks in one itinerary, although you should be prepared for long drives and possible overnight stops. While the cost of overland travel is comparable from both cities, flying from Entebbe to the parks is significantly more expensive but cuts down on road time.

For most travelers focused solely on gorilla trekking, Kigali offers the most convenient and time-efficient route to Bwindi and Mgahinga, often at a slightly lower overall cost when you factor in shorter tours and less accommodation. Kampala is better suited for travelers looking for a deeper dive into Uganda’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, provided they are ready for the longer overland journey.