Which destination is right for you? Gorilla trekking Uganda vs. Rwanda
Let’s look into the choice between Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda. With our expertise knowledge we will guide you through the decision.
Meeting Africa’s amazing Mountain Gorillas is an unforgettable experience. These gentle giants live in the jungle covered mountains in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In our comparison here we will focus on the options of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, since instabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo makes it a less desirable destination.
Uganda: The Pearl of Africa
Uganda is nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa” and it’s truly a fitting name. Here you find breath-taking scenery, friendly people, interesting culture and of course fascinating wildlife. Uganda is home to the biggest number of Mountain Gorillas according to the latest census. These Mountain Gorillas live in two National Parks in the south of Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s Gorilla Haven, with the biggest number of Mountain Gorillas and gorilla trekking opportunities. Here there are four sectors where Mountain Gorilla trekking is offered. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in the far south of Uganda bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here there is one Mountain Gorilla group habituated for visitors to trek.
Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture and resilient people. Located in the heart of Africa, Rwanda’s main attraction is the Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the North West of the country bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Comparison Time: Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla trekking is when you enter the jungle in a small group together with a specialized guide to trek to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Equal for the countries offering this activity is that you get to spend one hour with the Mountain Gorillas. We’ll look at some of the key differences below.
Gorilla Trekking Costs: Uganda vs. Rwanda
To put it bluntly the one thing that will be decisive in the decision about Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda is for many the price. Rwanda has taken a decision to target luxury tourism, which is reflected in their pricing of activities. A Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs 1500 usd. Uganda on the other hand offers a gorilla trekking permit at 800 usd. To add to this difference the price tag of 1500 usd gives you the exclusive Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda, where you get to spend four hours with the Mountain Gorillas. (Note that these are prices by the time of writing this blog.)
Habitat and Accessibility: Which is Easier to Navigate?
In Rwanda the Mountain Gorilla trek is done in the foothills of the volcanoes and in the bamboo zone of Volcanoes National Park. Here the landscape is pretty flat and you don’t expect an exciting trek rather a trek with easy accessibility.
Uganda offers a spectrum of possibilities with its five starting points. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park we find a fantastic jungle feeling. Of its four starting points for Gorilla trekking Buhoma is the lowland option while Ruhija is in the high altitude zones and Rushaga together with Nkuringo can offer steeper sections. With this said each starting point has zones with gentler hills where the Mountain Gorillas could be found. The landscape in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is similar to that of Volcanoes National Park, being on the foothills of the volcanoes.
Gorilla Sightings: Which Offers Better Encounters?
Common for both Rwanda and Uganda is that the chances of seeing the Mountain Gorillas are great. The structure around the Gorilla trekking is similar in both countries, with trekkers being sent out in the early morning before the Gorilla trekking starts. So by the time the briefing of visitors is done and the Gorilla trekking guides with visitors are ready to enter the forest they already have a good idea of where the Mountain Gorillas are. We can never say that it’s a guarantee to see a wild animal, but for the habituated Mountain Gorilla groups that are being monitored the chances are very good.
As described in the previous section the landscape differs between the National Park’s offering Gorilla trekking. In Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park you’ll see the Mountain Gorillas on the foothills of volcanoes compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that lets you see them enjoying the jungle.
Considerations Beyond Gorillas
When taking the decision on Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda there are other things to take into account beyond the details about Gorilla trekking. You should take into account what else you wish to do during your holiday and what type of accommodation you wish to stay in.
What more Uganda offers
Uganda can offer a very varied safari experience and a better selection for Uganda budget lodges as well as mid-range options. Here we have four savanna national parks with highlights like tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, untouched wilderness in Kidepo Valley National Park and the Kazinga channel boat-cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. By combining savanna National Parks with a visit at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary you have the chance to tick off “Africa’s Big 5” in Uganda. In Uganda you can also trek chimpanzees and golden monkey if you are interested in more primates. A safari can be targeted towards special interests like birding since Uganda truly is a birder’s paradise or mountain hiking with the impressive Rwenzori Mountains.
What more Rwanda offers
Rwanda has a bigger selection of premium luxury accommodation options. So if you are targeting a high-end luxurious experience you should take a look at these to compare with the selection in Uganda. Besides the Mountain Gorilla trekking Rwanda offers cultural experiences and the touching Genocide memorial center in Kigali. There is as well possibility for trekking of golden monkey in Volcanoes National Park. You can see savanna animals in Akagera National Park and trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest (we would recommend the chimpanzee trekking options in Uganda over this though, for chance of better sightings).
Airport options
Rwanda’s international airport in Kigali is located closer to the Mountain Gorilla trekking points than Uganda’s Entebbe international airport. If you’re doing a short safari or wish to reduce travel time you can fly in and out through Kigali both for Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, so this is not a deciding factor for Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda. Flying in to Entebbe gives you either a chance to see more of beautiful Uganda by driving to the south or the option of taking a domestic flight.
Conclusion: Gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda
As you can see above your preferences are the once to decide if Uganda or Rwanda is the gorilla trekking destination for you. The chances of seeing Mountain Gorillas are great in both countries. For the budget conscious traveler Uganda is clearly the winning destination. Uganda offers the possibility to do Mountain Gorilla trekking in the jungle and a bigger spectrum of possibilities for the trek. If you are a high-end traveler Rwanda’s offer with a bigger selection of exclusive lodges might fit you.
Take the step to make your Mountain Gorilla trekking dream come true!
We arrange safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda so which ever of the Mountain Gorilla trekking destinations that fit your preferences we can offer you a hassle free safari. Book with us to relax & enjoy as we handle all!
Inspiration for Gorilla Trekking safaris
Take a look at these itineraries for Gorilla trekking safari inspiration:
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