Gorilla Trekking Rwanda & Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda & Uganda is exceptional to do at Volcanoes National Park and Uganda at Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks located in the South West.

Gorilla trekking Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is an extraordinary experience that allows you to come face-to-face with the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while on gorilla trekking experience in the wilderness of Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable , Mgahinga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park & Virunga National Park with the destination experts in gorilla trekking tours.

Uganda is home to half the world’s Mountain Gorilla population. Seeing these animals up close in their natural habitat is one of the most impressive wildlife encounters in Africa. Visiting the gorillas directly supports conservation efforts and population growth.

Combining Wildebeest Migration experience in Kenya or Tanzania and add on Gorilla trekking in the wilderness of Virunga Mountains in Rwanda’s top visited national park of Volcanoes is a unique experience that can make you enjoy the East Africa Safari holiday.

Differences between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers unique experiences, each with its own set of advantages and characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

1. Location and Accessibility

Uganda: Gorilla trekking in Uganda mainly takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern part of the country, close to the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Accessibility: While the road journey to Bwindi can be long (sometimes up to 10 hours from Kampala), there are also small airstrips with flights available from Entebbe to the parks.

Rwanda: Gorilla trekking is in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda, near the borders with Uganda and the DRC.

Accessibility: Rwanda has a more developed infrastructure and shorter travel distances from the capital, Kigali. It’s about a 2–3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, making it more accessible compared to Uganda in terms of road travel time.

2. Cost

Uganda: The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is generally cheaper. As of recent data, it costs around $800 per permit.

Rwanda: The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is significantly higher at around $1,500 per permit, making it one of the most expensive wildlife experiences in Africa.

3. Gorilla Families and Trekking Experience

Uganda: Bwindi has a greater variety of gorilla families and terrain, offering a more remote experience. The trekking can be more challenging, as you might encounter steeper and denser forest landscapes, which can make it more physically demanding. However, this means fewer people and a more authentic feel of trekking in the wild.

Rwanda: In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the gorilla trekking experience is generally easier, with more well-established paths. The park has fewer steep and dense areas, and the treks are typically shorter and less strenuous, though the terrain can still be hilly. Rwanda also has a large number of habituated gorilla families, so the likelihood of encountering a group is quite high.

4. Group Size

Uganda: Uganda tends to have smaller group sizes for trekking, often limited to a maximum of 8 people per group, which gives a more intimate and quieter experience.

Rwanda: Rwanda also limits trekking groups to 8 people per family, but since the groups are larger and the trekking routes more popular, it can sometimes feel busier compared to Uganda, especially during peak seasons.

5. Gorilla Viewing Experience

Uganda: The dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can make sightings more challenging. However, the excitement comes from the remote, adventurous feel of tracking gorillas through the wilderness. You’ll often feel like you’re on an expedition.

Rwanda: The Volcanoes National Park has slightly easier access to the gorillas, with clearer paths, making it less strenuous and perhaps more comfortable for those who prefer an easier hike. The forest here is often less dense than in Uganda, so gorilla sightings are typically more straightforward and quicker.

6. Accommodations

Uganda: Uganda offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury lodges. However, options near Bwindi are more basic compared to Rwanda.

Rwanda: Rwanda tends to have more luxury lodges and higher-end accommodations near Volcanoes National Park, with some offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. This makes it a more premium experience for those looking for higher-end services.

7. Visa and Travel Logistics

Uganda: Uganda’s visa process is straightforward, and many tourists can acquire an East African Tourist Visa, which allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Rwanda: Rwanda has a similar visa policy, and it also participates in the East African Tourist Visa scheme. However, travel between Rwanda and Uganda is often quicker and simpler due to the proximity of the two countries.

8. Other Wildlife and Activities

Uganda: Uganda offers a more diverse wildlife experience. Beyond gorilla trekking, you can also visit places like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo for safaris, chimpanzee trekking, boat safaris, and more.

Rwanda: Rwanda is also known for its other wildlife and cultural experiences, like visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb, but it’s more focused on gorilla trekking and related eco-tourism. You can combine gorilla trekking with a visit to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking or hiking.

Brief Summary of the Differences of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda