Choosing between Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking can be challenging. The two destinations all offer mountain gorilla trekking adventures but certainly, there are reasons why you will choose one or consider visiting both.
A visit to either Uganda or Rwanda guarantees you 99% chance to encounter a family of mountain gorillas.
Comparing gorilla trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda is essential for any trekker on a gorilla tour in Africa or tourists planning for Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.
Comparison between the two destinations can guide you in choosing the best place to visit to trek mountain gorillas.
When comparing gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, we shall look at significant factors.
Factors to be considered during comparison include accessibility of the destination from the heart of the city, cost or price of gorilla permit, and number of gorilla families.
Where to visit to see gorillas?
There are two parks to visit for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda alone. That is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On a Uganda gorilla tour, treks are conducted from any of the five regions with 4 sectors all found in Bwindi and include Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Mgahinga gorilla trekking begins from Ntebeko where you embark on a journey to explore the Nyakagezi gorilla group family.
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the only destination that is available for tourists to visit for mountain gorilla trekking.
Gorilla families to trek
Uganda is the only destination in Africa with the highest concentrations of habituated mountain gorilla groups. Over 24 habituated families of mountain gorillas survive within Uganda’s two parks; Bwindi and Mgahinga. While in Rwanda, fewer than 13 habituated gorilla groups can be visited for you to explore the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
Gorilla population
With approximately 1063 mountain gorillas currently thriving in the world, about half of this population lives in Uganda alone. The rest of the mountain gorilla population is distributed across the remaining region –the Virunga Conservation Area where Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri belongs to. About 30 percent of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas are protected within the jungles of Volcanoes National Park.
Access to the park from the city
Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking from Entebbe City or Kampala capital city takes about 8-10 hours’ drive. In Rwanda, getting to Volcanoes National Park to begin your gorilla trek requires only a 2-3 hour’ drive. With this proximity, even a 1-day gorilla trip can be successfully organized. In Uganda, the best short gorilla tour to enjoy is a 3-day and you can begin from Entebbe/Kampala or Kigali.
In terms of the cost of gorilla permits
Uganda gorilla permits are relatively cheaper, unlike Rwanda. This is why Uganda is considered to be the budget gorilla tour destination and Rwanda a luxury/high-end gorilla trekking destination in Africa. A valid gorilla permit for Uganda can be obtained at USD 800 –the current rates valid from 2024-2026. In Rwanda, permits for you to see gorillas cost USD 1500 per person.
Opportunity to spend more time with mountain gorillas in the wild
Aside from the normal gorilla treks, a visit to Uganda for gorilla safaris enables you to embark on a mountain gorilla habituation experience. Gorilla habituation is a special primate adventure that is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.
On actual gorilla habituation experience, you get up to 4 hours to interact with a group of rare mountain gorillas in the natural environment. You won’t get this rare opportunity in Rwanda. Engaging in gorilla habituation requires a valid permit and each is issued at USD 1500 per person.
Extra experiences besides gorilla adventures
Uganda has a lot more for nature lovers to appreciate within gorilla trekking parks and other destinations. The most important of all is chimpanzee trekking which you can enjoy in any of Uganda’s 5 destinations to see chimpanzees in the wild.
Game drives in Uganda can be done in 4 National Parks (Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park) with a chance to see the unique tree-climbing lions.
Classic mountaineering adventures are best enjoyed on Uganda safaris and the ideal destinations to experience them include the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon. There are other multiple hiking opportunities offered in places like Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In the Northeast, you can conquer Mount Morungole and Mount Moroto, etc.
In Rwanda, game drives are only possible in Akagera National Park while chimpanzee treks are done in only two parks; Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Volcano hikes in Rwanda are best conducted in the Virunga volcanoes of Bisoke, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Gahinga.
Adrenaline adventures like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, jet boating, and others are excellently done in Uganda. These adventures are best done in Jinja, on the Source of the Nile.
Conclusively, visiting both Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking can get you the perfect comparison. Plan and book your gorilla safari through a licensed Rwanda or Uganda tour operator and be rest assured of lasting memories.