Is Gorilla Trekking Better in Uganda Or Rwanda

Is Gorilla Trekking Better in Uganda Or Rwanda : Uganda and Rwanda are renowned for offering outstanding gorilla trekking experiences, because of this. It is hard for visitors to make a decision between Uganda and Rwanda when choosing a gorilla destination to visit for a gorilla safari.

When choosing between Uganda or Rwanda there are many factors to consider such as location and accessibility, prices and the security.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in the World

In the whole world, mountain gorillas are found in the Virunga Mountains in Central and East Africa, Rwanda and Uganda are the most poplar destinations for gorilla trekking in the world.

In the whole world, mountain gorillas are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Of all the three countries, Uganda hosts the largest mountain gorilla population and the highest number of habituated gorilla groups open for gorilla trekking which makes it the best place for gorilla trekking safari.

Making a choice between Rwanda or Uganda as your gorilla trekking destination is typically influenced by several factors such as cost and accessibility, the cost of gorilla trekking which are discussed in this article.

Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is a small country found in the East Africa region with a population of about 13 million people, this beautiful country is referred to as “des mile colines” translated as “Land of a thousand hill”

Rwanda is a beautiful destination which has rose from the ashes as its past of the Horrific Genocide in 1994 to become one of the Great Success stories, the country’s capital – the Kigali City is well known for its beauty and cleanliness (it is ranked as the cleanliest city in Africa).

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the most popular travel destination in Rwanda and it is the only place to see mountain gorillas in the country, tourism has played a significant part in the reconstruction of Rwanda and mountain gorillas are very essential to Rwanda’s tourism.

Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated mountain gorilla groups where gorilla trekking is done.

To get to Volcanoes National Park, visitors have to fly into Kigali International Airport and then drive northwest approximately 2 hours to Musanze. The journey is relatively short and rewards you with scenic views of rolling hills.

Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas

Uganda is a landlocked country with vast plains, snow-capped mountains, forests, savannah plains, lakes and a variety of wildlife. Uganda has a population of over 43 million people, Ugandans are very welcoming and hospitable people.

Uganda is dubbed as “The Pearl of Africa” by Winston ChruchHill due to its biodiversity.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla destination in the world for being home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world, the park is dominated by a dense tropical forest at an elevation range of 1,160 to 2,607 meters above the sea level.

Due to its incredible biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the extreme Southwestern corner of Uganda, visitors have to Entebbe International Airport and either drive for 9-10 hours for opt for a one hour’s flight to get to the park. Alternatively, visitors can fly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with border crossing at Katuna or Cyanika Border.

Bwindi Impnetrable National Park hosts 20 habituated gorilla families with 18 gorilla families open for gorilla trekking and 2 families set aside for gorilla habituation experience.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another gorilla trekking destination in Uganda also found in the extreme corner of Southwestern Uganda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 1 habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi.

Rwanda and Uganda Trekking Costs

The cost of gorilla trekking influences you decision between Uganda and Rwanda. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 and a Uganda gorilla permits costs USD 700.

Rwanda is a perfect destination for luxury visitors as it has more luxury lodges options, Uganda on the other hand has a  wide range of accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange to luxury.

Accessibility of Gorilla Parks in Rwanda and Uganda

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is situated in close proximity to Kigali International Airport, this makes Rwanda a preferrable choice for visitors who only have time for a quick layover for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are situated in the extreme corner of Southwestern Uganda, from Entebbe International Airport and Kampala, the capital of Uganda. It is a drive of approximately of 9-10 hours.

On the other hand, Uganda is a preferable destination for visitors who want to experience more than mountain gorillas on an East African safari as it has more to offer. In additional to Mountain gorilla trekking, visitors can hike Rwenzori Mountains, spend more time with mountain gorillas on gorilla habituation experience which is only offered in Uganda, go on game viewing safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park among others.

Conditions for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

In comparison to Bwindi and Mgahinga, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is regarded as more open and less steep and slippery. However, it is on higher elevation than Bwindi which might make the trek more difficult.

Uganda has more Habituated Gorilla Families

Uganda more habituated gorilla families that is why it accommodates more visitors per day, Uganda has 18 gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with 8 gorilla permits per day and 2 families set a side for gorilla habituation experience with 4 permits per day.

In Uganda 144 gorilla permits are available every and in Rwanda, 80 gorilla permits are issued on a daily. This makes obtaining a gorilla permit in Uganda easier than in Rwanda.

Note: You need to book a gorilla permit in advance.

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permits

Gorilla Habituation Experience is only offered in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has only 2 gorilla families set a side, this experience offers visitors more time with mountain gorillas that is 4 hours.

A gorilla habituation permit costs US 1,500 per person.

With all the information above, your question of “Is Gorilla Trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda” has been answered and it will help you make a better decision.