Gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking has often been referred to as the “top of bucket list” for visitors to the African Continent, with many visitors describing the experience as magical, out-of-this-World, and unforgettable. The trek for endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment is always difficult and physically demanding but the experience of finally setting eyes into these beautiful creatures surpasses any wildlife experience you have ever seen.

There are currently three mountain gorilla trekking countries-Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda but the last two are always preferred by visitors (mainly because they are safer and more secure) but it’s costly to trek gorillas in two countries during the same trip hence visitors are torn between Uganda and Rwanda. Therefore, we bring you the comparisons between these two amazing gorilla countries and it will be up to you to decide whether Uganda or Rwanda is better for gorilla trekking.

Cost (bang for the buck)

The Government of Rwanda (through the Rwanda Development Board) took a bold step in 2017 to increase the price of gorilla permits from $750 to $1500 with the opinion of strategizing Rwanda as a luxury Gorilla Trekking destination as well as maintaining low tourism volume. This price increase was followed by both positive and negative reactions from different Tourism stakeholders but surprisingly, luxury travelers have been drawn to this country.

Uganda on the other hand increased the price of gorilla permits from $600 to $700 for foreign non-residents and $500 to $600 for foreign residents which are still lower than Rwanda. Even with this increase, it is still possible to undertake double gorilla treks in Uganda for single gorilla treks in Rwanda, hence making Uganda the best destination for gorilla trekking.

Ease of Gorilla Treks

Anyone with the thought of trekking mountain gorillas should be physically fit, given the challenging nature of treks and this shouldn’t be underestimated. Regardless of the physical demands of these treks, visitors with reduced mobility and elderly people are not left out because sedan chairs are provided and lifted by able-bodied porters during the gorilla trekking adventures.

Travelers and safari experts that have trekked mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda discovered that gorilla groups in the latter are easily accessible in addition to treks being gentler. For visitors who prefer easier (although not as easy as walking in a Leisure Park), elderly visitors, or those that are less active, Rwanda is the perfect place to achieve the dream of trekking and meeting face to face with the Giant Apes in their natural habitat.

Uganda on the other hand is denser, hillier and thus involves more hiking as well as longer treks. This, therefore, means that the country is perfect for visitors with a reasonable level of fitness or looker for more challenging hikes. However, regardless of what country you choose, it is important to remember that the activity requires thorough preparation, basic fitness levels, and attend a briefing before finally embarking on treks.

Where to stay during gorilla trekking safaris

The two Gorilla Trekking Countries (Uganda and Rwanda) offer remarkable options when it comes to places to stay while trekking mountain gorillas. Visitors looking for luxury are drawn to Rwanda with magnificent places being Sabyinyo Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and many others.

Uganda on the other hand offers lower-cost accommodation options with a homely and more affordable stay at the remote corner of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The outstanding options include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and many others.

Ease of access to the Gorilla National Parks

Volcanoes National Park (only Gorilla Trekking destination in Rwanda) is an easy 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali City/Airport on tarred roads in addition to having an easier and quick add-on of flying by Helicopter. On arriving in the country, you will need one night within Kigali City before connecting to the Northern Province the next day. With a single gorilla trekking tour, you might need two nights at a Lodge in Volcanoes National Park but for double treks, you might need three nights in the Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda is not as easy to access as Volcanoes National Park, requiring a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport/Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips followed by a Road transfer for one and a half to 2 hours on dirt roads. With this option, you can also spend two nights in Bwindi for single gorilla treks that also include cultural/community tours.

Interesting activities to combine with gorilla trekking adventures

Most travelers look forward to adding on their gorilla treks to long safari vacations and there are many interesting activities to choose from. Rwanda has fewer National Parks but the introduction of lions and Rhinos in Akagera National Park made the country a wonderful destination to see big five animals. The newly opened Gishwati-Mukura National Park in 2016 also increases more options for exploring Rwanda.

Uganda is more developed with numerous National Parks teeming with wildlife and bird species. Queen Elizabeth National Park (known for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector alongside other mammals, birds, and outstanding landscapes is the perfect add-on for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and visitors also undertake chimpanzee treks, game drives, and boat cruises. For visitors interested in more rewarding chimpanzee treks can add Kibale Forest and Kalinzu Forests among others.

Therefore, the opinion of whether Uganda or Rwanda is better for gorilla trekking largely depends on the traveler because one man’s meat is another man’s poison. Some travelers don’t mind paying $1500 instead of $700 as long as they avoid long driving distances, and while some travelers wish for easier treks, others prefer challenging themselves with Bwindi’s rugged terrains and steep slopes.