A visit to trek gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda is by all means one of the best wildlife encounters offering visitors an upclose view of wild mountain gorillas in the jungle. There is always a big confusion as to why the price of gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda largely differs since they are neighboring countries. It leaves most of them asking Uganda and Rwanda which one is better for gorilla trekking. Treks to view mountain gorillas in the wild is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in the northern province of Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The pros of gorilla trekking in Uganda over Rwanda
Huge concentration of mountain gorillas
Unlike Rwanda, Uganda is endowed with the huge concentration of mountain gorillas accounting for about half of all the 1004 individuals that still thrive on earth today. These majestic creatures are confined in the rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. Because of the large numbers, currently, over 21 gorilla families have been habituated and readily available for trekking in Uganda alone. 20 groups are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and they can be trekked in anyone of its four gorilla trekking regions; Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo or Buhoma and only one ‘Nyakagezi’ is found in Mgahinga National Park.
Number of habituated gorilla groups
Uganda is comprised of 21 habituated gorilla groups for visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to trek. Incredibly, each gorilla group has something unique to offer and only 8 visitors are allowed to trek one habituated family. 20 groups are available for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone which translates into 160 gorilla permits and only 8 permits are available for booking for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. To secure a gorilla permit in Uganda, you can get in touch with our reservation team and we shall help you book a gorilla permit and also arrange for your gorilla trekking safari in the pearl of Africa.
Two gorilla destinations
Compared to Rwanda, Uganda consists of two significant gorilla destinations. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Affordable gorilla destination
Unlike Rwanda, Uganda’s gorilla permits are obtainable at $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East Africa. Although these rates are due to change to $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents, Uganda still remains as an affordable gorilla destination. To secure a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda, you need $1500 and this rate applies to all visitors on Rwanda gorilla safari.
Easily reachable from Rwanda
To get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, you need about 4 hours to drive. You can reach Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park from Kigali via Katuna or Chanika border. This can save you from spending long hours approximately 8-10 hours if you started your journey from Entebbe or Kampala.
Pre-trekking experience
In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors on Uganda gorilla safari also have a chance to explore other iconic sites and attractions that make this country an incredible safari destination. You can take part in chimpanzee tracking, chimpanzee habituation experience, game drive with a chance to catch a glimpse at the tree climbing lions, white water rafting at the source of the Nile, cultural safaris and birding among others.
Mountain gorilla habituation experience
Compared to Rwanda or even DRC, Uganda is the only place in the world where you can embark on gorilla habituation experience. This is a unique primate experience that involves following semi-habituated gorillas the whole day to make them get used to human presence before they are opened for trekking. On finding the mountain gorillas, visitors have four hours of magical encounter, photography and exploring their behaviors.
Various accommodation options
Trekkers on Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can choose from the many available accommodation choices that range from budget to luxury. Some of the accommodation options to spend a night in Uganda include Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla mist camp, Bakiga Lodge to mention but a few.
The cons of gorilla trekking in Uganda
Compared to Rwanda, visitors on Uganda gorilla safari require 8-10 hours to drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To reach Rwanda Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, visitors need 2-3 hours to drive from Kigali.
In conclusion, both Uganda and Rwanda are the best gorilla safari destination worth exploring if your interest is to catch a glimpse at the rare mountain gorillas in the wild.
