Difference Between Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Rwanda

Fact is that there is no big difference between Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of a gorilla trek since you have 99% chances of seeing the gorillas whichever country you visit for a Gorilla trek between Uganda and Rwanda. The key difference is that Rwanda Mountain Gorillas stay in mainly bamboo as the main vegetation hence being easily accessible while Uganda mountain gorillas stay in the thick rain forest . The other notable difference between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda is that Gorilla trekking in Uganda is cheaper than gorilla trekking in Rwanda because one can do two gorilla treks in Uganda for less than the price of one Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.

Therefore if you are wondering whether to visit gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda or comparing Gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda /Gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda, the answer is the experience you get is the same whether you trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda though it is worth to note that a Uganda gorilla permit is more affordable (at 800$ Per Person ) than a Rwanda Gorilla Permit(at 1500$ Per Person ). Notable to know is also the fact that Gorillas in Rwanda are easily accessible especially for older guests or travelers who are less active compared to Uganda gorillas irrespective of Volcanoes National park-Rwanda being at a higher altitude. On the other hand for travelers with high levels of fitness, gorilla trekking Uganda is the recommendable option because it tends to involve more hiking and longer trek sessions.

Below we tell you how the two countries compare in relation to gorilla trekking experiences to help you decide which the right choice is for you.

Difference Between Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Rwanda — Gorilla Family

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda and Rwanda

We can’t select what is best for you but we have listed factors and compared the two countries to help you chose which one of the gorilla trekking destinations is your best choice and will give you a better Gorilla trekking experience between Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.

1. Ease of trekking and the entire Gorilla trekking experience of gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is such a strenuous activity which means that not anyone can undertake it as most people tend to think. The good news is that both countries have gorilla chairs which can be used by some travelers with mobility issues but want to trek the gorillas. From feedback from our previous clients we have noted that Rwanda gorillas are easily accessible especially for older guests or travelers who are less active compared to Uganda gorillas irrespective of Volcanoes National park being at a higher altitude. On the other hand for travelers with high levels of fitness, trekking the Uganda Gorillas is the recommendable option because it tends to involve more hiking and longer trek sessions. Whether you trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, we think it’s wise to prepare well for you your gorilla trekking safari by discussing all gorilla trekking guidelines with you travel expert so that you don’t be surprised when already in the wild forests.

2. Gorilla trekking permit Price or Budget for Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

From 2017 the Rwandan government through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) made the decision to increase the cost of a gorilla permit from 750 USD per trek to 1,500 USD which meant that only the most affluent and financially well to do visitors would trek the Rwanda famous gorillas. On the other hand Uganda through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has fixed its Gorilla trekking permit price at 800 USD .Therefore given the fact that one can do two gorilla treks in Uganda for less than the price of one Gorillas trekking permit in Rwanda, it makes sense for budget-conscious travelers to consider trekking gorillas in Uganda instead of Rwanda.

3. Ease of accessibility to the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

For travelers with limited travel time especially business travelers, accessibility is crucial while choosing which country to do gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga national park are all easily accessible from Kigali with just 3-4 hours of road drive from Kigali City. However Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park is more accessible compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National park since the Rwanda gorillas are reached via a well-maintained tarmac road with an option of flying in by helicopter compared to Uganda gorillas which are reached through dirt roads in a tricky hilly terrain.

4. Accommodation or Where to stay in Uganda or Rwanda

When it comes to where to stay or accommodation, both Rwanda and Uganda have some better options though Rwanda is seeing an increase in the number of more luxurious but affordable lodges being set up. These include the recently built One&Only’s Gorilla’s Nest lodge, Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo lodge, Volcanoes Virunga lodge and Singita Kwitonda lodge among others. Therefore for travelers looking for luxury Gorilla trekking safari we think Rwanda gorillas are a better option. On the other hand Uganda which is known for lower priced accommodation options but with some luxury options with spectacular views and exclusivity such as Clouds mountains lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla forest camp, Volcanoes Bwindi and Four Gorillas Lodge is a better option for travelers looking for peace and relaxation while on a gorilla trekking safari.

5. Additional Safari experiences apart from Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda:

Each of the two countries has a lot to offer apart from gorilla trekking from wildlife viewing in major national park, adventure tours on major lakes and rivers, Chimpanzee trekking safaris to Cultural tours. However from client’s feedback, Uganda has much more to see and do compared to Rwanda even with the development of Akagera National Park and the reintroduction of the big five which is a big prospect.

Uganda is therefore a better option for travelers looking for a diverse experience with plentiful wildlife. For example if a traveler wants to spot elephants, hippos, crocs and birds on a cruise down the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, track tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or track the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda has plenty to offer!

At Engabi tours and Travel, we recommend a combined gorilla trekking safari in one of the two countries with a wildlife viewing safari in Northern Tanzania parks of Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire or Lake Manyara with extensions to Zanzibar islands beaches. Note that Rwanda and Uganda have direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha Tanzania the safari capital.

Kindly Contact us for an inspiration, information or price Quotation for a gorilla safari or a combined East African Safari.