Gorilla trekking is generally appreciated as the ultimate bucket list wildlife experience for visitors to the African continent. Venturing into the jungle to search for the endangered Giant Apes, totaling to only about 1063 individuals living in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For Uganda, these creatures are trekked from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, for Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and Democratic Republic of Congo they are visited in Virunga National Park. We bring you the comparison of trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda and you will decide which country to fulfill your lifetime dream.
Price of gorilla permits.
The price of Rwanda’s gorilla permits were increased from $750 to $1500 in 2017, with the aim of making the country a luxury gorilla trekking destination. There were worries of segregation with the luxurious tourists being drawn to the country’s mountain gorillas. Uganda on the other hand increased the cost of gorilla permits from $600 to $700 in 2019, which is still significantly lower than the former.
With this wide price variation, it is difficult to find permit availability of Uganda compared to Rwanda that always had surplus. Additionally, it is possible to undertake double gorilla treks in Uganda and still be less than it is in Rwanda.
Difficulty of gorilla treks.
Mountain gorilla trekking is generally physical – demanding, but doesn’t mean that elderly persons and those with reduced mobility will miss out on this once in a lifetime experience. Both Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks offer options of using Sedan chairs where the two mentioned categories of visitors can be lifted by porters during the gorilla trekking experience.
Visitors who have trekked the endangered mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda concur that the latter is easier and more accessible. There are gentle and easily navigable gorilla trails in Volcanoes National Park than it is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest thus for the elderly and less active trekkers, Rwanda is the most ideal option.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is undeniably more rugged and rough hence require extra physical fitness to hike as well as undertake longer treks. This makes it a wonderful option for trekkers with moderate fitness levels and beyond. Notwithstanding the country you choose to achieve your dream of trekking mountain gorillas, it’s worth being properly prepared for whatever terrain.
Accommodation facilities.
One thing worth appreciating is that whichever country you choose, be sure of finding a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury lodges and tented camps. For visitors planning to undertake gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park, accommodation options include Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest for luxury travelers, as well as Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for midrange visitors and Kinigi Guesthouse and many others for budget visitors.
Accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park depend on the trekking sector and surprisingly come at lower rate (even for the luxurious properties) but the most popular ones are Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs Camp, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Safari Resort and many others. Majority of these places reward guests with magnificent views of the jungle and provide privacy among other amenities. If your idea of accommodation is luxury at more affordable cost, then gorilla trekking in Uganda is your perfect option.
Accessibility from the capital.
Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda is only about 116 kilometers and 3 hours’ drive from Kigali City (the Capital) on smooth and well-maintained tarred roads hence making it the best option for short gorilla tours – 1 and 2 days.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the other hand, is more than 540 kilometers and 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala, hence requires flight by a small aircraft from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, then 1-2 hours’ road transfer to the Park on different road conditions. The road trip is undeniably long but rewarding with jaw-dropping views.
Optional activities to combine with gorilla treks.
Most visitors who trek mountain gorillas look forward to adding other safari activities and as far as this is concerned, Rwanda has fewer options that include Akagera National Park for big five game drives, boat cruise and walking safaris.
Uganda offers plethora of safari activities conducted in the savannah Parks of Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison falls and Kidepo valley National Parks which when combined with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary bring your dream of meeting Africa’s big 5 mammals true.
