Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two places; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It’s approximately 8-9 hours to reach any of the above-mentioned parks. The two Uganda Gorilla parks are situated in far southwestern Uganda and are famous homes to Mountain Gorillas. Uganda’s Gorilla trekking is done every day, all year round, and the current cost is US$700 per gorilla trekking permit.
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Rwanda is also known as a home of mountain Gorillas situated in Volcanoes National Park. The park is located in northern Uganda in the Ruhengeri district. The park can be reached after 2hrs drive from Kigali city/ Kigali International Airport.
In this article, we are attempting to answer the question of whether to trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. To justify a reason as to whether go to Uganda Or Rwanda for your Gorilla trek, here are a few pointers to guide your decision.
The cost of a Gorilla permit.
Uganda’s Gorilla trekking permits currently cost US$700 while that of Rwanda cost US$1500. For tourists who want to save money, better go to Uganda but for luxurious guests or big spenders, Rwanda is the option.
Distance from the Airport or the country’s capital city.
In most cases, pick-ups are done from the Airport or the capital cities. It’s 2hrs drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park while it’s an 8-9hrs drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Travelers on tight schedules should go for Rwanda while for those who need to overstay on the safari, Uganda is the best for you.
The number of Gorilla families.
Uganda has over 15 gorilla families while Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla groups. In that case, for travelers who don’t want to miss seeing gorillas because of failing to get gorilla permits, Uganda is the best for you. More so, travelers who do last-minute bookings and those who want to trek several times, go to Uganda. On the other hand, specific travelers can go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Other Gorilla trekking-related activities.
Not only gorilla trekking, but Uganda also offers Gorilla habituation but Rwanda only Gorilla trekking and no Gorilla habituation. For travelers who want to enjoy different gorilla-related activities, Uganda is the best.
Alternative Gorilla Parks.
Uganda has two Gorilla parks (BINP and MGNP) while Rwanda has one (VNP). For travelers who want to visit more than one gorilla park, Uganda is your option.
Gorilla habitat.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is dominated by tropical rain forest with small skirts of Bamboo forest. Volcanoes National Park is dominated by bamboo forests. Guests can choose whether to explore the tropical forests or the Bamboo forests.
The ease to meet Gorillas.
The ease or difficulty of finding gorillas in their natural habitat depends on their movement. However, some sectors like Rushaga and Buhoma in Uganda are easy to trek through due to their gentle terrain. Other sectors like Ruhija and Nkuringo have difficult terrains- the same applies to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The best places for photographs.
Both places are beautiful but with different features. Uganda’s tropical and canopy tree forest evergreen describes Uganda’s Gorilla parks. Volcanoes National Park consists of Virunga mountains like Mt. Sabyinyo, Mt.Karisoke, Mt. Kalisimbi, and so on.
Accommodation
Both Uganda and Rwanda have Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget accommodations. Based on your budget, you can decide to Stay in any of the listed options.
Security
Places with maximum security attract tourists. Both Uganda and Rwanda are politically stable so, feel free to go to any country.