Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: The Key Differences

Gorilla trekking is a popular tourist activity in both Uganda and Rwanda, offering visitors the rare opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. While both experiences are similar in many respects, there are also key differences. It is these key differences that are likely to influence your decision on whether you will trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. Here’s a comparison of gorilla trekking in Uganda versus Rwanda:

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Gorilla Trekking Locations:

Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two primary destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi alone is home to approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park in the northwest corner of the country is the primary site for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It is an extension of the Virunga conservation area that crosses to Uganda to form Mgahinga gorilla national park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park.

Gorilla Trekking Cost:

Uganda: Historically, the gorilla trekking permits in Uganda have been less expensive than those in Rwanda. As of 2023, a permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents.

Rwanda: Rwanda significantly increased its permit prices in 2017 to $1,500 for all visitors. This higher cost is attributed to Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and community initiatives, as a considerable percentage of the fee goes back into supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

However, it is not only the gorilla trekking permit that will determine the cost of your gorilla safari. You will also have to put into consideration the transportation and accommodation.

Gorilla Trekking Experience:

Uganda: The terrain in Bwindi is dense, and mountainous, and can be more challenging for trekking. This means that treks can vary significantly in length, from a couple of hours to an entire day.

Rwanda: Treks in Volcanoes National Park can also be strenuous, but the park’s terrain is often considered to be slightly more predictable and open than Bwindi’s, sometimes allowing for clearer views of the gorillas.

Accessibility:

Uganda: Bwindi and Mgahinga are farther from the main international airport (Entebbe) than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. This usually means longer travel times in Uganda unless using domestic flights.

Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is roughly a 2-hour drive from Kigali, making it more accessible for those on a tighter schedule.

Biodiversity:

Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts broader biodiversity than Volcanoes National Park, meaning there’s potential to see other wildlife species in addition to the gorillas. Among the other wildlife include but is limited to forest elephants, forest buffaloes, and several monkey species. While in Uganda, you will have to visit Mgahinga gorilla national park for the golden monkeys.

Rwanda: While Volcanoes National Park has fewer species than Bwindi, it still offers a rich biodiversity with golden monkeys and various bird species. It is possible to see the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in the same park. This is also possible in Uganda but in a less popular gorilla trekking destination; Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Conservation and Community Initiatives:

Both countries have a strong commitment to conservation, but Rwanda’s higher permit fees directly reflect its approach to luxury ecotourism and community development. A significant portion of the trekking fees in Rwanda is channeled back into the communities, providing them with schools, medical facilities, and other essential services.

In the case of Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority annually gives back more than 300,000 USD to communities around Bwindi’s impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Cultural Experiences:

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer cultural experiences related to the indigenous Batwa (Pygmy) communities, providing insights into the traditional ways of life of the local people.

Accommodation:

Both countries have a range of accommodation options near the trekking locations, from budget to luxury lodges. However, Rwanda’s emphasis on luxury tourism means it has a higher concentration of premium lodges near Volcanoes National Park.

Ultimately, the choice between Uganda and Rwanda will depend on individual preferences, budget, and desired experiences. Both countries offer unforgettable encounters with the majestic mountain gorillas, and either choice contributes to the conservation of these endangered animals.