Difference Between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Difference Between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Deciding between gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda can be a tough choice for many travelers. Both destinations offer incredible opportunities to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but there are some key differences that may influence your decision.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

One of the most significant differences is the cost of the gorilla trekking permits. In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person per trek, while in Rwanda, it is significantly higher at USD 1,500 per person. Both permits grant you a one-hour experience with the gorillas in their natural environment. In Uganda, trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, it takes place in Volcanoes National Park.

Landscape and Vegetation

The landscapes where gorilla trekking takes place also vary. In Rwanda, gorillas live in the Virunga Mountain ranges, where bamboo forests dominate the vegetation. Meanwhile, in Uganda, gorillas inhabit the lush rainforests of Bwindi, which are rich in a variety of trees and plant species. While some may claim that Rwanda’s bamboo forests make gorilla spotting easier, both countries offer a 99% success rate in gorilla sightings, so you are almost guaranteed an unforgettable experience in either location.

Accessibility

Rwanda has an edge when it comes to accessibility. Volcanoes National Park is only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it a convenient option for travelers with limited time. On the other hand, Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda are about an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe. However, you can reduce travel time by flying into Kigali and driving to Uganda, which takes about 4-5 hours. This allows you to enjoy Uganda’s lower permit costs while saving time on the journey.

Gorilla Families

In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park boasts 16 habituated gorilla families, offering 128 gorilla trekking permits daily. In contrast, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has 12 gorilla families, providing 96 permits per day. This makes it slightly easier to secure a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, especially during peak seasons when demand is high.

Trekking Distances

The distance you’ll need to walk to find gorillas depends on the family assigned to you on the day of your trek. In both Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, the trek can be short, medium, or long, depending on your preferences and fitness level. Park authorities take these factors into account when assigning gorilla families. However, gorillas are wild animals, and their movement can extend the length of your trek, even if a shorter walk was planned.

Accommodation

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury. For high-end travelers, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa, such as Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge. In Uganda, Bwindi offers more budget-friendly options, with lodges ranging from $30 to $100 per night, making it ideal for those looking for affordable safari experiences.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a similarly high chance of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, with a success rate of 98%. Whether you trek in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the overall experience is equally rewarding. However, Uganda offers a unique opportunity with the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas in Bwindi. This experience, priced at $1,500, is ideal for those looking for a more immersive encounter, as opposed to the standard one-hour visit during regular trekking.

Permit Cost of Gorilla Trekking

Uganda offers a more affordable option for gorilla trekking compared to Rwanda. In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for foreign residents
• $75 for East African citizens

In Rwanda, the same permit costs:

• $1,500 for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

While both experiences offer one hour with the gorillas, Uganda’s lower permit prices make it a more budget-friendly option. For the same price as a one-hour trek in Rwanda, you can opt for Uganda’s Gorilla Habituation Experience and spend four hours with the gorillas.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

If you’re looking to save on costs, Uganda is a more budget-friendly option for gorilla trekking. By flying into Kigali and crossing the border to Uganda, you can benefit from the lower permit price of USD 800 while still enjoying a shorter travel time. You can also apply for an East African Visa (USD 100), which allows you to travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya without needing separate visas, adding to the convenience.

How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda starts with securing a gorilla permit. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and cost:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for East African residents
• USD 75 for East African citizens

To book, simply contact us, and we’ll help you check permit availability based on your travel dates. Once availability is confirmed, we’ll tentatively book the permit and send you an invoice for payment. After receiving your payment, we’ll secure your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records.

Since only 288 permits are available each day for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s essential to book at least 3-5 months in advance to avoid missing out.

How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda Cost?

The overall cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda depends on the type of travel experience you’re looking for, whether it’s luxury, mid-range, or budget. The biggest expense is the gorilla trekking permit, but other costs include accommodation and transport.

• Budget accommodation ranges from USD 100 per night
• Mid-range accommodation is around USD 200 per night
• Luxury lodges range from USD 300 to USD 700 per night

For example, a 3-day budget gorilla trekking safari typically costs around USD 1,700 for a solo traveler, or USD 1,250-1,290 per person if sharing with others. This price includes the gorilla permit, accommodation, transport in a 4×4 safari van, an English-speaking guide, and drinking water. Exclusions include tips, visas, flights, and alcoholic drinks.

Best Time for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

Gorilla tracking in Uganda can be done year-round, but the best time to go is during the dry seasons: January to February and June to early September. During these months, travel to the parks is easier, and the forest is less dense, giving you clearer views of the gorillas. However, some travelers prefer the rainy season (March to May and October to November) because the gorillas are easier to find. Since food is more abundant, the gorillas tend to stay in one area, making the trek shorter and less strenuous.

Where to Stay on a Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda

When embarking on a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda, your accommodation options vary depending on the sector you’ll be visiting in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo, you can stay at lodges such as:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

In the northern sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija, accommodations include:

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Ride 4 a Woman
• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

These lodges range from budget to luxury, offering options to suit different traveler preferences and budgets.

How to Get to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

To get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your gorilla tracking safari, the main entry point is Entebbe International Airport. From there, you can either:

• Drive: A 9-10 hour scenic road trip through major Ugandan towns like Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.
• Fly: Take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip for southern Bwindi or Kihihi Airstrip for the northern part. This significantly reduces travel time.
• From Kigali: Alternatively, you can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive to the Ugandan parks through the Cyanika or Katuna border crossings. This route takes about 4-5 hours, making it a popular option for travelers who want to combine Uganda and Rwanda in one trip.

For easy travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, consider applying for the East African Visa, which costs $100 and allows multiple entries between the three countries. If you’re only visiting Uganda, the visa costs $50, while Rwanda charges $30 for a single entry.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in creating personalized and hassle-free gorilla trekking experiences. As a trusted local operator based in Uganda, our team responds to your inquiries within 30 minutes, providing expert guidance on your travel plans. We ensure all services, from permits to accommodation, are booked well in advance, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. With knowledgeable guides fluent in various languages, we aim to deliver a seamless experience tailored to your preferences.

Whether you’re planning a 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day gorilla safari, or want to explore both Uganda and Rwanda, Trek Africa Expeditions is ready to make your dream trip a reality. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.