Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Compared to Rwanda and Congo

Planning a trip to Africa for gorilla trekking? It’s one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the world, and it’s only available in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These three countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas, with four national parks offering the chance to see these incredible creatures in the wild. In Congo, you can also experience trekking to see the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Despite the costs and physical demands of trekking, the reward of observing these endangered apes in their natural habitat makes the experience unforgettable. While all three countries offer similar experiences in terms of time spent with the gorillas, there are key differences to consider when choosing where to go.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits

When comparing the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, Congo emerges as the most affordable option. The differences in permit prices reflect each country’s tourism policies. Rwanda promotes itself as a luxury destination, Uganda markets itself as affordable, and Congo, following years of regional turmoil, is working to attract more travelers by offering lower prices.

• Uganda: A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and $75 (UGX 300,000) for East African citizens. This permits you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
• Rwanda: A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. This also allows for a one-hour encounter with the gorillas.
• Congo: In Virunga National Park, permits are $400 during high season (mid-December to mid-March, and June to October), and $200 in the low season (mid-March to mid-May, and mid-October to mid-December). In Kahuzi Biega National Park, permits cost $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national citizens. The same prices apply for lowland gorilla trekking in Congo.

Accessibility

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible option, located just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali. This proximity makes it possible to trek gorillas in a single day. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, on the other hand, is traditionally a 9-10 hour drive from Entebbe International Airport, but a new option allows travelers to reach Bwindi from Kigali in just 4-5 hours, making the journey much shorter. Using the East African Tourist Visa, which allows travel between Uganda and Rwanda, you can land in Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda for a more affordable price. In fact, some Rwandan tour operators are now offering gorilla tours in Bwindi because of its cost benefits.

Accommodation Options

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. However, for those looking for ultra-luxury lodges, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the top choice. Lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge are renowned for their world-class services and are among the best in Africa.

If you’re seeking a budget-friendly experience, Uganda and Congo are more suitable. In Uganda, accommodation options in Bwindi range from $30 to $100, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save without sacrificing the incredible experience of trekking.

Gorilla Families in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo: A Comparison

When it comes to gorilla families available for trekking, Uganda has a significant advantage over Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda boasts 20 habituated gorilla family groups, allowing for 160 gorilla permits to be issued each day. In contrast, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has 12 gorilla families, making 96 permits available daily. Congo has 10 gorilla families across two parks: 8 in Virunga National Park and 2 in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This makes it easier to secure gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, especially during peak seasons.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, the experience of gorilla trekking is remarkably similar. With a 98% chance of seeing gorillas in any of these countries, you are almost guaranteed an incredible encounter with these magnificent creatures.

However, Uganda offers a unique experience through the Gorilla Habituation Experience, exclusive to Bwindi Forest. With a habituation permit costing $1,500 per person, you can spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers. This extended time is a special alternative to the standard one-hour trek. Meanwhile, Congo offers the rare chance to see Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, which sets it apart from Uganda and Rwanda.

Trekking Distances and Physical Requirements

The length of your trek to see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo varies depending on the specific gorilla family you’re assigned. Whether your trek is short, medium, or long depends on your physical fitness and preferences, which you can inform park authorities of on the day of your trek. While shorter treks can be requested, gorilla movement on the day of trekking may still require you to walk further if the gorillas move deeper into the forest. The same flexibility applies in all three countries.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, but the best time to trek is during the drier months of June to August and December to February, when there is less rainfall and the forest trails are less slippery. If you’re planning to travel during the rainy seasons of March to May or November, you may encounter more rain, but this period often comes with discounted accommodation rates.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating tailor-made safaris that cater to your preferences. Our team is dedicated, responsive, and highly professional. You’ll receive answers to your inquiries within 30 minutes, and our consultants will design a personalized travel plan, address all your questions, and ensure all services are booked in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Feel free to contact us today for more information or to book your gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo!