Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda: Which Destination is Right for You?

Choosing between gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda can be a tough decision for many travelers. Both countries offer incredible opportunities to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat but there are key differences to consider when booking your trip. The most significant factor is the price.

• In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person.
• In Rwanda, the permit is priced at USD 1500 per person.

Both permits provide you with the chance to spend one unforgettable hour with the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Other destinations for gorilla trekking include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Comparing the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda and Rwanda

When it comes to the actual trekking experience, both Uganda and Rwanda have mountain gorillas and the chance of encountering these incredible creatures is 99% in both locations. The real difference lies in the terrain and vegetation:

• Rwanda’s gorillas live in the Virunga Ranges, where the terrain is primarily bamboo forests.
• Uganda’s gorillas are found in lush rainforests with a wide variety of trees and plant life.

While some believe that Rwanda’s gorillas are easier to spot due to the less dense vegetation, both countries offer a well-organized and memorable trekking experience. So, whether you choose Uganda or Rwanda, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable encounter with the gorillas.

Travel Logistics: Getting to the Parks in Rwanda and Uganda

One of the key factors influencing your choice might be the location of the parks and the time it takes to get there.

• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, the capital city.
• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe.

However, we now offer tours that travel from Kigali (Rwanda) to Bwindi (Uganda), cutting down the drive to only 4-5 hours. This means you can enjoy the affordable USD 800 permit in Uganda while still benefiting from the convenience of flying into Kigali. With the East African Visa, you can easily visit both countries during your safari and save up to USD 800 compared to booking in Rwanda.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda starts with securing a gorilla permit, which can only be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

• The permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for East African residents and USD 80 for East African citizens.

Once you’ve selected your travel dates, we’ll help you confirm the availability of permits and secure your booking. We recommend booking at least 3-5 months in advance to ensure you don’t miss out, as only 288 permits are available per day in Bwindi.

After purchasing the permit, we will send you a scanned copy for your records and we’ll handle all the details for you, including transport and accommodation.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Costs: What to Expect

The overall cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda depends on your preferred travel style and the length of your trip. Here’s a breakdown:

• Gorilla Trekking Permit:
  • USD 800 (Foreign Non-Residents)
  • USD 700 (East African Residents)
  • USD 80 (East African Citizens)
• Accommodation:
  • Budget: USD 100 per night
  • Mid-range: USD 200 per night
  • Luxury: USD 300 – USD 700 per night
• Transport: We provide 4×4 safari vans with an English-speaking driver-guide.

A typical 3-day gorilla trekking safari (budget option) costs:

• Solo traveler: USD 1600
• 2 people sharing: USD 1190 per person
• 3 people sharing: USD 1170 per person
• 4 people sharing: USD 1150 per person

This includes the gorilla trekking permit, accommodation, transport and drinking water. It excludes tips, visas, flights and alcoholic beverages.

Feel free to contact us for more information and to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda!

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a year-round activity, thanks to the well-organized tours at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. However, the best time to embark on your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is during the drier months, from January, February and June to early September. These months offer more favorable weather conditions, making it easier to travel to the park and enjoy a clearer view of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

While the dry season is popular, some travelers prefer to trek during the rainy season (from March to May and October to December). The rain nourishes the forest, making more food available for the gorillas, which tend to stay closer to their homes, making it easier for trekkers to spot them with shorter walks.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Safari in Uganda

When it comes to accommodation for your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, there are options near the park’s different trekking sectors:

• Rushaga Sector (southern part):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Nsongi Camp
  • Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Karungi Camp
• Nkuringo Sector (southern part):
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• Buhoma Sector (northern part):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
  • Ride 4 a Woman
• Ruhija Sector (northern part):
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Agandi Eco Lodge
  • Gift of Nature Lodge
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Broadbill Tented Camp

All of these lodges are conveniently located near the starting points of your gorilla trek, offering comfort and easy access to the park’s entry points.

How to Reach Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

You can reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by flying into Entebbe International Airport and traveling to southwestern Uganda. The journey by road takes approximately 9-10 hours, passing through towns like Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale.

Alternatively, you can fly directly to the parks by taking a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip (for the southern part of Bwindi and Mgahinga) or Kihihi Airstrip (for the northern part of Bwindi).

If you’re flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, you can also cross the border into Uganda via Cyanika or Katuna Border, which takes about 4-5 hours depending on the border crossing time.

We recommend getting the East African Visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The East African Visa costs USD 100, making it more cost-effective than buying separate visas. You can obtain this visa at the airport or online. Alternatively, single-entry visas are available: Uganda Visa costs USD 50 and Rwanda Visa costs USD 30.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize incredible gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. With our expertise and high ratings on TripAdvisor, we offer personalized tours that combine gorilla trekking with other unforgettable African experiences.

We focus on eco-friendly travel, supporting wildlife conservation and uplifting local communities. Beyond gorilla trekking, we offer a wide range of adventure activities, including:

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Big 5 safaris and game viewing
• Mountain hiking
• Boat cruise excursions
• Cultural experiences

We are dedicated to helping you explore Africa’s beauty through sustainable tourism and high-quality safari experiences. Whether you’re interested in visiting Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana or Namibia, we’ve got you covered for your entire African adventure.

Contact us today to book your gorilla trekking safari and let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime!