Uganda’s Best Beers
January 6, 2025
Gorilla Trekking in Africa
January 7, 2025
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: Which Country to Choose?
If you’re considering gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, you’re likely facing a difficult choice. Both countries offer amazing opportunities to see the endangered mountain gorillas but there are a few key differences that might help you decide where to go.
Permit Costs: Uganda vs Rwanda
The main factor for many travelers is the cost of the gorilla trekking permit. In Uganda, the permit costs USD 800 per person, while in Rwanda, the cost is USD 1500. Both permits provide you with a one-hour encounter with the gorillas, so the price difference is substantial.
Gorilla trekking is only offered in a few locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Uganda vs Rwanda: Which Offers the Better Trekking Experience?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are home to mountain gorillas and the trekking experience is quite similar in both countries. The main differences lie in the terrain and vegetation.
- Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is located in the Virunga mountain range and its gorillas are often found in bamboo forests. The landscape here is stunning and offers a unique experience.
- In Uganda, the gorillas are located in the rainforests of Bwindi and Mgahinga, which feature a more diverse range of trees and plants.
In both countries, the chances of seeing gorillas are 99%. The trekking experience is well-organized and regardless of whether you trek in Uganda or Rwanda, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Accessibility: Which Country is Easier to Reach?
A common concern for many travelers is the travel distance to the trekking sites. Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park is conveniently located just 2-3 hours from Kigali, the capital. On the other hand, reaching Bwindi in Uganda typically requires a 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe.
However, there is a solution if you’re traveling to Uganda: Trek Africa Gorillas now offers a route that combines Kigali (Rwanda) and Bwindi (Uganda). This option significantly reduces the travel time to just 4-5 hours by using a cross-border transfer.
Choosing Uganda for gorilla trekking can save you USD 800 per person (compared to Rwanda’s higher permit fee), while still offering a fantastic trekking experience. Plus, with the East African Visa, you can visit both Uganda and Rwanda at an affordable price.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?
The cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda depends on the level of comfort you prefer, from budget to luxury options. The gorilla permit is the biggest expense but there are additional costs based on the type of accommodation and transport.
For example, a 3-Day Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi can cost:
- USD 1700 for a solo traveler
- USD 1290 per person for 2 people sharing
- USD 1270 per person for 3 people sharing
- USD 1250 per person for 4 people sharing
This price includes the gorilla permit, budget accommodation, 4×4 transport, English-speaking driver guide and drinking water. It excludes tips, Uganda Visa, flights and alcoholic drinks.
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we’re here to help you plan and book your gorilla trekking experience. Whether you choose to trek in Uganda or Rwanda, we’ll ensure that your adventure is seamless and unforgettable.
Contact us today to start planning your gorilla trekking safari!
How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Booking a gorilla trekking safari is relatively simple but there are a few key steps:
- Secure Your Gorilla Permit: You can purchase your permit through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or contact us at Trek Africa Gorillas for assistance. The cost of the permit is:
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 700 for East African Residents
- USD 80 for East African Citizens
- Booking Process: Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, let us know and we’ll check availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After confirming availability, we’ll reserve the permit for you. You’ll receive an invoice for payment and once payment is made, we will secure the permit and send you a scanned copy for your records.
- Group Trekking: Gorilla trekking is done in groups of 8 tourists per gorilla family, along with park rangers. There are only 288 permits available per day in Bwindi due to the limited number of habituated gorilla groups. Therefore, it’s recommended to book your permit 3-5 months in advance to secure your spot.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to go is during the drier months, which are typically from January to February and June to early September. During these periods, the weather is more favorable, making it easier to travel to the parks. The dry conditions also mean that the vegetation isn’t as dense, giving you clearer views of the gorillas.
While the dry season is often preferred, the rainy season (usually March to May and October to December) can also be a great time for trekking. Although you might encounter more rain, this period sees an abundance of food for the gorillas, so they tend to stay closer to their feeding grounds. This means you might not need to trek as far to find them.
Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Safari
When planning your gorilla trekking safari, choosing the right accommodation is key to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The accommodation options are spread across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is divided into several sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Here’s a breakdown of where to stay in each area:
- Rushaga Sector: You can stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp.
- Nkuringo Sector: Options include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Resort.
- Buhoma Sector: Choose from Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Ride 4 a Woman.
- Ruhija Sector: Stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge or Broadbill Tented Camp.
How to Get to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla Parks
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your gorilla trekking experience can be done in a few ways:
- By Road: From Entebbe International Airport, it’s about a 9-10 hour drive to the parks, passing through towns like Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale.
- By Air: You can fly directly to Kisoro Airstrip (for southern Bwindi and Mgahinga) or Kihihi Airstrip (for northern Bwindi), with flights from Entebbe.
- Via Rwanda: You can fly into Kigali International Airport and reach Bwindi and Mgahinga in about 4-5 hours by road, crossing the Cyanika or Katuna border. We recommend the East African Visa, which allows entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for just USD 100. This visa is more affordable than buying individual visas for each country. Alternatively, you can opt for single-entry visas: the Rwandan Visa costs USD 30 and the Ugandan Visa costs USD 50.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize memorable gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is highly rated on TripAdvisor and we are dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable adventure.
Our safaris are eco-friendly, combining gorilla trekking with other exciting activities like chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters. We focus on preserving biodiversity, conserving wildlife and supporting local communities.
Additionally, we offer safaris in other iconic African destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia, for an even more diverse and enriching experience.
Contact us today to book your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda and create memories that will last a lifetime!
