Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs. Congo

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs. Congo: A Comprehensive Comparison

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs. Congo — Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa? If you’re considering a trip to see the mountain gorillas, you’ll be choosing between three countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. These countries are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world. In Congo, you can also experience Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking at Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Gorilla trekking is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences, and each country offers a unique adventure. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in Uganda vs. Congo when planning your trek.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits: Uganda vs. Congo

When it comes to the cost of gorilla trekking permits, Congo offers the most affordable option, while Rwanda is generally more expensive.

• Uganda: The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents, and $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This allows you to spend an unforgettable one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
• Rwanda: The cost of a gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park is significantly higher at $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. You also get a one-hour encounter with the gorillas.
• Congo: A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person during the high season (mid-December to mid-March, and June to October) and $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May, and mid-October to mid-December). If you’re interested in trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the prices are the same: $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for Congolese citizens.

While Congo offers the cheapest permits, the experience is often the same across all three countries, with a one-hour trek and encounter with the gorillas.

Accessibility: Rwanda vs. Uganda vs. Congo

Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park is often considered the most accessible for tourists. It’s only about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali—perfect for those with limited time. Plus, Rwanda’s proximity to Uganda makes it easy to combine both destinations in one trip. You can land in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa, and drive 4-5 hours to Bwindi to trek gorillas at an affordable price. This is especially convenient since the journey from Kigali to Bwindi is much shorter than the 9-10 hours from Entebbe to Bwindi.

Congo, on the other hand, is more challenging to reach due to its location and infrastructure. Travel to Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park is more time-consuming, with longer drives and less frequent flights.

Lodging Options: Uganda vs. Rwanda vs. Congo

All three countries offer a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury, but there are notable differences:

• Rwanda: If you’re looking for top-notch luxury, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is your best bet. Lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge offer five-star experiences with international standards. These lodges rank among the best in Africa.
• Uganda and Congo: For more budget-friendly options, Uganda and Congo provide a wider selection. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers great mid-range and budget accommodation, with options ranging from $50 to $100 per night, making it more accessible for travelers on a budget. Congo also offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets, with affordable options that let you focus on the adventure.

Gorilla Families: Uganda vs. Rwanda vs. Congo

One of the biggest differences when choosing between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is the number of gorilla families available for trekking:

• Uganda: Bwindi boasts 20 habituated gorilla families, meaning there are 160 permits available daily. This makes it easier to secure a permit, especially during peak seasons.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated gorilla families, offering 96 permits each day.
• Congo: Virunga National Park has 8 gorilla families, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park has 2 families, totaling just 10 families. This means fewer permits are available, and trekking opportunities can be more limited.

The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience: Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo?

The truth is, Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo all provide remarkable trekking experiences, and there is no significant difference in the overall encounter. However, each destination has its own appeal:

• Uganda offers a unique experience with the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This special opportunity, available only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, lets you spend up to 4 hours with the semi-habituated mountain gorillas. The Gorilla Habituation Permit costs $1500 per person and allows you to interact with the gorillas under the guidance of expert trackers and researchers, giving you a deeper, more immersive experience than the typical 1-hour trek.
• Congo offers an equally unique experience, especially for those interested in seeing Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. While Congo does not offer a similar habituation experience, it is one of the best places in the world to observe these rare gorillas.

Regardless of where you go, the chances of seeing the gorillas are extremely high, with a 98% success rate in all three countries.

Trekking Distances: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

When it comes to distance during your trek, it largely depends on the gorilla family assigned to you for the day. In all three countries, gorilla families are allocated based on individual preferences such as fitness level and interest.

• If you prefer a shorter trek, simply inform the park authorities at the beginning of your trek, and they will try to assign you a family that requires less walking.
• For a medium or longer trek, let the park authorities know your preference, and they will do their best to accommodate you.

It’s important to note that while you may be allocated a family that requires a shorter walk, the behavior of the gorillas can sometimes change unexpectedly. For example, if the gorillas decide to move further into the forest, you may end up walking a longer distance than initially planned.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking: Uganda vs. Congo vs. Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo can be done year-round. However, some months are more favorable than others due to weather conditions:

• Best months: June to August and December to February are considered the best times to trek, as these months receive the least rainfall, making the forest less slippery and easier to navigate.
• Rainy season: March to May and November tend to have higher rainfall, which can make the trekking conditions more challenging. However, if you plan to travel during these months, you may find discounts on accommodations, which could be an advantage for budget-conscious travelers.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we take pride in creating customized safari experiences for our clients. Our professional and trustworthy team is dedicated to answering your queries promptly—within 30 minutes—and ensuring that all your services are booked in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Here’s why you should choose Excursia Adventures for your gorilla trekking adventure:

• Tailored itineraries: We personalize each safari to meet your preferences and needs.
• Expert team: Our team of experienced consultants will craft the perfect travel plan for you, providing detailed information and advice.
• Convenient bookings: We handle everything for you, from permits to accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying your trek.

Whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, Excursia Adventures ensures that your experience will be seamless and unforgettable.

Contact us today for more information about gorilla trekking in Uganda compared to Congo, and let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!