Planning a Gorilla Trekking Combo in Uganda and Rwanda for First-Timers

Planning a Gorilla Trekking Combo in Uganda and Rwanda for First-Timers

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is an exciting and unforgettable experience for first-time visitors. These two countries are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offering visitors a chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. If you’re planning to visit both nations for gorilla trekking, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you get the most out of your trip. Below, we’ve outlined why some travelers prefer a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking combo and essential things to consider while planning your adventure.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

While the gorilla trekking experience is quite similar in both Uganda and Rwanda, many travelers opt to visit both countries for the unique benefits each offers. Here’s why:

1. Comparing the Trekking Experience: Though the experience of seeing mountain gorillas is similar, each destination offers something slightly different. Some travelers enjoy comparing the trekking conditions, the landscapes and the overall experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
2. Maximizing the African Adventure: For many visitors traveling from far-reaching places like the USA, Europe, Asia or Australia, a gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Combining Uganda and Rwanda allows them to get the most out of their time in Africa and make the journey even more memorable by visiting two of the world’s top gorilla trekking destinations.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Before planning your trek, it’s important to know where the gorillas reside in each country:

• Uganda: Mountain gorillas can be found in two national parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas and offers a greater variety of trekking options with over 19 habituated gorilla families. Mgahinga, located in the Virunga Mountains, has only one habituated gorilla family but it offers a unique experience with treks that take you through stunning landscapes.
• Rwanda: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the country’s only home for mountain gorillas. The park has about 20 gorilla families, 10 of which are available for trekking, while the rest are reserved for research purposes. Volcanoes is also one of the most accessible parks for gorilla trekking, located just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali.

How to Combine Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks

If you’re considering combining Uganda and Rwanda for your gorilla trekking experience, the most common and accessible combination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Here are some important things to consider:

1. Gorilla Permit Costs: The cost of gorilla permits differs between Uganda and Rwanda. In Rwanda, a permit costs USD 1,500, while in Uganda, it is USD 700. This price difference might affect your decision, depending on your budget.
2. Trekking Regions in Bwindi: Bwindi is divided into four trekking regions: Buhoma (northwest), Ruhija (east), Nkuringo (southwest) and Rushaga (south). Your gorilla permit determines which region you will trek in, so it’s important to secure your permits first to guide the rest of your travel arrangements.
3. Travel Logistics: Traveling between the two countries involves either a long drive or a short flight. The border between Uganda and Rwanda is accessible by road (around 2-3 hours), making it easier to combine visits to both parks. However, with the current travel restrictions, it’s important to check border access and entry requirements.
4. Best Itinerary: Trek Africa Gorillas can help create an itinerary that combines both countries, taking into account travel times, permits and accommodation. It’s advisable to book your permits in advance, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak trekking seasons.

National Parks for Gorilla Trekking in Detail

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Accessing Bwindi: From Entebbe International Airport, you can either take a domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip or drive to Bwindi, which takes about 9-10 hours by road.
• Trekking Regions: Depending on where you choose to trek, Bwindi offers distinct experiences. The Buhoma and Ruhija sectors are located in the northern and eastern parts of the park, while Rushaga and Nkuringo are in the south.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s gorilla parks, located in the Virunga Mountain range. It only has one habituated gorilla family for trekking, making it more exclusive. The park is only a short drive from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, making it a great option for those combining the two countries.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking. It has 10 gorilla families available for trekking and it’s accessible by road in just 2-3 hours from Kigali. This ease of access makes it a favorite for many visitors combining Uganda and Rwanda on their gorilla trekking adventure.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

• Gorilla Trekking Difficulty: Gorilla trekking is physically demanding and the terrain can be challenging. Be prepared for muddy trails, steep climbs and unpredictable weather. Both Uganda and Rwanda offer an amazing experience but the trekking conditions in Bwindi can be more strenuous due to the steep and dense forest.
• Time and Budget: A combined Uganda and Rwanda trek allows you to see gorillas in two countries but requires careful planning. Factor in the cost of permits, transportation, accommodation and other logistics. The cost can add up quickly, so it’s important to plan your budget accordingly.
• Accommodation: Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury. In Uganda, you’ll find lodges and camps near Bwindi and Mgahinga, while Rwanda offers several high-end options near Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla Permit Booking Guide

When planning a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and Rwanda, securing your gorilla permits is the first essential step. These permits are not only the highlight of your budget but also the key to an unforgettable wildlife experience. Here’s everything you need to know about booking your gorilla permits and planning your trek across both countries.

Permit Costs in Uganda and Rwanda

• Uganda: A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for non-residents and $700 for foreign residents with a work permit.
• Rwanda: A gorilla permit in Rwanda is priced at $1500 for non-residents.

These permits allow you to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The fee also covers park entry, the services of a ranger guide and a certificate to commemorate your trek.

Booking Through a Local Tour Operator

Because gorilla trekking is such a sought-after activity, we highly recommend booking your permits through a trusted local tour operator. Doing so well in advance (at least a year) ensures you have a smooth and stress-free experience. A local tour operator will also design an itinerary tailored to your needs, factoring in transport, flights, COVID-19 protocols and the best times to visit Uganda and Rwanda.

Trek Africa Gorillas has years of experience in organizing memorable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure.

How to Travel Between Uganda and Rwanda

While Uganda and Rwanda are close in proximity, getting from one country to the other can be tricky, especially with the ongoing border closures. If you’re in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, crossing into Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda used to be straightforward, taking about 1-2 hours via the Chanika border. However, with the land borders currently closed, the easiest way to combine both countries is to fly between Uganda and Rwanda.

You can fly into Uganda, enjoy a gorilla trek in Bwindi and then fly from Uganda to Rwanda to explore Volcanoes National Park. While this flight option is currently the most convenient, we’re hopeful that the borders will reopen soon, allowing for seamless road travel between the two countries.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Uganda and Rwanda both experience two main seasons: wet and dry. Most travelers prefer visiting during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is the best time for easier trekking as there’s less rainfall, making the muddy trails more manageable.

However, gorilla trekking is an activity that takes place year-round and the chances of spotting gorillas in both countries are above 98%. If you’re looking for discounts, the rainy season (from March to May and October to November) might be the perfect time for you to secure more affordable permits and accommodation.

Accommodation Options Near Trekking Parks

Accommodation is available to suit all budgets, whether you’re seeking a luxury experience or a more affordable option. Depending on your itinerary, you might need accommodation in Kigali (Rwanda) and Entebbe (Uganda), in addition to your stay near the gorilla trekking parks. Trek Africa Gorillas can recommend the best options, from budget lodges to high-end hotels in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Visa Requirements for Gorilla Trekking Tours

For your trip, you’ll need a visa to enter both Uganda and Rwanda. Fortunately, both countries offer online visa applications, so be sure to apply at least two weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress. If you’re planning to visit Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, an East Africa Visa can be a convenient option.

Trek Africa Gorillas can assist with your visa application process and provide necessary documents like invitation letters, which are now required for visa applications.

Should You Plan It Yourself or Hire a Tour Operator?

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in two countries requires attention to detail—choosing the best route, understanding what to pack and managing logistics between parks. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s best to leave it to the experts.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we have extensive experience organizing seamless gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Send us an email at info@trekafricagorillas.com and let us handle the details while you focus on the adventure of a lifetime.