Mountain gorilla trekking is remarkably one most thrilling adventures travelers on an African safari. If you are looking to visiting any of these two countries, this is a must-do safari experience.
Regardless of this fact, what leaves majority asking themselves; Rwanda and Uganda which is the best country to visit for gorilla trekking? Is trekking mountain gorillas cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda? Generally, both Rwanda and Uganda offer unique gorilla trekking experiences to visitors on safaris which makes these two countries some of the best outstanding destinations.
This guide is designed to help you understand and choose which destination is best to visit. We have compiled a number of factors to justify why you should consider a particular country for gorilla watching;
Where to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
For new visitors Rwanda gorilla safaris are done in only Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. It is located within a distance of about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali, the major gateway to Rwanda.
In Uganda, gorilla treks are conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are found in Southwestern Uganda, approximately 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala and 3-4 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city.
Number of Mountain Gorillas
Over half of all the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas are concentrated in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This makes Uganda the pearl of Africa an exceptional gorilla safari destination that is worth exploring. Rwanda shares the remaining population of mountain gorillas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Number of habituated gorilla families
In Uganda, gorilla safaris are conducted in anyone of the 18 habituated gorilla groups set for tourism purposes in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla treks are only possible in anyone of the 4 major trekking areas; Ruhija region in the East, Nkuringo in the South, Rushaga in the South and Buhoma region in the North. Interestingly, each of these gorilla trekking regions feature habituated families and only one is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla families to visit while in Uganda include Mubare, Mukiza, Kutu, Bikingi, Christmas, Hirwa which migrated from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Busingye, Kyaguriro, Bushaho, Bitukura, Katwe, Mucunguzi, Mishaya, Oruzogo, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, Rwingi, Bweza and Nyakagezi.
In Rwanda, the available habituated gorilla families for visitors on Rwanda gorilla trekking safari to explore include Umubano, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Susa A, Susa B (Karisimbi), Agashya (Group 13), Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Bwenge and Ugenda gorilla group.
Gorilla trekking permit prices
Uganda has positioned herself as affordable gorilla safari destination with permits costing $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and the East African citizens need UGX 250,000 (about US$70). However, these prices are effective up to 30th June 2020 and from 1st July, 2020-2022, you will need $700 to book Uganda gorilla permit as foreign non-residents and $600 for foreign residents. Secure you permit through our reservation team or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Rwanda on the other has positioned herself as a high-end destination with gorilla permits obtainable at $1500 for all visitors. Contact our reservation team for any need to reserve Rwanda gorilla permit or do so directly with Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Other experiences
In both Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla safaris aren’t only about viewing the endangered mountain gorillas but for you to also explore and experience a lot more. A packaged safari also lets you to trek golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda and Volcanoes National Park. Other highlights of the trip include chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve; in Rwanda in Nyungwe Forest National Park or Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Gorilla watching experience in Uganda involves you striking your imaginations with the rare tree climbing lions at Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park which you won’t experience in Rwanda.
Where to stay
What makes a gorilla safari trip memorable is availability of accommodation alternatives. Uganda is known for its numerous gorilla lodges and they include Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, (Luxury); Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Silverback Lodge Bwindi, Gorilla Mist Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Engagi Lodge Bwindi, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp (Mid-range); Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bwindi View Bandas (Budget). Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has accommodation alternatives like Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury), Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mucha Hotel Kisoro (Mid-range), Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp (Budget).
Volcanoes National Park has fewer lodges, ranging from budget to luxury and they include Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury); Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi Guesthouse, Villa Gorilla (Budget); Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel, Best View Hotel, La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range).
How to Get There
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two parks where gorilla trekking safaris are conducted. These parks are situated in Southwestern Uganda.
To get to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park is possible by road or by air. By road your journey may depend on the route you take and preferably a 4×4 drive safari car is the best to use for you to navigate through the remote route to these parks. Traveling to Bwindi and Mgahinga may cover 9-10 hours when driving from Kampala and from Kigali through Katuna or Chanika border about 3-4 hours. Or take flight services starting from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip where you can easily drive to the park of your choice.
Volcanoes National Park is only 2-3 hours from Kigali capital city. This park is set in the Northern Province of Rwanda and its close proximity to Kigali capital city makes it the most accessible gorilla destination in Africa.
