Gorilla Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda, which is better

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, which is better.

Deciding between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla treks involves considering key differences like accessibility, cost, and altitude to help you make the best choice for your preferences. However, it’s important to remember that there’s no wrong decision – it all comes down to what suits you best.

Accessibility is a major factor. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is closer to the capital, Kigali, making it more convenient for travelers short on time. Conversely, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires a longer journey from major cities but offers a deeper immersion in the jungle.

Cost is another consideration. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permits tend to be pricier than Uganda’s, though Uganda may balance this with lower accommodation and transport expenses, offering a more economical option for some travelers.

Altitude is also worth noting. Rwanda’s treks often occur at higher altitudes, potentially posing challenges for those sensitive to altitude sickness. Meanwhile, Uganda’s gorilla trekking areas typically have lower altitudes, potentially providing a more comfortable experience for some.

In the end, the choice between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking depends on your priorities and preferences. Both countries provide exceptional opportunities to encounter these incredible animals in their natural habitat, ensuring a memorable experience regardless of your decision.

So you want to go mountain gorilla tracking … awesome idea! We’ve been, and we can tell you that it’s definitely, absolutely, positively worth it.

Standing just a few feet from these gentle giants in their tropical rain forest habitat and seeing them munch on fruit and plants, play together, groom one another, and idly look at the curious bipeds looking at them – these are magical moments that stay with you for a lifetime.

But to get to be in that special place, you first must decide where to go to see them. Do you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Or do you go gorilla trekking in Uganda? And if you go in Uganda, there are actually two gorilla parks, so which should you choose?

Where to see Gorillas in Uganda

In Uganda, one of the prime locations for gorilla trekking is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Situated in the southwestern part of the country, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. Within the park, several habituated gorilla families can be found, offering visitors the chance to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat. The rugged terrain of Bwindi provides a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, with experienced guides leading visitors through lush vegetation and steep slopes in search of gorilla groups.

Another option for gorilla trekking in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains near the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area and is home to a small population of mountain gorillas. Mgahinga’s volcanic landscapes add a unique backdrop to gorilla trekking adventures, with opportunities to explore bamboo forests, crater lakes, and volcanic peaks while tracking gorilla families through the mist-covered mountains.

Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer visitors a chance to witness gorillas in their natural habitat and contribute to conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered animals. Whether you choose to trek through the dense forests of Bwindi or explore the volcanic terrain of Mgahinga, gorilla encounters in Uganda promise to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, leaving visitors with memories to last a lifetime.

Where to see Gorillas in Rwanda

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in the Volcanoes National Park, located in the country’s northwest corner, bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains that is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The park’s lush rainforests and mist-shrouded slopes provide the perfect habitat for these magnificent primates.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the opportunity to embark on guided hikes through the park’s dense vegetation in search of habituated gorilla families. The treks can vary in duration and difficulty, with experienced guides leading small groups of visitors to observe gorillas in their natural habitat. Encounter distances and viewing times are strictly regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and gorillas.

The gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is not just about encountering gorillas; it’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking beauty of Rwanda’s mountainous landscapes and learn about the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered animals. With its stunning scenery and incredible wildlife encounters, Volcanoes National Park offers an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience that leaves visitors with lasting memories of Rwanda’s natural wonders.

What you need to know about the gorilla trekking in both destinations.

Rwanda	Uganda
Gorilla Permit is at $1,500	Gorilla Permit is at $700 (But from July 1^st 2024, they will be at USD 800
Minimum age is 15 years	Minimum Age is 15 years
Has only one Gorilla Park (Volcanoes NP)	Has two parks (Bwindi & Mgahinga NP)
Rwanda has more high end accommodations	You have much more time to spend in Uganda, if you combine Gorillas with other activities. Uganda has much more others to offer.
	Uganda has a number of accommodation options.