Uganda or Rwanda: Which is Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience that offers the opportunity for travellers to see majestic mountain gorillas close to their natural environment. Both Uganda and Rwanda are great destinations for this experience, but there are differences. This guide helps you decide between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, comparing accessibility, price, group size, and overall experience to help you choose what’s best for you.

Comparing Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking

Group Size

Gorilla trekking groups in Uganda and Rwanda are limited to eight visitors per gorilla group per day. This provides a more personal experience while limiting humans’ impact on the gorillas and their surroundings.

Ease of Seeing Gorillas

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a comparatively easier place to trek than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Rwanda, bamboo forests make for better visibility and easier paths. Uganda gorilla trekking, on the other hand, is relatively more strenuous, as the vegetation in Bwindi is denser and the terrain more rugged. In fact, Bwindi means impenetrable forest in the local Runyakitara language! If you are looking for a more rugged but immersive experience in the jungle, Uganda is where to go.

Accessibility: The Challenge of Reaching the Gorillas

Rwanda is the more accessible choice for international travellers. Kigali International Airport has good connections to major cities, and the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park only takes 2-3 hours.

By comparison, getting to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes longer. If you are flying into Entebbe International Airport, it is an 8-10 hour drive from there to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It is possible to fly to Bwindi but that might mean an overnight stay at Entebbe. If time is a consideration, Rwanda is a more accessible destination for gorilla trekking tours.

Cost: Uganda v/s Rwanda. How Do They Stack Up

Rwanda is the more expensive of the two destinations. A gorilla trekking permit goes for $1,500 in Rwanda, while a Ugandan permit costs $800. Rwanda also has a wider range of accommodation options that include luxury hotels. In general, therefore, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is more expensive than in Uganda.

When Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?

The dry seasons in Rwanda and Uganda, June to September and December to February, are the best times to go gorilla trekking. Trekking is easier during these months, as trails are less muddy and easier to navigate. That said, gorilla trekking is offered year-round, and going in the rainy season can mean fewer visitors and lower prices on hotel rooms.

Type of accommodation: High-end vs. Low price

Rwanda has more variety in terms of luxury accommodation than Uganda does. With an abundance of premium accommodations, Rwanda delivers both comfort and convenience for travellers seeking the ultimate experience.

There are a few luxury options in Uganda too, and you can find plenty of comfortable, well-equipped lodges at which to stay. In the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the accommodations cater to a range of budgets, from economy lodges to mid-range accommodations. Rwanda gives you a more luxurious experience, but Uganda does not compromise on the wildlife experience.

Conclusion

Both Uganda and Rwanda have excellent gorilla trekking tours, and your choice while booking with The Bucket List Travel Company will depend on how much you want to spend, your level of fitness, and the style of travel that suits you. If you are strapped for time and desire a more straightforward hike with luxury lodgings, stick with Rwanda. But if you are seeking an experience at a lower price but a similar wildlife experience, Uganda is the clear winner.

If you want a truly unforgettable experience, book a safari with The Bucket List Travel Company, a reputable provider of guided gorilla trekking tours in both Rwanda and Uganda. Whether you opt for the dense jungles of Uganda or the picturesque bamboo forests in Rwanda, this experience will surely be a highlight of your travels.