Uganda vs Rwanda – Which Is Best for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking – Uganda and Rwanda are the main destinations for gorilla trekking, as they have the highest number of mountain gorillas compared to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, while in Rwanda, it takes place in Volcanoes National Park.

Choosing the best destination for your trek depends on your preferences and travel style, but both countries offer close encounters with mountain gorillas.

When considering the price of gorilla permits, Uganda is more affordable than Rwanda. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.

In Rwanda, a permit costs USD 1500 for foreign non-residents and USD 500 for East African citizens. This makes Uganda a better option for travelers seeking a budget-friendly experience.

In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is closer to Kigali International Airport, taking about two hours to reach the park.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in southwestern Uganda and takes about 8 to 10 hours by road from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala.

This makes Rwanda a better choice for those who prefer a shorter travel time.

In terms of trekking experience, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has less steep and muddy trails, making trekking easier. Uganda’s Bwindi has thick forests with steeper and muddier trails, requiring more physical effort.

This means those looking for an easier trek may choose Rwanda, while experienced hikers may prefer Uganda.

In terms of luxury accommodation, Rwanda has a more developed tourism sector with many high-end lodges near Volcanoes National Park. Uganda offers more budget and mid-range options, with fewer luxury lodges.

This makes Rwanda better for travelers seeking luxury, while Uganda is ideal for those looking for budget-friendly options.

In terms of wildlife, Uganda offers more opportunities to see other animals like the Big Five in parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, while in Rwanda, gorilla trekking is the main activity.

In terms of time spent with gorillas, both Uganda and Rwanda allow tourists to spend one hour observing gorillas during the trek.

However, Uganda’s Bwindi offers gorilla habituation, allowing tourists to spend about four hours with the gorillas.

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