Best Place to track Gorillas – Uganda or Rwanda?

A lot of our clients have asked the question “where is the best place to track Gorillas – Uganda or Rwanda?”. In today’s article, we will thoroughly discuss Both Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, just so you can know what to expect from each destination and by the end of your read, we hope you will have decided on where to go for your gorilla trekking Holiday – Uganda or Rwanda.

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Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda & Uganda 

 

With the intention to focus on high value, low volume tourism, Rwanda did increase its gorilla permit Price from 750 to USD1,500 person. There were concerns raised at the time that this meant that only the rich & wealthy visitors would consider tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Uganda on the other hand only increased its permits from $600 to $700 per person a move that has seen Uganda benefit from Rwanda’s decision. With Rwanda Permit price and fewer habituated Gorilla families to track, reserving gorilla permits has been and continues to be difficult compared to permit availability in Bwindi or Mgahinga. With the opportunity to do two (02) gorilla treks in Uganda for less than the price of one (01) gorilla permit in Rwanda, it is certainly worth for the budget-conscious travellers to consider trekking gorillas in Uganda other than in Rwanda.

Nature of Trek Best Place to track Gorillas

Although dubbed physically demanding, we like to think that anyone can trek mountain gorillas. The first thing to point out is that for those who perhaps have mobility issues but don’t want to miss out on the experience, both Uganda and Rwanda have a custom-made ‘gorilla sedan chair’ which can be hired for guests to be carried straight into the forest by local porters.

Our consultants have each tracked mountain gorillas in both Rwanda & Uganda and found that the gorilla trekking in Rwanda feels easier. There are certainly more gentle treks available in Rwanda (although it’s worth bearing in mind that you are at higher altitude here which carries its own effects) and for older guests or those who are less active, it would be our top recommendation to choose Rwanda over Uganda.

While Uganda is certainly trickier and tends to involve more hiking and a longer trek, it is still a great option for those with a reasonable level of fitness, and beyond. Regardless of which country you choose, it is worth taking the time to prepare for the trek and discussing tips with your travel consultant so that you feel fully-prepared and know exactly what to expect. (See: A complete guide to Gorilla Trekking)

Where to stay Best Place to track Gorillas

Both Rwanda and Uganda have some fantastic options when it comes to where to stay, but there are more upmarket/luxurious properties in Rwanda that offer true luxury to the traveller with a big budget. These high-end lodges include Bisate, Kwitonda Lodge,  Volcanoes Virunga Lodge all of which are fantastic options for those looking for a luxurious stay.

Uganda’s accommodation generally tends to come at a lower price compared to Rwanda, but there are still fabulous upmarket options here too Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Buhoma Lodge being among our favourites.

Accessibility

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an easy three-hour drive from the capital Kigali on well-maintained tar roads and this is the easiest option for a quick add-on (it is also possible to fly in by helicopter from Kigali). Depending on your international flights you may need a night in Kigali either on arrival or departure. For one gorilla trek, you can get away with two nights at a lodge, while for two treks we would recommend three nights.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is not as accessible, requiring a light aircraft flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi followed by a 2-hours road transfer on dirt roads of varying condition (unless gorillas are part of a longer Uganda itinerary where you can avoid the flight). Regardless, we would recommend the two night for one gorilla trek or three nights if doing a double trek. Beside Gorilla trekking, Bwindi has the advantage of having quite a list of things to see & do.

What more to Add to my Gorilla Trek Best Place to track Gorillas

Many choose to add to their gorilla trek a more extensive safari tour and there are so many options for what to do.

Rwanda has more limited options in-country but adding  Akagera National Park to your trip is worth considering. It’s the only Park in Rwanda where you will have the opportunity to see the big five. Choosing to stay at the newly opened Magashi Camp will definitely add flavour to your Rwanda holiday.

Unlike Rwanda, Uganda has more to offer. Adding Murchison Falls National Park, tracking tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or going in search of our closest cousins – chimpanzees – in Kibale Forest National Park  or even spending a couple of nights in the remote Kidepo Valley National Park

For those looking for a more concentrated safari experience, it’s worth combining gorilla trekking in either Rwanda or Uganda with a neighbouring country. Tanzania works well in combination with Rwanda thanks to a direct flight between Kigali and the Serengeti and will allow guests the chance to combine gorilla trekking with a traditional safari experience and if they time it right, another wildlife spectacle – the Great Migration.

Uganda doesn’t have as good direct connections, but it is easy enough to combine with Kenya and specifically the Maasai Mara with a logistical overnight in either Entebbe or Nairobi for a high impact and great value trip.