Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda

Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda

Mountain Gorilla trekking is one in only in three countries across the world those are Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo. However, the two most popular countries for Gorilla trekking are Uganda and Rwanda. These two countries are neighbors but charge different Gorilla permit fees and this has created questions among the travelers. Many have gone ahead to compare the Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda. Rwanda Gorilla permit costs 1500usd while Uganda Gorilla permit costs 700usd. Due to the variation in the prices yet the Gorilla trekking process remains the same.  Mountain Gorilla trekking one of the most unique experience of the juggle that most travelers come to enjoy. It’s regarded as life time wildlife experience in Africa alongside wildebeest migration of Serengeti national park and Masai Mara national reserve.

Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda give the guests the same Gorilla experience however much the costs of doing two safaris differ. In this article we give detailed information that answers different tourist questions like: What is the best Gorilla trekking country? Uganda and Rwanda which is the best gorilla trekking country? What is the difference between Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda? And many others that compare the two Gorilla trekking countries. The fact is Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or Democratic republic of Congo are all the same. This year one of the Rwanda Gorilla group crossed to Uganda. Gorilla trekking experience in both countries are the same the small difference is the terrain of the trekking. Another difference that is notable when comparing Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda is driving distance of the park from the international airport. It takes only 2 hours drive from Kigali international airport to Volcanoes national park. While for Uganda it takes 9 hours drive from Entebbe international airport to Bwindi impenetrable park or Mgahinga Gorilla Park. This difference in distance sometimes makes guests to consider doing Gorilla trekking in Rwanda than Uganda.

To compare Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda one has to consider various factors before getting the conclusion. This will help one to take the  best choice that will make their dream come true.  Below are the highlights of Gorilla trekking Rwanda vs Uganda:

Gorilla trekking permits

One of the most determinant factor that makes a difference between Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the Gorilla trekking permit. Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit costs 1500usd. This is why Rwanda Gorilla trekking is considered luxury destination. On the other hand, Uganda Gorilla permit costs 700usd. This is twice cheaper than the Rwanda Gorilla permits. When considering budget Gorilla trekking then Uganda will be the best alternative enjoying luxury Gorilla experience at the affordable costs. One can do Uganda Gorilla habituation experience at 1500usd where the guests are allowed to take four hours with the Gorillas. Sometimes availability of the Gorilla permits also determines, the price might be costy but if there are no Gorilla permits available in Uganda the guest will not have any choice but to go for Rwanda

Accessibility of the parks for Gorilla trekking.

Besides the costs of the Gorilla permit, guests also consider the time they take enroute to reach to the Gorilla trekking point. For instance if one jets to Uganda for gorilla trekking, it takes 9 hours drive from Entebbe international airport. However one can opt for the flight safaris with domestic flights available to Bwindi from Enetebbe or Kajjasi. One can also do Uganda Gorilla trekking from Kigali taking only 4 hours drive to Bwindi. On the other hand it only takes 2 hours drive from Kigali to Volcanoes national park. This little time makes the guests to consider distance rather than money hence opting for Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris. Balancing time and money is a hard decision but availability of one or both makes it easy for one to take the decision.

Gorilla trekking experience

Uganda gorilla trekking is done in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done only in Volcanoes national park. The trek in both countries starts from 7:30 am with briefing by the park rangers before guests are subdivided in to the groups of 8 people. The trekking takes from 1 hour to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. In Rwanda there are some gorilla families that are very near and easily tracked with less physical fitness required. They also have gorilla families like karisimbi that are found up on the slopes of Mt Karisimbi making it hard for the guests to access with low physical fitness.

Photography and viewing

To the best of my knowledge, a successful gorilla trekking safari is the one where the guest have clear view of the gorillas for the specified time. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is more natural unique with a thick forest compared to the bamboo forest of volcanoes national park. Viewing Gorillas in bwindi is more realistic and you have a good photography time. You will take clear pictures at close range compared to Rwanda. The open forests makes the gorillas to fear the guests little compared in their thick habitants.

Comparing Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla trekking is not realistic but the only determinant part in Gorilla trekking experience one has to get reputable local operators who can give you details and advise depending on your budget, age, time available and other factors to be considered.