Gorilla Trekking Uganda vs Rwanda

Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Uganda – Rwanda gorilla discovery is an extraordinary expedition in East African Gorilla conservation areas. Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking experience.  Earlier in 2017, the Rwandan government made the decision to increase the cost of a gorilla permit from $750 per trek to $1,500, citing a desire to focus on high-value, low-volume tourism. There were concerns raised at the time that this meant that only the most affluent visitors would be drawn to Rwanda’s arguably more famous gorillas.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking permits

Uganda has fixed its permit price at the US $700 per trek (although they no longer offer the lower priced permits during the low season). The Gorilla trekking permit now costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents of East African countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania), and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens throughout the year. There are no low season discounts anymore or any other discounts so do not be deceived or misled.  Uganda has seemingly benefited from the Rwandan decision with it being increasingly hard to find permit availability in Bwindi, while at times Rwanda has a surplus. With the opportunity to do two gorilla treks in Uganda for less than the price of one permit in Rwanda, it is certainly worth more budget-conscious travelers considering Uganda over its better-known neighbor.

Ease of trek

Gorilla trekking is physically demanding and shouldn’t be underestimated. 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 ‘gorilla chair’ which can be hired for guests to be carried on by porters to the gorilla encounter.

The gorilla families in Rwanda feel more accessible compared to those in Uganda. There are certainly more gentle treks available in Rwanda (although it’s worth bearing in mind that you are at a higher altitude here which carries its own effects) and for older guests or those who are less active, it would be our top recommendation.

In Comparison between Rwanda and Uganda, despite Uganda being certainly trickier and tending 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 expert so that you feel fully prepared and know exactly what to expect. Rwanda is more accessible and takes less time compared to Uganda where one needs a full day for transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi.

Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari?

Both Rwanda and Uganda have some fantastic options when it comes to where to accommodation, but there is an increasing drive in Rwanda to the highest level of luxury accommodation with the opening of Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate Lodge, the upcoming Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and the recent addition of One&Only’s Gorilla’s Nest. These high-end lodges join the established offerings of Sabyinyo Lodge and Volcanoes Virunga Lodge; both of which are fantastic options for those looking for a more affordable, yet still luxurious stay. Rwanda is thus a better option for those who crave to enjoy their trekking experience in the most comfortable way and stay.

When it comes to Uganda, its accommodation tends to come at a lower price point, but there are still fabulous options here with Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp being among our favorites.

Distance and accessibility

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is much more accessible compared to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. Volcanoes National Park is a three-hour drive from the capital Kigali on well-maintained tar roads and this is the easiest option for a quick add-on. 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, three would be the best.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is not however as accessible as Volcanoes in Rwanda. Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, it requires an 8 – 9 hour drive from Entebbe to Bwindi. However, would recommend the same number of nights and Bwindi has the advantage over Rwanda of having more to do by way of additional experiences both with wildlife but more so cultural and community projects.