Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and chimp trekking in Uganda

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and chimp trekking in Uganda is a fantastic way to experience the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of East Africa through seeing the major primates that is Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees. Here’s a suggested itinerary for those interested in combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

• Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
• Transfer to your accommodation in Kigali.
• Explore Kigali’s vibrant culture and history.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour

• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history.
• Explore local markets and crafts shops.
• Overnight in Kigali.

Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park (about 2-3 hours).
• Check-in at your lodge and relax.
• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Early morning gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
• Spend an hour observing and photographing the gorillas.
• Return to your lodge, and you can opt for an afternoon cultural visit to a local community.
• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 5: Cross the Border to Uganda

• Drive to the Uganda-Rwanda border and complete border formalities.
• Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda (approximately 4-5 hours).
• Check-in at your lodge and relax.
• Overnight near Bwindi.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Early morning gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Spend an hour with the gorillas.
• Return to your lodge.
• Overnight near Bwindi.

Day 7: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

• Drive to Kibale Forest National Park (approximately 4-5 hours).
• Check-in and relax.
• Overnight near Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

• Early morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
• Overnight near Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 9: Return to Kigali

• Drive back to Kigali (approximately 6-7 hours).
• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Kigali.
• Overnight in Kigali.

Day 11: Departure

• Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore Kigali or do some last-minute shopping.
• Depart from Kigali International Airport.

This itinerary allows you to experience the unique and unforgettable encounters with both gorillas and chimpanzees while also enjoying the beauty of Rwanda and Uganda’s national parks and wildlife.

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and chimp trekking in Uganda Safari Combo. The whole truth is that Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo have gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. However, there are many things you can base on to compare gorilla trekking between these countries for you to compare gorilla trekking in Uganda with Rwanda below are the things you can look out for to choose between Uganda and Rwanda for your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa;

Comparing the cost for Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda with Rwanda; Gorilla trekking is much cheaper in Uganda compared to Rwanda. This issue of price difference is basically out of policy difference between these countries Uganda and Rwanda. Rwanda wants to promote itself as a Luxury destination while Uganda wants to market itself as an affordable destination. Whereas Uganda is promoting it’s self as the preferred best affordable destination for gorilla trekking among the 3. The experience and duration spent with gorillas is still the same in the all countries?

The Gorilla permit in Uganda Costs $700 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $600 Per person for residents and $70 (Ugx 250,000) for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

The Gorilla permit in Rwanda Costs $1500 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a better option than Uganda and DR Congo. Reasons to support this is that Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali, that Gorillas are easily seen with a short drive time possible even in one day. This is indeed very true and no one can run away from it. People used to avoid gorilla trekking in Bwindi because of the 9-10 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi but now we arrange tours to Bwindi via Kigali which then becomes 4-5 hours drive only. With this, you land in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa (which allows you to visit both countries at ago) and then trek gorillas in Uganda at an affordable price. Because of this, even Rwanda tour operators are selling Bwindi instead of their country.

In terms of Lodges, Both Countries have Budget, Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in super luxury lodges on international standards compared to Bwindi. These lodges offer great and luxury services some are ranked among the best in Africa and the country at large for example Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park. However for those looking for much budget offers then Uganda and Congo is best option for you given the fact there are many options to choose from where to stay ranging from $30 to $100 as per your booked package.

In terms of Gorilla families, Uganda has more gorilla families open for trekking than Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi has 20 habituated gorilla family groups this means 160 Gorilla permits are available every day for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Volcanoes National Park has 12 Gorilla families hence 96 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This makes it more flexible to get gorilla trekking permits in Uganda compared to Rwanda especially during the peak season months.

In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo have gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing gorillas in all countries are 98% so which ever country you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. However, Uganda is unique given the fact you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi forest, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking.

In terms of distance to see Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, The issue of walking longer or short distance depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you on the day of trekking at of the national park in the country you choose to go for gorilla trekking. In all the 3 countries gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individual. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will need to move a longer distance still.

Best time for a Rwanda and Uganda Safari Combo

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is done and is possible all year round. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel from March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, and you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Why book Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Chimp Trekking in Uganda Through Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences.