Which country has an easier Gorilla Trek Uganda or Rwanda

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer great opportunities for a gorilla trekking adventure but many travelers always want to know which country has an easier Gorilla Trek Uganda or Rwanda before choosing where to go gorilla trekking. Rwanda has a much easier gorilla trek compared to Uganda because in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park most of the terrain encountered on a gorilla trek is more open and less surrounded by jungle vegetation because the vegetation here is more of Montane vegetation covered with bamboo which is more clear and not thick. This thus makes it easier to hike through to visit the Mountain Gorillas and also gives you a good view of these magnificent creatures.

So Is it an easier Gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda? The ease of gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda can vary depending on several factors, including the specific location you choose and your personal preferences. Both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, and the ease of the trek can depend on factors like terrain, distance, and the behavior of the gorillas at the time of your visit. Here are some considerations for more information about which country has an easier Gorilla Trek Uganda or Rwanda:

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Uganda is known for its gorilla trekking opportunities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The terrain in Bwindi can be challenging, as the park’s name suggests, with dense forests and steep hills. Trekking here can be physically demanding, and the duration of the trek can vary.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Another option in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which offers a slightly easier trekking experience compared to Bwindi. The park has a smaller gorilla population, and the terrain is generally less challenging.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda:

1. Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, which is known for its relatively easier trekking conditions compared to some parts of Bwindi. The terrain is often less steep, and the trek can be shorter in distance.
2. Habituated Gorilla Groups: Rwanda’s gorilla groups are also known for being more habituated to human presence, which can make encounters with gorillas a bit calmer and easier for visitors.

Ultimately, the ease of gorilla trekking in either country can vary from day to day and from group to group. It’s essential to be prepared for a physical hike in potentially challenging conditions in both countries. It’s also advisable to check with the specific tour operators or park authorities for the most up-to-date information on trekking conditions before making your decision. Additionally, consider factors like travel logistics, permit availability, and your overall preferences when choosing between Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking. Both countries offer amazing opportunities to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

How much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The Gorilla permit price in Uganda Costs $700 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $600 Per person for residents and 250,000 Uganda Shillings 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 or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking in Uganda also gives 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 permits 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. Getting gorilla permits in Uganda can be done directly by booking them through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris.

How much is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The Gorilla permit price 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. Rwanda has 12 Gorilla families hence 96 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Getting gorilla permits in Rwanda can be done directly by booking them through Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator in Rwanda like Eco Adventure Safaris.

Where best to go for Gorilla Trekking Rwanda or Uganda

The whole truth is that both Uganda and Rwanda have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. The only difference is that Rwanda Mountain gorillas are in the Virunga/hills with mainly bamboo as the main vegetation while in Uganda, these mountain gorillas are in a tropical rain forest with varieties of trees and plants. Chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are 98% so which ever country you visit; you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. It is believed that Rwanda gorillas are easy to see because of the kind of vegetation but this is in the mind set of people and also because Rwanda is highly marketed and hyped than Uganda. Those that have trekked gorillas in Uganda will equally hip praises on Bwindi.

People say Rwanda is a better option than Uganda. Reasons to support this is that Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali, that Gorillas are easily seen etc. This is indeed very true and no one can run away from it. People used to avoid gorilla trekking in Uganda 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 Uganda instead of their country.

In terms of Lodges, Both National Parks have Budget, Mid-Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. Volcanoes National Park 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 lodges then Bwindi 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, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has more gorilla families open for trekking than Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi has 16 habituated gorilla family groups this means 128 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 Bwindi compared to Volcanoes National Park, especially during the peak season months.

In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, Which country has an easier Gorilla Trek Uganda or Rwanda, the whole truth is that both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have mountain 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 Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are 98% so which ever park you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi also gives 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 permits 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.

Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Both parks are open for gorilla trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. 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 during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Why book your gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made safaris. It has a very diligent and trustworthy 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. Feel free to contact us here for more information about which country has an easier Gorilla Trek Uganda or Rwanda.