Deciding between Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking? Here’s what you need to know.
Gorilla trekking is the kind of experience that stays with you long after the trek is over. Standing face to face with one of the world’s most endangered species in their natural habitat is an unforgettable moment. But when it comes to choosing where to go for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the decision often boils down to two East African destinations: Rwanda and Uganda.
Both offer incredible opportunities to see mountain gorillas in the wild, but each has its own unique appeal, from the landscapes and trekking experiences to the price and accessibility.
Rwanda or Uganda for Gorilla Trekking: What You Need to Know
The big question is: which is the best choice for you? Whether you’re after a smooth, accessible trek through Rwanda’s lush hills or a more rugged, immersive jungle adventure in Uganda, the answer depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. In this article, we’ll compare Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking, helping you choose the destination that aligns with your travel style and expectations.
As there is no single “best place” to see these gentle giants, let’s start with the main points of comparison. You can then plan your silverback gorilla tour here.
The Setting
Let’s start with the obvious. Each destination offers a distinctive backdrop, giving you a unique perspective on the gorilla experience.
Rwanda
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a country of dramatic landscapes. The trek to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park takes you through lush, terraced hills, dense forests, and panoramic views of the Virunga mountain range, with its towering volcanoes that form part of the border between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park is often described as breathtakingly beautiful, and trekking through this landscape provides a sense of being immersed in a pristine, otherworldly environment. The terrain here, while still hilly, is generally considered more manageable for trekkers of all fitness levels.
Uganda
In contrast, Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience takes you deep into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where the terrain is far more rugged and challenging. The dense, misty forests here feel more untouched and raw, with steep slopes and thick undergrowth making the journey a true jungle adventure.
Trekking in Uganda tends to feel more adventurous, with a greater sense of discovery as you navigate through the challenging landscape. The forest itself is one of the oldest in Africa, adding a deep historical element to the trekking experience.
How to Choose
Both locations offer a sense of remoteness, but while Rwanda’s volcanic slopes provide an almost cinematic backdrop, Uganda’s dense, ancient forests offer a sense of exploration in an environment that feels wild and untamed.
Accessibility and Ease of Travel
When choosing between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking, accessibility plays a crucial role in determining how easily you can reach your trekking destination and how much time and effort you’ll need to invest in the journey.
Rwanda
Rwanda is often seen as the more accessible of the two destinations, especially for international travellers. Kigali International Airport is the main gateway, offering a growing range of direct international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other African hubs. From Kigali, it’s just a 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, where most gorilla trekking takes place. The road is well-paved, making for a relatively smooth and scenic journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills. The ease of access to the park, combined with Rwanda’s well-established tourism infrastructure, makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a more straightforward and time-efficient trip.
Uganda
While Uganda is also reachable by international flights into Entebbe International Airport, the journey to the gorilla trekking locations requires a bit more effort. From Entebbe, it’s about a 6-8 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where most of the trekking takes place. This means longer, more challenging road travel, which can be a drawback for some travellers, particularly those with limited time.
The roads leading to the trekking areas are less developed and can be bumpy, but the journey itself offers a chance to see rural Uganda and its stunning landscapes. For those with more time and a spirit of adventure, the extra hours on the road can be seen as part of the overall experience.
How to Choose
In short, Rwanda offers easier access with its proximity to the airport and shorter transfer times, making it a solid choice for those seeking a quicker, more comfortable trip. You can start to plan your Rwanda safari here.
Uganda, however, provides a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with the added travel time and rugged roads providing a sense of immersion in the country’s rural heartland.
The Trek Itself
The heart of any gorilla trekking adventure is the trek itself, and both Rwanda and Uganda offer unique trekking experiences. However, the terrain, difficulty, and overall atmosphere of the treks vary significantly between the two countries.
Rwanda
Gorilla safaris in Rwanda are often regarded as a more comfortable and accessible experience. The trails in Volcanoes National Park are generally well-maintained, and while they can be steep in places, they are less challenging compared to the more rugged paths in Uganda. Rwanda’s trekking routes are also well-marked, with the park rangers offering a structured approach to the experience. This makes it an appealing option for those who are perhaps new to trekking or prefer a more manageable hike. The added comfort of luxury lodges near the park also means that trekkers can enjoy a more relaxed experience before and after their hike, with high-end accommodations providing plenty of relaxation opportunities.
Additionally, the smaller size of Rwanda’s gorilla groups and the relatively short distances between the trekking starting points and the gorilla families make the actual trekking experience easier to navigate. Trekkers often report having relatively short hikes before reaching the gorillas, though of course, this can vary depending on the location of the gorillas on the day.
Uganda
In Uganda, the trekking experience is far more rugged and challenging. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is dense, hilly, and often slippery, with thick underbrush and muddy trails. This makes the treks in Uganda more physically demanding. However, this ruggedness also contributes to a sense of adventure that many trekkers find appealing. The treks can take several hours, sometimes requiring trekkers to climb steep hills, descend into ravines, or push through thick foliage to reach the gorillas. The effort involved in reaching the gorillas often makes the encounter feel even more rewarding, and for seasoned trekkers or those looking for a more intense experience, this challenge adds to the thrill.
The gorilla groups in Uganda are often located deeper within the forest, and the trek can be a true exploration of the jungle, rather than a straightforward hike. The unpredictability of the trek, combined with the deep sense of immersion in the wilderness, means that trekkers are likely to encounter fewer people and more untouched natural beauty.
How to Choose
In summary, Rwanda offers a more accessible and comfortable trekking experience, ideal for those looking for a smoother and less physically demanding adventure. Uganda, on the other hand, provides a more rugged, challenging, and adventurous trek through one of Africa’s most remote and dense rainforests, perfect for those who want to push themselves and experience a truly wild environment.
Permits and Costs
One of the most significant factors when planning a gorilla trekking adventure is the cost, and here, Rwanda and Uganda differ quite dramatically.
Rwanda
Rwanda is known for its higher permit costs, with a trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park currently priced at around $1,500 USD per person. This price makes Rwanda one of the most expensive destinations for gorilla trekking. The premium cost can be attributed to Rwanda’s conservation efforts, the high standard of infrastructure, and its commitment to sustainable tourism.
The fees from the permits go directly towards funding conservation efforts, local community development, and the protection of the mountain gorillas, which makes the higher price a part of the overall experience for many travellers. Additionally, Rwanda’s more accessible trekking experience, luxury accommodation options, and well-organised infrastructure all contribute to the premium price tag.
While the cost may seem steep, those who are willing to pay for convenience, luxury, and a more polished experience will find value in the higher fees.
Uganda
In contrast, Uganda offers a more affordable trekking permit, priced at around $700 USD per person. This makes Uganda a slightly more budget-friendly option for gorilla trekking, particularly for those who want the gorilla experience without the higher costs associated with Rwanda. Despite the lower price, Uganda still maintains a strong commitment to gorilla conservation, with the cost of the gorilla permit contributing to the protection of gorillas and their habitats.
The affordability of the permits in Uganda does not mean a compromise in the quality of the experience; rather, it makes gorilla trekking accessible to a broader range of travellers. If that speaks to you, then start planning your Uganda safari here.
Particualrly interested in trekking? Check out our guide to hiking Kilimanjaro here.
Accommodation and Luxury Options
When it comes to where you’ll stay before and after your gorilla trek, Rwanda and Uganda offer different levels of comfort and luxury. The type of accommodation you prefer can play a significant role in shaping your overall trekking experience.
Rwanda
Rwanda shines in the realm of luxury travel. The country has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure, and as a result, Volcanoes National Park offers some of the most luxurious lodging options for gorilla trekkers in East Africa. High-end lodges and boutique hotels are scattered near the park entrance, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and accessible by good roads. These lodges provide a comfortable base from which to embark on your trek, with many offering amenities such as private plunge pools, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and excellent service.
Great options and notable properties like the Bisate Lodge and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provide an intimate and lavish experience, allowing trekkers to unwind and relax in style after a long day of trekking (and a short drive to see the majestic mountain gorillas.)
Uganda
While Uganda offers a range of accommodation options, the luxury scene is less developed than in Rwanda. However, there are still several high-quality lodges near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, particularly in the Buhoma and Nkuringo regions. These lodges, such as Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Forest Camp, provide a high standard of service and comfort in a more rustic setting.
The accommodations in Uganda tend to blend into the environment more, with a focus on eco-tourism and sustainability. Many lodges here offer beautiful views of the forest or the mountains and provide a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path feel.
How to Choose
While luxury options exist in Uganda, they tend to be fewer and not as polished as those found in Rwanda. However, the charm of staying in a more intimate, less commercialised setting can be highly appealing to travellers who seek a quieter, more immersive experience with nature.
For those on a tighter budget, Uganda also offers a variety of mid-range and budget-friendly accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to community-run lodges, providing an affordable alternative to the higher-end options.
Combining Both Experiences
It’s worth considering the possibility of combining both Rwanda and Uganda into one single trip. With their proximity to each other and the ease of crossing the border, it’s entirely feasible to explore both African countries and experience the distinct differences between each destination.
Rwanda to Uganda
Rwanda and Uganda share a border, and it’s only a few hours’ drive between Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, making it a seamless journey for those wanting to experience the best of both worlds. A combined trip offers the opportunity to enjoy the more accessible and luxurious trekking experience in Rwanda, followed by the more rugged, adventurous trek through Uganda’s dense forests. This allows you to enjoy a variety of landscapes and trekking styles without having to choose one over the other.
Logistics and Border Crossing
Travellers can cross between the two countries at the Cyanika border post (from Rwanda to Uganda) or at the Katuna border post (from Uganda to Rwanda). Both crossings are straightforward, with the process typically taking less than an hour. However, it’s important to have the necessary documentation, such as visas (if required), to make the crossing smooth and hassle-free. While it’s possible to arrange a combined itinerary through many tour operators, you may also want to explore the option of flying between Rwanda and Uganda for time efficiency, though this is often a more expensive choice.
Highlights of Combining Both Countries
Combining Rwanda and Uganda allows you to experience the contrasts in not just the terrain but also the trekking experience. By visiting both countries, you can appreciate the different aspects of gorilla trekking and gain a deeper understanding of the regions, cultures, and conservation efforts in each.
Other Experiences Along the Way
While the primary focus of a combined trip is gorilla trekking, both Rwanda and Uganda offer other unique experiences that make the journey even more rewarding. In Rwanda, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, explore Lake Kivu, or visit the Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and other wildlife.
In Uganda, you can explore the Queen Elizabeth National Park for its wildlife safaris, or venture to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most picturesque spots in East Africa. Combining these experiences will provide a rich, multifaceted journey through two of Africa’s most captivating countries.
Top Tips
When planning to see endangered mountain gorillas, make sure to take into account the weather conditions. Pack sensible shoes, a waterproof jacket, hat and clothing to protect your skin in the national parks. You can find your walking holiday packing list here. For the best experiences, book with a small group and travel with a comprehensive guide. Keep a safe distance and follow the strict regulations. Finally, remember that the gorilla family may be the main reason you are there but don’t forget the rest of the wildlife. Depending on your trip, you may see golden monkeys and other magnificent creatures.
Conclusion
Choosing between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what kind of adventure you’re seeking. Rwanda offers a more accessible and luxurious experience, with smooth trails, high-end accommodations, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. It’s the ideal choice for those looking for a refined, seamless trek in a stunningly beautiful setting.
On the other hand, Uganda provides a more rugged and immersive experience. The dense forests and challenging terrain offer a sense of adventure that appeals to trekkers looking for a deeper, wilder connection to nature. With more affordable permits and a less polished infrastructure, Uganda presents an opportunity for those seeking a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path journey.
For many travellers, the best choice might not be an either-or decision. With both countries so close and easy to access, it can be a good idea to combine Rwanda and Uganda into one trip allows you to experience the best of both worlds – luxury and ease in Rwanda, followed by a more adventurous and remote trek in Uganda.
Whichever destination you choose, the experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a profound and unforgettable one. Both Rwanda and Uganda offer unique, rewarding opportunities to connect with these incredible wild animals and contribute to their conservation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget, fitness level, and travel style – but rest assured, whichever path you take, you’ll be making memories that last a lifetime and contributing to community projects.
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