Gorilla Tracking in Uganda-Rwanda

Embark on an Enchanting Gorilla Tracking in Uganda-Rwanda – Biwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Park

Discover Gorilla Tracking in Uganda-Rwanda — Choosing between Uganda and Rwanda for your Mountain Gorilla tracking adventure? Uncover the nuances of Gorilla Tracking in Uganda vs. Rwanda, considering factors like cost, safety, hiking difficulty, and availability.

While Uganda offers a broader spectrum with its wildlife in Savannah parks and diverse activities, Rwanda stands out with a focused experience on Gorilla tracking. This comparison delves into the highlights and lowlights of each, assisting you in making an informed choice aligning with your interests, time, and budget.

Understanding Mountain Gorillas

Distinctly classified into mountain and lowland Gorillas, the former is larger with dark black coats, while the latter, smaller, boasts brownish-grey fur coats and a prominent brow ridge. While over 100,000 lowland Gorillas thrive, the Mountain Gorillas, numbering around 1080 globally, face endangerment.

Discovering Gorilla Habitats

Mountain Gorillas are concentrated in two regions along the Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo border. Uganda hosts them in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Rwanda exclusively offers the experience in Volcanoes National Park, while the Democratic Republic of Congo boasts Virunga National Park as their habitat.

Assessing Gorilla Behavior

Embarking on Gorilla tracking in Uganda emphasizes the safety of the activity. Expert habituation ensures that Gorilla families accustomed to tourism pose minimal threats to humans. Despite their dominant appearance, Mountain Gorillas are inherently shy, only exhibiting aggression when perceiving a threat to their kin. Treks may cover distances ranging from 1 to 8 kilometers, traversing steep inclines and muddy terrain in specific instances.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters over 550 Mountain Gorillas. Spread across four regions—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—the park boasts 18 habituated Mountain Gorilla families managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled between 2,227m and 4,127m, hosts the Nyakagezi Gorilla family. While the park primarily lies in Uganda, this nomadic family has been known to cross borders into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Highlights of Uganda:

• Gorilla permits cost USD800, with special rates for residents.
• 20% of permit revenue contributes to community development.
• Bwindi Forest hosts over 550 endangered Mountain Gorillas.
• Diverse wildlife, birdlife, and activities enhance the Uganda experience.
• Permits are readily available.
• Accessibility through Kigali ensures a 3-hour drive or local flights from Entebbe International Airport.
• Options for combining Gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Gorilla Habituation offers up to 4 hours of immersive experience at USD 1500 per person.
• Varied accommodation options cater to different budget ranges.
• Scenic landscapes include lakes, plateaus, and mountains.
• English is commonly spoken.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Lowlights of Uganda:

• The 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe International Airport may be relatively long for new Africa Safari travelers.
• Remote Bwindi Forest with some inaccessible roads and non-functional traffic lights.
• No Gorilla baby naming ceremony.
• Dense vegetation in Bwindi Forest may pose challenges for clear photography.
• Local flights tend to be expensive.
• Lack of Umuganda Day for street cleaning.
• Multiple park offices and starting points may be confusing.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Rwanda’s Gorilla trekking unfolds in Volcanoes National Park, a mere 3-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. With 10 habituated Gorilla families, limited to 8 visitors per family per day, Rwanda offers a more concentrated and streamlined experience.

Highlights of Rwanda:

• A shorter 3-hour drive from the airport.
• Less dense vegetation for clearer photography.
• Well-maintained and easily accessible roads.
• Golden monkey trekking options available.
• Annual baby naming ceremonies.
• Cleanliness emphasized through Umuganda Day.
• Elaborate park office facilities.
• Opportunities for hiking the volcanoes.
• 10 habituated Gorilla families.
• Add-ons include refreshments and cultural dance.

Lowlights of Rwanda:

• Gorilla permits are expensive at USD 1500.
• No special rates for residents; everyone pays USD 1500.
• Limited wildlife offerings, with only one savannah (Akagera National Park).
• Limited and expensive accommodation catering primarily to the luxury class.
• Only 10% of permit revenue contributes to community development.
• Communication challenges, with many locals speaking French and Kinyarwanda.
• Permits limited to 80 a day across 10 groups.
• No Gorilla habituation experience.
• Elevation involves hiking volcanoes, making trekking challenging.

In conclusion, the choice between Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla tracking hinges on personal preferences, budget considerations, and the desired depth of the overall safari experience. Each country offers unique highlights and addresses potential challenges, making them both exceptional destinations for unforgettable encounters with the majestic Mountain Gorillas.