Pros and Cons of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Advantages and Disadvantages of Uganda Gorilla Trek Tours – An Analysis of Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

This article aims to evaluate the pros and cons of gorilla trekking in Uganda, specifically looking at the benefits and drawbacks of gorilla safaris in Uganda‘s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The article will provide an in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of gorilla trekking, including the cost, accessibility, safety, and impact on the environment and local communities. The goal of this article is to help potential travelers make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in a gorilla safari in Uganda.

Advantages of Exploring Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park through Gorilla Trekking

• Uganda is home to 480 out of the 884 mountain gorillas in Africa, with the majority of them residing in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking in these two parks is an experience that is similar to trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, with the added convenience of being just a 3-hour drive from Kigali.
• Uganda also boasts of having more habituated mountain gorillas than any other country, with 21 gorilla groups that have been habituated to human presence.
• The availability of gorilla permits in Uganda is also better, with only a few days in a year being over-booked.
• The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a golden monkey trekking and golden monkey habituation experience for $10 less than the cost in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
• Travelers also have the option of flying into Rwanda and then trekking gorillas in Uganda, which can save them up to $900.
• The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda is also lower, at USD800 compared to $1500 in Rwanda.
• There are numerous options for accommodation that are both high-quality and budget-friendly, such as those situated in or with views of the forest.
• Uganda also offers a variety of other adventure activities such as mountain and volcano climbing, white water rafting and kayaking, and the opportunity to relax and chill out on lakes like Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, and the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria.
• The country also offers a diverse range of scenic views that are not found in Rwanda.
• English is also more commonly spoken in Uganda than in Rwanda.
• In addition to being a prime destination for gorilla trekking, Uganda also offers the opportunity to see the Big 5 and is home to 10 national parks. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was recognized as one of the top parks in Africa by CNN in May 2017.
• Ugandans, East Africans, and expats residing in Uganda have the benefit of being able to obtain permits for gorilla trekking at a more affordable cost, a privilege that was no longer available in Rwanda after 2017.

Disadvantages of Gorilla Tours in Uganda

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda may involve some challenges, such as extended drive times, unless travelers opt for flying into Kigali and driving to Bwindi or choose to take a shorter flight from Entebbe to Bwindi Forest. Additionally, the condition of certain roads in the region may not be optimal.
• Internal flights in the country can be pricey, but a lot of travelers opt for the shorter 1 or 1/2 hour flight to Bwindi as a cost-effective option.
• Another challenge that could be faced is the presence of multiple trek starting points in Bwindi Impenetrable, which might be confusing for some visitors. However, tour providers can assist in eliminating this confusion by guiding the visitors.
• The facilities provided at the starting points of gorilla treks in Uganda may not be as extensive as the ones in Rwanda.
• Furthermore, the pre-trek briefing does not include refreshments such as coffee or cultural performances for visitors.

To sum up, this website primarily covers gorilla trekking and gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda and provides an overview of both the benefits and drawbacks of these experiences. While we have attempted to present an objective view, it should be noted that the most notable disadvantage of gorilla trekking in Uganda is the distance from the airport in Entebbe to the trekking destinations. However, this can be overcome by arriving in Kigali, Rwanda and driving to Bwindi for a gorilla tour in Uganda.

We invite you to explore our gorilla tour package page which provides a range of options for gorilla safaris in Uganda, gorilla tours in Uganda, or Uganda Rwanda gorilla tour packages. Additionally, for more detailed information on gorilla trek tours and gorilla safaris in Uganda, our Gorilla safari packages page is the perfect resource to explore.