Which Country Offers an Easier Gorilla Trek: Uganda or Rwanda?

Which Country Offers an Easier Gorilla Trek: Uganda or Rwanda?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure, one of the most common questions is: Which country has an easier gorilla trek, Uganda or Rwanda? Both countries boast incredible mountain gorilla experiences, but there are subtle differences that can affect how easy or challenging the trek feels.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is often considered to have an easier trek because much of the terrain is open with montane vegetation and bamboo forests. This means the trails are less dense and thick compared to Uganda’s dense tropical rainforests. The clearer paths make hiking more manageable, and you often get better views of the gorillas during your encounter.

On the other hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a more physically demanding trek. As the name suggests, Bwindi is a dense forest with steep hills and thick vegetation, which can make trekking more challenging. That said, the adventure through the forest is part of the unique experience of seeing mountain gorillas in their wild home.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: What to Expect

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Known for its dense forests and hilly terrain, trekking here requires good fitness and stamina. The lush rainforest setting is rich with diverse flora and fauna.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Offers a slightly easier trek than Bwindi with less dense vegetation and fewer gorilla families, making it less crowded and often a bit more accessible.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda:

• Volcanoes National Park: The terrain is more open, with bamboo and montane vegetation, offering less strenuous hikes. Gorilla groups here tend to be more habituated, making the encounters calmer and more relaxed.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda?

In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits are priced as follows:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person per trek

• Foreign residents: $700 per person

• East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan): 300,000 Ugandan Shillings

Each permit grants a one-hour gorilla viewing experience, either in Bwindi or Mgahinga. For a more immersive encounter, Uganda also offers gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi at $1,500 per person, which allows up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas, guided by trackers and researchers.

You can secure permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits cost:

• Foreign non-residents: $1,500 per person per trek

• Foreign residents: $500 per person

• East African citizens: $200 per person

These permits allow a one-hour gorilla encounter in Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 gorilla families and 96 permits available daily.

Permits are issued through the Rwanda Development Board or trusted tour operators such as Trek Africa Expeditions.

Which Country Is Better for Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda or Uganda?

Ultimately, both Uganda and Rwanda offer remarkable gorilla trekking experiences with about a 98% chance of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat. The choice comes down to a few key differences:

• Vegetation: Rwanda’s bamboo-dominated hills tend to make trekking easier, while Uganda’s dense tropical rainforest offers a wilder trek.

• Accessibility: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, while Bwindi was once a long 9-10 hour drive from Entebbe. Today, many travelers fly into Kigali and cross into Uganda, cutting travel time to Bwindi to 4-5 hours. The East African Tourist Visa facilitates visiting both countries easily.

• Gorilla families: Bwindi has more habituated gorilla groups (16 families, 128 permits daily) compared to Rwanda (12 families, 96 permits daily), offering more flexibility in booking.

• Accommodation: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers some of Africa’s most luxurious lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge, while Uganda provides a broader range of budget-friendly options.

Some travelers prefer Rwanda for its ease of access and luxury lodges, while others favor Uganda for its diverse trekking experiences and affordability.

When Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in both countries, but the best months are generally during the drier seasons:

• June to August

• December to February

These months bring less rainfall and less slippery trails, making the trek more comfortable. Traveling during the rainy seasons (March to May and November) can mean discounts on accommodation, but expect wetter, muddier conditions.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we create customized, tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris. Our dedicated team responds promptly to your inquiries and crafts personalized itineraries that suit your preferences and budget. We take care of all the bookings and logistics to ensure a seamless and memorable gorilla trekking experience in either Uganda or Rwanda.

Contact us today to learn more about which country suits your gorilla trekking dreams best!