Choosing Between Rwanda and Uganda for Gorilla Trekking: Which country to choose for the gorillas depends on a number of factors for example the accessibility and the charges. Both countries offer opportunities to find mountain gorillas in their habitat; however, there are differences that may affect your decision:
Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
- Accessibility:
Pro: The gorilla tracking takes place in Volcanoes National Park which is located close to Kigali; the capital city of Rwanda. This closeness also implies that the duration taken get to the park is not long and thus may suit the visitors who may have limited time to spend inside the park.
Con: But it has been easier to acquire Rwandan permits of gorilla trekking and these may little by little get a little overcrowded. You might require one to obtain such permits well before time especially during the busy season.
- Cost:
Pro: When compared to gorilla trekking Rwanda has more expensive gorilla trekking permits as compared to those of Uganda. All the same, the sum is better considered because the time required to travel is much less in comparison with other extra expenses. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is USD 800
Con: They are, however, slightly expensive to the average traveler which can be considered to be a limitation; nonetheless the experience is worth the price set for the permit.
- Experience:
Pro: When compared with DR Congo and Uganda, Rwandan formulas of gorilla tracking are professionally planned. The gorilla groups in the Volcanoes National Park can easily be trekked since they were habituated thus providing good photo opportunities.
Con: Although while on the trails, there is a feeling that the environment in Rwanda is probably more controlled to some extend than Uganda since most of the trails in Rwanda are well-marked and easy to find.
- Additional Attractions:
However, there are other activities in Rwanda that can easily be added to gorilla trekking these include the cultural sites like; Iby’iwacu Cultural Village and other physical attractions like Lake Kivu.
Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
- Accessibility:
Pro: Uganda’s main gorilla viewing areas are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; these two destinations can be accessed from anywhere in Uganda. Still, the distances from the big cities can be farther as in Rwanda, especially from hubs such as Kampala.
Con: These may be some of the difficulties that may mean the increased time duration for travels which may relate to planning and transportation systems.
- Cost:
Pro: Trekking permits in Uganda are cheaper than those in Rwanda to make it among the cheapest for one to reduce on the costs.
Con: However, the permit cost is relatively cheaper than other parks and reservations in Uganda although other costs like accommodation, transport, and any other import may vary depending on the chosen path or even part of Uganda.
- Experience:
Pro: Uganda offers more of the exciting stuff to the challenge-seeking traveler. While observing the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park especially, the exercise entails climbing steep slopes and having true feeling of being in the forest.
Con: The kind of contact and the amount of time one spends with the gorillas may vary depending on how much the certain groups of gorillas are habituated in either Uganda or Rwanda.
- Additional Attractions:
Other tours that may be conducted after Mgahinga gorilla trekking include; Primate tracking in Kibale forest and Wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Choosing Between Rwanda and Uganda for Gorilla Trekking: Conclusion
The choice between Rwanda and Uganda or the two countries for gorilla trekking depends with the preference of the person. For people who are not very fond of using analytical methods, having more structured travel, but not spending much time on roads, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can be the most suitable one. On the other hand, if one is in search of a relatively cheaper option, a different wildlife experience that involves longer distances of travel then there is Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
There is also policy on the conservation of gorillas in both countries and what will ever be as special as meeting these great apes in their natural environment? Therefore the choice you ought to make depends with your budget, your frequency of travel, and the type of safari adventure that you desire.
