Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda: Although gorilla trekking safaris like gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali are quite common, especially by tourists who can’t afford trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, visitors can opt to do gorilla trekking in Uganda only or in Rwanda alone. In order to decide on where you want to track gorillas from, you will have to compare gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda so as to determine the cost of your gorilla trekking safari and if it fits within your budget.
Meeting mountain gorillas in the forest is one of the most magnificent and unforgettable experiences for trekkers, but knowing where to go, when to go, and what to bring is essential before departing for your mountain gorilla trekking location.
Mountain gorillas can only be found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This implies they can hike in four National Parks in these three countries: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are both situated in Uganda.
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
As a result, the most common inquiry among travelers is, “Which nation is better than the other?” The solution may be found in the comparison below;
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda may be seen in Volcanoes National Park, which is 113.1 kilometers from Kigali International Airport and takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach. The park is located in the country’s northwest, near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The short drive and minimal time spent going to the gorillas’ home provides Rwanda the most benefit over the other two nations, making Rwanda the most convenient option for guests, particularly those who wish to spend one night and have less activities to perform while on safari.
The national Park Is also home to around 150 habituated gorillas organized into ten groups, as well as many wild gorillas. In addition, 96 gorilla trekking permits are provided to guests per day. Dian Fossey’s conservation and primatology work was carried to Rwanda after she was forced to cross the country’s border during the civil war in DR Congo, and so the oldest gorilla populations are located here.
Rwanda raised the price of a gorilla permit from $750 to $1500 in 2017, more than double Uganda’s and nearly tripling DR Congo’s. Rwanda, while having the highest permit fee, is the ideal option if you only have a limited amount of time on your African safari.
Because Rwanda is well-known for its high-end tourism strategy, numerous exclusive resorts have been recruited, promising a rise in revenue for the locals who live surrounding Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the huge gorillas. As a result, going on a gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes is one of the most expensive safari experiences; aside from the $1500 gorilla permit, gorilla trekking safari lodges are expensive with limited options; for example, two people staying two nights at Bisate lodge can spend around $10,000 in that short period of time. Gorilla trekking prices in Rwanda are quite expensive, but they are accompanied by superior quality and amazing experiences.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is primarily done at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a small amount also done in Mount Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga, like the other two parks, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks, is part of the Virunga Massif, but it only has one habituated gorilla family, whereas the other groups are in Bwindi Forest.
Uganda is home to around 400 mountain gorillas, accounting for half of the world’s surviving population of this endangered species. There are 16 gorilla groups that visitors can track 15 gorilla families in Bwindi national park and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is significantly less expensive than one in Rwanda, costing only $700 per day. According to this comparison, in most cases, the cost of the gorilla permit influences the visitor’s selection about where to trek gorillas from, and they end up picking Uganda as their destination. However, getting to gorillas in Uganda is more difficult and time-consuming than getting to gorillas in Rwanda.
Tourists may also participate in Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Forest national park, which entails spending around 4 hours with the gorillas as opposed to the 1 hour experience while trekking gorillas. The habituation permit costs $1500 per person per day, which is less than the $1500 required in Rwanda to view gorillas for one hour. Aside from seeing gorillas, there are 9 additional National Parks to explore in addition to Rwanda’s four! You may combine your gorilla trek with a visit to Kibale National Park, which has the largest concentration of chimps in Africa, or you can see the Murchison Falls, walk Rwenzori and Mountain Elgon, go Nile rafting, or attend one of the 52 tribes’ cultural exhibits, among other things.
Because Bwindi Forest National Park is distant from Entebbe International Airport, the travel is exhausting and lengthy, especially if you do not have a layover in any of the other National Parks. It is a 9 to 10 hour trip from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi, but if you don’t want to drive, you may take a scheduled aircraft to the park. Most travelers who wish to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, however, fly into Kigali and then drive 4 hours to Bwindi, which is considerably simpler.
Which is the Cheapest Gorilla Trekking Destination?
If you are looking for the cheapest gorilla trekking safari, then Uganda would be the best option for you. The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is quite affordable as compared to Rwanda, and not to mention the accommodation prices are also fair ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury gorilla trekking lodges.
You can combine your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park with a cultural tour to one of the Batwa (pygmies) communities that live near the park; or you can opt for the Batwa Trail Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable forest which will give you the opportunity to learn more about how the Batwa people lived in ancient times. Gorilla trekking in Uganda suits all kinds of travellers whether you are a budget traveller, mid-range or luxury traveller.
Best Option for Luxury Travellers (Top Notch)
Are you looking for more private and personal encounters as a premium traveller? Rwanda responds positively to your questions. The lodges in and surrounding Volcanoes National Park are sumptuous, positioned in stunning settings, and have well-known brands in the luxury tourist industry.
Conclusion: Visitors can always choose to visit Rwanda on a wildlife safari and then track gorillas in Uganda. At Explore Rwanda Tours, we offer the best tour packages for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda.
