Comparing gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is common among travelers visiting Uganda and Rwanda. Over years, visit to see mountain gorillas in the jungle has ranked as the best wildlife experience, which attracts the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Each day that passes, hundreds of travelers check into Uganda and Rwanda to have a taste of this magical feeling. Rwanda and Uganda is the leading gorilla our destinations that offer exceptional gorilla safari experience. The difference in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the frequently asked questions by most travelers making gorilla tour bookings. Also, some travelers who have enough time and money have done double gorilla treks in both Uganda and Rwanda to draw accurate comparisons between the two destinations. Are you asking which country is best for gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda? African Apes Tours brings you detailed comparisons between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The comparison between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is based on:
Cost of gorilla permits
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is different. Each country set a certain cost of mountain gorilla permits based on the country’s conservation goals and policies. A single gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 paid by all travelers. The cost of Rwanda gorilla permits was doubled in 2017 by RDB from $700 t0 $1500. On the other hand, a Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX for Ugandans and East African residents. Rwanda is therefore a luxury gorilla safari destination best for up high-end travelers. However during the covid19 lockdown, Rwanda is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 valid between June to December 2020. Gorilla permit bookings can be done through African Apes Holidays. Alternatively, contact Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rwanda and Uganda respectively.
The number of mountain gorillas
Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. The pearl of Africa shelters half of the world’s total gorilla population, which gives many travelers a chance to see these endangered species. Uganda gorillas live in two gorilla parks, which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park both in southwestern Uganda. Altogether, Uganda has 18 habituated gorilla families which are Mubare, Habiyanja, Kyagulilo, Oruzogo, Kahungye, Nkuringo, Busingye, Bweza, Rushegura, Nshongi, Mishaya, Bitukura and the one and only Nyakagyezi family in Mgahinga. More so, Uganda has two gorilla families (Bushaho and Bikingyi) undergoing habituation experience in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the other hand, Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families that include Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Umubano, Amahoro, and Susa A gorilla families.
Availability of gorilla families
Each day, Uganda has 164 gorilla permits available while Rwanda has 80 mountain gorilla permits available. The availability of gorilla permits depend on the number of habituated gorilla families each country has. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people meaning 8 permits per gorilla family. If you want to do gorilla habituation experience, 8 permits are available each day given the 4 people allowed to visit each gorilla family.
Ease of access to gorilla parks
Volcanoes National park Rwanda is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kigali International Airport. On the other hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks are located 10-hours drive from Entebbe airport and roughly 5 hours drive from Kigali International Airport. Given the short distance from the airport to Volcanoes National park, Rwanda is suitable for short time travelers compared to Uganda. However, the recent introduction of Kigali to Bwindi /Mgahinga gorilla trekking give short time travelers a chance to trek Uganda gorillas starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. A 1-Day Uganda gorilla trek starts at 3:30am with a pick up from Kigali driving 5 hours to catch up with a pre gorilla trekking briefing at the respective park headquarters in Bwindi. After seeing the gorillas, travelers are driven back to Kigali for a connecting flight.
Gorilla addon activities
Gorilla trekking add-ons are key when comparing the trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Given the long distance of travel from Entebbe to Bwindi, Uganda has numerous pre gorilla trekking experience compared to Rwanda. Among the addon activities to do in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda include game viewing, cultural tours, chimpanzee trekking and bird watching among others. However, Rwanda also has gorilla addon activities, which make a complete Rwanda safari package.
Ease and difficulty in trekking
Bwindi Forest National Park, the center of Uganda gorilla tours is located on a risen altitude compared to Volcanoes National Park. Trekking in Bwindi forest especially in Nkuringo and Buhoma sector is undeniably strenuous and tiresome compared to Volcanoes National park. Bwindi is therefore suitable for adventurous and aged travelers. However, hiring to see mountain gorillas in both parks is energy consuming. The length of a gorilla trek depends on the location of the gorillas, travelers’ hiking speed and gorilla’s speed of movements. It can last for between 30 minutes to a full day. However, travelers are 99% assured of meeting the endangered species at the day of the day.
When is the best time to visit gorillas?
In both regions, dry season in the months of June, July, August, December, January and February is the best time to visit the endangered gorillas. This season has little or no rains, which make it easy to trek through the jungle forests in search of the gorillas. On the other hand, the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October, and November comes with discounted offers in hotels, and others service providers.
What to carry for gorilla trekking
Travelers visiting to see mountain gorillas in Uganda are advised to carry the right attire to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla trek. Among the things o pack for gorilla trekking as recommended by African Apes Holidays include hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, hats, sunglasses, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeved shirts/blouse, and insect repellants. Bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks are also recommended. A hiking stick and porter are very helpful and highly recommended.
Conclusively, the comparisons between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are best on different things. Ensure to understand the differences and thereafter book a suitable package with African Apes Tours & Travel.
