Gorilla Trekking Uganda vs Rwanda vs Congo [Which Is Better]

Which is better, gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo? Which is ideal for you will depend on your needs, but both are excellent choices. This post provides a clear explanation of this. We’ll examine some of the distinctions between Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking. Here are some key comparing elements to help you choose where to go on a gorilla trek.

Rwandan Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The most contentious issue in gorilla trekking is which country—Rwanda or Uganda—is better for gorilla trekking. It is crucial to compare gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda since it provides useful information for travelers who wish to go on gorilla safaris in either country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are the only three nations in the world where mountain gorillas are found. But because of the latter’s volatility, a lot of tourists go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500, while one in Uganda only $800. If a traveler is selecting a place exclusively for gorilla trekking, the latter is a much more cost-effective choice.

Rwanda is superior to Uganda in terms of accessibility from the national airport. Unlike Uganda, where it takes approximately eight hours to drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is only about two hours from Kigali International Airport.

Uganda provides a superior safari experience if you’re looking for something more than gorilla trekking. In contrast to Rwanda, Uganda boasts ten national parks and other sanctuaries that are home to a variety of wildlife species.

More than 330 animal species, roughly 20 primate species, and more than 1080 verified bird species may be found in Uganda. Wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and birding tours are all made possible by the savannah parks, which also provide the best experiences. All things considered, Uganda is less expensive than Rwanda and has a greater variety of wildlife activities.

 

Why go on a gorilla trek in Uganda instead of Rwanda or Congo?

For international nonresidents, a permit in Rwanda costs $1500 USD, whereas one in Uganda costs 800 USD. Nearly half of the surviving mountain gorillas live in Uganda, making it a fantastic and reliable place to see them. In both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 19 gorilla families have become accustomed to trekking.

In contrast to other parks where all of the gorillas have become habituated, only Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park allows mountain gorillas to become habituated.

The opportunity to spend more time with the gorillas and learn about their behavior—including how they functioned in the wild before becoming accustomed to human presence—is provided by the habituation experience.

Why pick Rwandan Gorilla Trekking?

In contrast to Uganda, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the site of the Gorilla Safari, is only a few hours away from Kigali International Airport.

All of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are well acclimated and available for hiking in their native environment. The gorillas in Rwanda are the most accessible since they reside on the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Rwanda or Uganda Which is safer for trekking with gorillas?

Since gorilla trekking includes walking and safety is crucial, it allows visitors to get up close and personal with the jungle. Gorilla trekking and travel to Rwanda and Uganda are both safe. Yes, trekking gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda is safe.

Every Gorilla trekking group is escorted by armed park rangers to guarantee the safety of every trekker during Gorilla Safaris. These ranger guides know the jungle well and will take appropriate action if necessary.

Before every trek, visitors are given safety tips for trekking gorillas in Uganda; all you need to do is do what your guide instructs. Gorillas are calm and kind creatures. They have a very accommodative social life and can engage with people as long as you treat them like wild creatures and maintain a safe distance.

The gorillas will always mind their own business and you will share this incredible home for a while, so always abide by the rules and use caution when in the forest.

The ideal season in Uganda to go gorilla trekking

Although many people consider gorilla trekking to be a year-round sport, the two dry seasons in Uganda are the best times to go on a gorilla trekking safari. This occurs in the months of June through September and late December through February.

Trekking with mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park

Although gorilla trekking is accessible all year round, the dry season provides superior trekking conditions due to drier and more photogenic trails. But since the dry season is always the busiest, more people visit the park, therefore it’s best to book your permit in advance.

December through February and June through September are the best times.

June to September is peak season.

Rainy season: March–May and September–November

Gorilla trekking during the rainy season has the benefit of less crowding in the park and hotels. In Uganda, the majority of lodges will typically lower the cost of lodging. Due to Uganda’s proximity to the equator, there are seldom interruptions to trekking due to inclement weather.

The ideal time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking

The best time to travel to Rwanda is still the best time to undertake gorilla trekking. Even though Rwandan gorilla trips are available year-round, the long and brief dry seasons are the ideal times of year to go gorilla trekking.

June through September is considered the long dry season, whereas mid-December to early February is considered the short dry season. The park offers the best hiking conditions to the bamboo forest during these two dry seasons because there are fewer areas of rain. Since trekking gets challenging and slick during the rainy season, it is not as recommended for gorilla trekking during this time of year.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

However, there are fewer tourists during this period, so you might be able to take advantage of cheaper lodging at certain hotels or lodges. Depending on when it works best for you, you can go gorilla trekking in Rwanda at any time of year.

Comparing gorilla climbing in Rwanda and Uganda, or asking Which country is better for gorilla trekking, Rwanda or Uganda? Our book provides up-to-date, accurate information to assist any traveler, whether on a Rwandan trip or a safari in Uganda, in selecting the best locations for gorilla trekking.