Comparing Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari with Rwanda: Which Is Better?
Among the most popular wildlife tours, gorilla trekking provides excellent chances to see mountain gorillas in their native environments in Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla trekking excursions to see these endangered primates in their natural habitat are an experience you won’t soon forget in any of these two adjacent nations.
On the other hand, you need be aware of the significant distinctions between the two locations in order to make an informed decision. To assist you choose the ideal place for your gorilla trekking expedition, we will compare Rwanda and Uganda based on price, accessibility, trekking experience, lodging, and overall experience.
The Price of Monkey Permits
The permit fee is a major difference between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
Foreign visitors visiting Uganda must pay $800 per person for a gorilla trekking permit.
The Rwandan tourist permit is more costly, costing $1,500 per person for international visitors.
Uganda provides a more budget-friendly alternative to gorilla trekking if cost is an important factor for your vacation. Uganda is a popular option among vacationers due to its reduced permit costs.
Background in Trekking and Terrain
Because the parks are different in character in each country, the landscape and general hiking experience are different.
The Ugandan parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla are the best places to go gorilla trekking. The tough terrain and thick, wild forest of Bwindi are its most distinctive features. There are more habituated gorilla families to see, but the walk is more physically difficult. The walk takes on an exciting air due to the verdant landscape, dense flora, and foggy mountains.
When opposed to Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Virunga Mountains provides a more manageable environment with a thinner forest and flatter terrain.
Volcanoes National Park, located in the foothills of the Virunga mountain range, is the ideal site for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. While Bwindi in Uganda is known for its difficult terrain, the broad bamboo woods and undulating hills of Rwanda provide for somewhat easier hiking. Travelers looking for an easier climb will find that the hikes in Rwanda are often shorter and less challenging.
Rwanda is great for anyone wanting a shorter, simpler hike, whilst Uganda is better suited for those seeking a more physically challenging trip.
Easy Access
One consideration is how accessible your hiking destination is.
It could take about 8 to 10 hours to drive from Entebbe or Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Domestic flights depart from Entebbe and land at airstrips like Kihihi or Kisoro, which are closer to the parks and make the journey much shorter.
The ease with which one may reach Rwanda is one of the country’s most notable features. The travel to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali International Airport takes around two or three hours. Those on a tight schedule or who prefer shorter transfers will find Rwanda to be an ideal alternative because of this.
When it comes to accessibility and travel time, Rwanda is the way to go. On the other hand, Uganda is more of a road journey, but it’s worth it since you can combine it with other safari spots in the country.
Choices for Accommodation
There is a wide variety of lodgings available in both Rwanda and Uganda, from inexpensive lodges to five-star hotels, but here are some key distinctions.
Uganda, From affordable hotels to five-star resorts, visitors visiting the Bwindi and Mgahinga areas of Uganda may choose from an array of lodging alternatives. There are lodges that are more rustic and those that provide luxurious experiences with breathtaking views of the woods. Uganda is more accommodating to tourists with varying budgets due to the wide range of prices.
Rwanda, Bisate Lodge and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest are two of the most renowned luxury lodges in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, known for their exquisite accommodations and attentive staff. Rwanda, in contrast to Uganda, offers less affordable and mid-range alternatives. Because of this, lodging in Rwanda may be more expensive, which is in line with the country’s premium offerings.
While Rwanda is more concerned with providing a high-end luxury experience, Uganda offers a broader selection of affordable accommodations.
When deciding between Rwanda and Uganda for a gorilla trekking adventure, think about what’s most important to you.
Uganda is the way to go if you want to save money while yet having a vast selection of lodging choices, demanding hikes, and the opportunity to see beautiful scenery.
If you’re looking for a more upscale, shorter walk that’s simpler to get from the city, and are willing to spend extra on the permit and lodging, Rwanda is a great choice.
No matter which country you visit, seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat will be an experience you’ll never forget.
