Comparing gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is not very easy, but one can look at the differences in gorilla permit costs, safety, and availability.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda may be better than gorilla trekking in Rwanda for tourists who would love to explore other wildlife because Uganda offers opportunities to visit other national parks with abundant wildlife, unlike Rwanda, where gorilla trekking is the primary tourist activity.
Budget travelers might also prefer trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda over Rwanda because gorilla permits in Uganda are less costly compared to Rwanda.
On the other hand, gorilla trekking can be better in Rwanda for travelers who prefer shorter driving distances.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is just a few hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport, while you might spend the entire day traveling to trek gorillas in Ugandan gorilla parks from Entebbe International Airport.
However, it’s worth noting that you can also fly to Rwanda and then drive to Uganda within a few hours.
Uganda has a significant advantage for gorilla trekking if you decide to combine it with gorilla habituation experience, which allows tourists to participate in the gorilla habituation process for 4 hours.
In terms of road conditions, trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda can be more convenient.
Some roads leading to gorilla national parks in Uganda can be in poor condition, especially during the wet season, whereas the roads in Rwanda are generally well-maintained and accessible.
Additionally, trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda during the Kwita-Izina gorilla naming ceremony can enhance your gorilla adventure.
Uganda, however, does not have a similar gorilla naming ceremony.
It’s worth noting that residents and foreign residents receive discounted gorilla permits in Uganda, whereas in Rwanda, everyone pays the same cost for gorilla trekking.
Trekking mountain gorillas may also be more advantageous in Uganda, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which has a higher number of gorillas and gorilla families compared to Rwanda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also an ideal place for viewing other primates, as it has the highest concentration of primates in the world.
Lastly, Uganda sells more gorilla permits in a day compared to Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a wider range of accommodation options, including luxurious, mid-range, and budget, compared to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where most lodges are expensive.
In conclusion, the choice between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda will depend on the tourist’s preferences and budget, but the overall trekking experience is similar during the activity.
