Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Are you planning on combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, or are you finding it tricky to choose between the two destinations?  In this scenario, we recommend you trek in both countries if your budget supports it. Gorilla Trekking is one of the most unique wildlife experiences, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You get too close to the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda and Uganda are set against the backdrop of the Virunga tropical rainforests and mountains. This allows travelers on an African safari to connect with nature and the world’s most endangered creatures.

Rwanda and Uganda are two of the three countries that offer Gorilla Trekking adventures in the world. This makes them the prime gorilla trekking destinations for travelers seeking unique wildlife experiences. While these two regions offer a chance to see the gorillas, they both consist of distinctive features. These are characterized by Landscapes, terrain, trekking prices, and the overall trekking experience.

In this blog, we explore gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, trekking permits, and other related information about combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Africa, understanding the comparisons of both gorilla trekking locations will ensure you have the most rewarding and memorable experience possible.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorillas in Rwanda reside in the Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda. These are a major attraction of the park, renowned for gorilla trekking adventures. Volcanoes National Park is home to about 300 mountain gorillas and other wildlife species, including elephants, rare golden monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, and over 300 bird species including the Golden-winged Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Masked Apalis, Blue-headed Coucal, African Green Broadbill, Red-faced Barbet, African Black Duck, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Dusky Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Mountain Wagtail, Olive Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, and Common Kestrel.

Volcanoes National Park consists of lush tropical and bamboo forests, picturesque volcanoes, including Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura, towering over the canopy, thus offering an incredible adventure more than gorilla trekking. The gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is relatively easy for trekkers, which lasts for about 3 to 5 hours, including a 1-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in groups of 8 people per gorilla group per day. You are allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour once the gorillas are spotted while observing their social behaviours and way of life. Rwanda is often considered a luxury gorilla trekking destination consisting of a variety of high-end accommodation facilities. 

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda prides itself on harboring over half of the world’s mountain gorillas. These reside in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mt Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most common gorilla trekking region in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 This is Uganda’s prime gorilla trekking destination, located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi is now for consisting of over 400 mountain gorillas. The Park consists of 4 major gorilla trekking regions, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. The park is also home to other wildlife species, including Forest elephants, baboons, monkeys, and different bird species. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is generally rugged with strenuous hills and mountains where the gorillas reside. The park may offer a more challenging gorilla trekking experience compared to Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in small groups of 8 people. These are  accompanied by a Uganda Wildlife Ranger to provide security and safety during the walk. Spending time with gorillas in Bwindi is often considered a more immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Unlike Rwanda, Uganda offers more than gorilla trekking, including gorilla habituation.  Gorilla Habituation involves the introduction of human beings to the presence of mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Travelers on a gorilla habituation experience are allowed to spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas. During this period, they learn about the social behaviors of these majestic creatures. For travelers wishing to spend more time with the gorillas, the gorilla habituation experience will answer all your demands. However, the gorilla habituation experience is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

While Rwanda offers easier gorilla trekking, Uganda offers more than just trekking. This includes hiking the volcanic hills, as well as a chance to encounter the Batwa people. The Batwa once lived in the park as hunters and food gatherers. The choice of trekking the gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda largely depends on the traveler’s choice and preference. For those who want to experience both, combining the Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda experiences offers the perfect balance of ease and adventure.

How Much is Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?

Seeing the mountain gorilla in their natural habitats requires one to have a gorilla trekking permit. Both Rwanda and Uganda issue gorilla trekking permits to allow visitors to encounter the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The costs of gorilla permits are a factor to consider while selecting a gorilla trekking destination.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 for Foreign Non-residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 300,000, while a Gorilla Habituation permit costs USD 1500 for Foreign Non-residents, USD 1000 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 750,000. The gorilla trekking and Habituation permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 for foreign Non-Residents, USD 500 Foreign Residents, USD 500 for Foreign Residents in Africa, and USD 200 for East African citizens. The Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

While the gorillas can be seen at any time of the year, the best time to see mountain gorillas is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and June to September in both Uganda and Rwanda. During the dry season, the weather conditions are predictable and favorable for outdoor activities, including gorilla trekking, and the trekking trails are less muddy and navigable.

However, the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season in all gorilla trekking regions in Uganda and Rwanda. Therefore, travelers planning a gorilla trekking tour in either Uganda or Rwanda are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits in advance to secure availability.

In conclusion, combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is an experience unlike any other. By visiting both countries, you can experience different facets of the mountain gorilla habitat, while supporting vital conservation efforts and sustainable eco-tourism. Whether you are trekking through the scenic Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or navigating the wild forests of Bwindi in Uganda, you are guaranteed an adventure that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.