Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda both offer incredible opportunities to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but there are some differences between the two experiences. Here's a comparison of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda:
Location:
Uganda: In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern part of the country.
Rwanda: In Rwanda, gorilla trekking occurs in Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of the country.
Cost:
Uganda: Uganda generally has lower permit fees for gorilla trekking compared to Rwanda.
Rwanda: Rwanda's gorilla trekking permits tend to be more expensive than those in Uganda. The higher cost is often attributed to Rwanda's efforts in gorilla conservation and tourism development.
Terrain and Hiking:
Uganda: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park often involves trekking through dense, hilly jungle terrain. The hikes can be quite strenuous, and the length of the trek can vary - typically from 3-8+ hours.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Erin Correia)
Rwanda: Trekking in Volcanoes National Park usually involves shorter hikes and less strenuous terrain, compared to Bwindi. However, the actual experience in either destination can vary depending on the gorilla group's location and movements.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda (Erin Correia)
Viewing of Gorillas:
Uganda: While the experience can vary, gorilla families in Uganda are often found in dense vegetation, forcing you to take photos through and around foliage.
Rwanda: Again, the experience can vary. Gorilla families can often be seen in clearings in the bamboo forest, but can occasionally also be found on farmland, or in thick areas of the forest.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda (Erin Correia)
Group Size:
Both Uganda and Rwanda limit the number of permits available each day to minimize the impact on gorillas. In both countries, you'll typically be trekking in small groups of around 8 guests. (My group from Rwanda, below - 8 guests + our porters, rangers and guide)
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda - our awesome group of trekkers! (Erin Correia)
Gorilla Habituation Experience:
Uganda offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, where visitors can spend more time with gorillas and researchers as they get used to human presence. This experience is not available in Rwanda.
In summary, both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, and the choice between them depends on your preferences, budget, and other factors. Uganda may appeal to those looking for a more budget-friendly option and a chance to experience the Gorilla Habituation Experience, while Rwanda may be preferred for its accessibility and shorter hikes. Regardless of your choice, gorilla trekking in either country is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a remarkable opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
