Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking | Which to Choose

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better For Gorilla Trekking : Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the prime safari activities to do and it can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, though currently Rwanda and Uganda are the only destinations open for gorilla trekking.

Choosing between Rwanda and Uganda as your destination for gorilla trekking can be hard most especially if it is your first time to do gorilla trekking experience, when deciding on the best destination for gorilla trekking. There are many factors to consider when choosing which country is best for gorilla trekking, either Uganda or Rwanda.

Here are few factors to mind when choosing between Uganda and Rwanda.

The cost of gorilla permit

For any individual to participate in gorilla trekking, you need a gorilla trekking permit and its cost affects the total cost of your gorilla trekking safari.

In Uganda, a permit for gorillas is currently US$ 700. This cost includes the cost of a permit, a medical checkup and a briefing session before you head into the forests of Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park from officials of Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A gorilla permit in Uganda is purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority and it can only be purchased through a tour operator.

In Rwanda, a permit costs US$ 1,500.  This cost includes the cost of a permit, a medical check-up and a briefing session at the park’s headquarters before the start of the trek. Gorilla briefing is conducted by officials from the Rwanda Development Board.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are purchased from the Rwanda Development Board, this organization is responsible for issuing the gorilla permits and setting the price for the gorilla permit.

Why are gorilla permits so expensive?

Most people ask themselves why the gorilla permits are expensive, the reason to why the permits are expensive is because they are only a limited number of permits issued on a daily as opposed to their demand from the travelers.

Also because the large percentage of the cost of the permit goes towards conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals and the local communities.

In Rwanda, 10% of the revenue collected from the permits is channeled towards the local communities and also in an effort to reduce the impact of tourism on gorillas and their habitat.

There is also a compensation fund for locals when gorillas damage their farms, this helps to ensure peaceful co-existence.

Security

Both Rwanda and Uganda are very secure countries and so are national parks where gorilla treks are done, Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park  and Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park have armed rangers and guides employed to keep the visitors of the park safe from any attack either from the rebels or any wild animal.

Distance

Rwanda’s gorillas in Volcanoes national park are closer than that of Uganda Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. So trekkers doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda do not have to walk so far to find the gorillas.

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park than in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park.

 Uganda’s wide range of accommodation include luxury, midrange and budget.

What is the best time of year to track gorillas?

In Rwanda

The best time to track gorillas in Rwanda is from June to September, in this period of the year the weather is dryer. However, it is possible to do gorilla tracking all year-round.

In Uganda

The best time to track gorillas in Uganda is from June to September and January to February, in this period the weather is drier which makes trekking easier. However, gorilla tracking is possible all year round.

Note: because of the forested nature of Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga Gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park, expect rain at any time of the year.

How difficult is gorilla trekking

In Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be strenuous as you walk through dense jungle terrain, however, the gorillas in Rwanda are typically found at lower altitudes so the trek is not too difficult when compared to climbing a mountain.

In Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is relatively difficult depending on your level of physical fitness, generally gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of physical fitness but most healthy individuals should be more than up to the challenge.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is relatively hard as it involves walking through the thick forest, valleys, hills and swamps.

Safety when tracking gorillas

 Is it safe to track gorillas either in Uganda or Rwanda is the frequently asked question when choosing the best country to do gorilla trekking.

Yes, it is safe to track gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. There is no risk of contracting diseases such as Ebola from gorillas, as they have not been known to carry the virus. However as a visitor, you should always follow the guidelines as they are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for your safari as well as for the gorillas.

Frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking both in Uganda and Rwanda

 What should I wear for gorilla trekking?

In both Uganda and Rwanda, what to wear for gorilla trekking is similar, as a visitors going for trekking in the jungle you should wear long pants and long – sleeved shorts to protect yourself from stinging insects and plants. Wear closed – toe shoes, they should be comfortable.

How many people can track gorillas?

Both in Uganda and Rwanda, a maximum of eight people per group each day can track mountain gorillas, a number of people visiting gorillas is limited to 8 people per group per day so as to minimize the impact on the gorillas and their safety.

Do I need a guide to track gorillas?

Yes, you need a qualified guide and armed rangers to track gorillas. Your guide will be able to help you find the gorillas and also provide you with information about their behavior.

Can I take pictures of the gorillas?

Yes you can take pictures of gorillas, however you should not use flash as it irritates the gorillas and can provoke them to be harmful.

What are the rules for tracking gorillas?

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda are set by Uganda Wildlife Authority and in Rwanda, they are set by Rwanda Development Board. These rules are as follows

• A limit of eight people per group are allowed per trek
• One hour is spent in the presence of Mountain gorillas
• All visitors must also have a medical certificate showing they are free of Ebola.
• Ill visitors are not allowed to participate in the trekking
• 15 years old are the minimum age for gorilla trekking

 In conclusion, the best destination for gorilla trekking. Either Rwanda or Uganda depends on your personal preferences and budget,

• if you are looking for a more affordable gorilla option, Uganda is the best choice
• if you don’t mind spending a bit more money and want to be closer to the gorillas, Rwanda is the best option.

Rwanda offers a more relaxed vibe and Uganda offers a more adventurous gorilla trekking experience.

Book your gorilla trekking safari with Petnah Africa Tours and Travel