Is Uganda gorilla trekking the same as that of Rwanda? With only about 1070 endangered mountain gorillas left in the world, this is considered an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitats. This opportunity is very frightening for people, especially those who have been able to see them, and they regard it as the most wonderful activity that one could ever wish for in a lifetime.

Due to poaching, there are only three countries in the world where you can see endangered mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

For today’s article, we focus on two countries; these include Uganda and Rwanda. For the visitors who are outside the theatre and would like to know which country to choose for the gorilla trekking safari, we have decided to provide you with information about these two countries, which will help you choose the best destination. Since both countries provide the best safari destination, you don’t need to miss out on this great opportunity.

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda vs. Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Gorillas in the Uganda area are located in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorillas National Park. All the parks are found in the south-western Uganda and harbor more than 700 mountain gorillas, making them the home for most of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Bwindi is found at the rim of the African Rift Valley and shares an ecology with the Virunga Mountains, which span the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Endangered mountain gorillas can only be found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the country’s northwestern region.

This clearly indicates that in Uganda, you have two options for seeing mountain gorillas: either in Mgahinga Gorillas National Park or in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is centrally located near one of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking destinations.

Getting access to gorilla trekking locations in Uganda vs Rwanda

The distance between the gorilla trekking parks in both countries and the nearest airport is important, especially if you prefer shorter drives.

As a result, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the most accessible gorilla trekking site, with a driving distance of only two hours from Kigali City, Rwanda’s capital.

To get to Bwindi, you’ll need at least four to five hours if you’re coming from Kigali, and up to nine hours if you’re traveling from the capital city of Entebbe/Kampala. This implies that Rwanda will become more accessible for gorilla trekking as compared to Uganda.

The price and transportation of gorilla trekking in Uganda are different as compared to Rwanda.

By Plane: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park can be reached by plane through the Kihihi air strip or by road. Bwindi is frequently the last stop on a Uganda itinerary, following Queen Elizabeth National Park in the north.

A Uganda gorilla permit presently costs USD $700 per person per gorilla trek. This covers the pre-trek briefing, the hike itself, and a full hour in the company of the gorillas when you discover them. The hiking group is limited to six people, excluding the ranger and any porters.

On the other hand, in Rwanda, gorillas may be walked and viewed on a daily basis if you have the proper permits, equipment, and guidance. To minimize disturbance to the gorillas, only eight individuals are permitted to visit one family per day, and when you find the gorillas, you are only permitted to spend one hour with them.

The permits are currently USD $1,500 per person per trip, and you must be over the age of 15 to hike the gorillas. Before the gorilla trekking, you will be briefed at the park headquarters. You will be told of the dos and don’ts. This means that, in Uganda, it is cheaper to trek to see gorillas than in Rwanda.

All countries offer fantastic gorilla trekking experiences, so you can tailor your safari to your preferences.