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By: Musenze Edwin | 8th March, 2025
Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in the world, attracting thousands of adventure seekers every year. But when it comes to choosing between Uganda and Rwanda for your gorilla trekking adventure, it’s important to understand the differences that could affect your choice.
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible opportunities to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but the trekking experiences in each country come with their own set of features. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the choice between gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park whilst providing detailed insights into what you need to know before embarking on this life-changing experience.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda, home to the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is a top gorilla trekking destination. Bwindi is one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa and is home to more than half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. With over 459 gorillas (as of 2023) inhabiting the forest, Uganda offers an exciting adventure through rugged, remote landscapes.
Trekking Experience in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an immersive, adventurous experience. Visitors trek through dense forests, navigate steep slopes, and enjoy the thrill of encountering gorillas in the wild. The effort of trekking through such rugged terrain is part of what makes it so rewarding. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have a chance to observe them up close as they interact with each other and their environment.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, 500 USD per person for Africans, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens (as of 2025/2026), making it a more budget-friendly option compared to Rwanda. Trekking permits are in high demand, so it's recommended to book your permit early through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a reliable tour operato like ID Trails.
Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to trek gorillas in Uganda is during the dry season, which occurs from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are more accessible, and the wildlife is easier to spot.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Why Choose Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Why Choose Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?
Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers another exceptional gorilla trekking experience in areas like Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to over 600 mountain gorillas, making it one of the most renowned places in the world for seeing these majestic creatures.
Volcanoes National Park is famous for being easier to access and offering shorter treks compared to Uganda. It is particularly appealing for visitors who have limited time or prefer less strenuous trekking.
Trekking Experience in Rwanda
The trekking experience in Rwanda typically involves a less physically demanding hike compared to those in Uganda. Most trekking groups find that the trails in Volcanoes National Park are gentler, with shorter treks that make it easier to spot gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda offers a more comfortable, but equally rewarding, gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs 1500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 500 USD per person for foreign/African residents, and 200 USD per person for Rwandan and East African citizens (as of 2025), making it a more expensive option than Uganda. Like Uganda, permits are limited and should be booked in advance to guarantee your spot.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda is also during the dry months, from June to September and December to February. During this time, trekking conditions are optimal as the trails are drier, and you have the best chance of seeing the gorillas.
Key Differences Between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Key Differences Between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
1. Trekking Difficulty
Uganda: The trekking in Uganda is more physically challenging due to the steep slopes, dense forest cover, and the rugged terrain. It requires a good level of fitness, but the reward of encountering the gorillas in such a pristine environment makes it worthwhile.
While
Rwanda: Rwanda’s trekking experience is generally easier and less strenuous. The trails are gentler, and most trekkers find the hikes to be shorter and more manageable, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a less demanding experience.
2. Gorilla Population
Uganda: Has around 459 gorillas in 12 habituated families, offering variety and a greater chance of seeing a range of behaviors and interactions. With more gorillas in Uganda, you'll likely have a more diverse trekking experience.
While
Rwanda: Has over 600 gorillas, but there are fewer habituated groups available for trekking. The smaller number of trekking groups means that visitors may have more exclusive experiences, though the trek might be slightly more crowded due to the **higher number of visitors.
3. Accessibility and Ease of Travel
Uganda: Getting to parks like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be more time-consuming, with most visitors flying into Entebbe International Airport and then transferring to Kisoro or Kahihi by flight or road. The journey can take 4-8 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.
While
Rwanda: Kigali International Airport is just a 2-3 hour drive from Volcanoes National Park, making Rwanda a more convenient option if you’re pressed for time. **Rwanda’s accessibility** is one of the key reasons why many visitors opt for this destination.
4. Costs and Permits
Uganda: A gorilla trekking permit costs 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, 500 USD per person for Africans, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens, making it more affordable than Rwanda. Uganda also offers a more budget-friendly experience for travelers seeking to combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife safaris or tours.
While
Rwanda: A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is 1500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 500 USD per person for foreign/African residents, and 200 USD per person for Rwandan and East African citizens, which is significantly more expensive. However, Rwanda’s premium services including luxury lodges, expert guides, and shorter treks appeal to travelers looking for a high-end experience.
Fun Facts About Gorilla Trekking
Fun Facts About Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
Gorillas are known for their intelligence: they use tools, display emotions, and have a complex social structure within their families.
The mountain gorilla population has been steadily growing thanks to conservation efforts supported by tourism revenue. As of 2021, there were only 1,063 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild.
Rwanda’s Virunga mountain range, home to the mountain gorillas, has earned the title of a biodiversity hotspot, with a wide range of unique flora and fauna that can be seen on your trek.
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