How to choose Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda or Rwanda

Africa is the only place to have an authentic gorilla tracking safari for a hiking experience through the jungle tropical forests which serve as natural habitats to the world’s only mountain gorillas. In the whole world, there are only about 1,063 individuals remaining.

These are found in the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In all of these countries, the mountain gorillas live in their natural habitats one being Bwindi forest and the other the Virunga massif.

Uganda and Rwanda are the mainly visited countries for gorilla tracking safaris and therefore many travelers wonder which country is better for gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda. With the fact that we have been planning gorilla safaris for a long time, we know about gorilla tracking safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

In this article we do not offer a conclusive view on whether you should take an Uganda gorilla safari or Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, however, we give you an insight of what it is like to trek gorillas in both countries such that you can choose what is best;

Gorilla tracking safari in Uganda

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It hosts the single largest gorilla population without about 19 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In Bwindi forest tourists who would also love to learn more about gorillas can undertake a gorilla habituation experience that can’t be found anywhere else. In Uganda still, tourists can trek mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

To trek gorillas in Uganda, you need an Uganda gorilla trekking safari permit which costs USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.

Each permit is valid for individuals above 15 years of age and can be used for a single trek. A maximum of 1 hour is allowed for trekkers to be in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more preferable because of the affordable costs which are US$ 700 for a gorilla trekking permit. This is way less than the US$ 1500 for a permit in Rwanda.

In the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla permit costs US$450, however, the area where the park is located has in previous years been highly affected by rebel groups.

Trekking gorillas in Bwindi is known to be much strenuous as the gorillas move for longer distances. However, the experience is worth it.

If you are ready to have a long road drive, spend less, and have a memorable experience then Uganda is a perfect destination for your gorilla trekking tour.

Gorilla Tracking Safaris Tour in Rwanda

Rwanda is home to about 10 habituated gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park which is the only habitat to these elusive giants in the land of a thousand hills.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda costs US$ 1500 for a permit. Though expensive than Uganda, Rwanda has more to do with gorilla conservation history that travelers love to engage with.

The famous primatologist Dian Fossey did her research in Rwanda and a research center was established there. Visiting this research center helps learn more about gorillas and the conservation story as well.

The Mountain gorilla population of Volcanoes National Park is said to move for shorter distances than those in Bwindi Forest. For intending trekkers who would not wish to trek for long, then Rwanda is that high-end option.

If you want to have a luxurious gorilla trekking experience but spare your time a long drive and many more hours searching for mountain gorillas then Rwanda is the place to go.

With the above details, you now know how to choose gorilla tracking safari in Uganda or Rwanda. With gorilla tracking, you can also tailor in Uganda wildlife safaris or Rwanda wildlife tours for several other activities and experiences.

Most Popular East Africa Gorilla Safari Packages by Gorilla Trekking Uganda

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National park

The 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is has located in southwestern Uganda with a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley. This ancient rainforest is one of the few in Africa to have flourished and a home to half of the world’s endangered population of mountain gorillas.

Apart from Mountain gorilla trekking, the park boasts of 90 mammal species, including 11 primates and prominent bird species. It is a treasure chest of flora and fauna with four gorilla groups currently available to be visited by only six persons per group on a daily basis. However, strict rules have to be followed to prevent behavioral disturbances and transmission of diseases. View More Details

5 Days Gorilla Safari Rwanda Cultural Safari Tour to Volcanoes National park

5 Days Gorilla Safari Rwanda Cultural Safari Tour, customized tour, you will tour the genocide memorials, visit Volcanoes National Park well known as Parc National des Volcans for Mountain gorilla tracking, other wildlife adventure trips, and birds; enjoy You will have a boat cruise at Lake Kivu after which you transfer to Kigali for a Kigali City tour. The safari starts and ends in Kigali International Airport. View More Details

6 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Uganda

Your 6 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari, 6 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, and Wildlife Tour is a Gorilla tracking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and wildlife tour in Queen Elizabeth National Parks

This 6 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari & Uganda Wildlife Tour offers a chance to have the best Gorilla trekking safari experiences as well as have great game viewing experiences in one of the most popular safari park – Queen Elizabeth National park the Oldest national park in Uganda. View More Details

Best Gorilla Safari Destinations in East Africa – gorilla trekking permit price

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Impenetrable Bwindi Forest and is located along the Congo border next to Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley.

The jungle forests cover 331 square kilometers and contain both montane and lowland forest and are accessible only on foot. The park is regarded to be the most biological forest in Africa, largely due to its antiquity and an altitude range of between. More Details

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park well known as Parc National des Volcans in french is located on the north-western province of Rwanda in a small town known as Musanze.

The park is currently taken as the oldest national park on the African continent and harbors the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda that is always available for tourists who would love to carry out gorilla tracking tours in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park borders with Congo’s Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. More Details

Best Time to go Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a complete guide for visitors with everything you need to know about the Park located in Southwest Uganda.

The main aim of Acacia Safari Uganda is to provide free and inspirational advice to help you plan an amazing safari experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Whether you are looking at a gorilla tracking tour in the park, hiking the Virunga Volcanoes, golden monkey tracking, you will find all the information to plan your trip. More Details