Comparing gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda 

Comparing gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda

Comparing gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda, With no doubt, Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo are the three countries wild wide to host the endangered mountain gorillas, few visitors to these countries leave minus visiting the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is considered hosting the highest number of these apes over 600 individuals live in Uganda in two parks including  Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla forest national park, the rest live in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in DRC. Gorilla trekking experience seems the same but each country offers a different experience, so if you have the money and time you can try in each country and get the deep difference experience.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers two unique experiences, with both countries providing an opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Here are some key differences and similarities to consider when comparing gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla Habituation Experience# Comparing gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda :

Uganda offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where visitors can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family undergoing habituation. habituation is the process of making gorillas become slowly familiar to human presence.  In Rwanda, only gorilla trekking is available, which lasts for one hour.

Accessibility#Comparing gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is easier to access, as Volcanoes National Park is only a two-hour drive from Kigali International airport to the park. in Rwanda even a 1 day gorilla trek is very possible which is not the case in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda requires a longer drive or a flight to the nearest airport in Entebbe. from Entebbe international airport to the parks bwindi or Mgahinga national park its a drive of about 9-10 hours, to those who don;t prefer long drives considers it very long and a 4×4 car is highly recommended  however to those who want to admire nature finds it easy to drive.

Cost 

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are more expensive than those in Uganda. With Rwanda a gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person per trekking and in Uganda a gorilla permit costs $700 per trekking. Where as trekking in Congo you need to purchase a gorilla permit which is sold at $400. So its you to choose where to trek from depending on your budget

Terrain:

The terrain in both countries varies, with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park having steeper and more challenging trails compared to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. in other words, when comparing gorilla trekking experience, Uganda gorilla’s are more challenging than those of Rwanda.

Climate:

Both countries have a tropical climate, but Rwanda is generally cooler due to its higher elevation.

Gorilla population:

Uganda has a larger population of mountain gorillas, with over 600 individuals in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Rwanda has around 300 gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

In summary, while both countries offer a unique gorilla trekking experience, Uganda’s Gorilla Habituation Experience and larger gorilla population may appeal to some visitors, while Rwanda’s easier accessibility and cooler climate may be more attractive to others. Ultimately, the choice between Uganda and Rwanda will depend on individual preferences and priorities.