Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda vs Uganda – your ultimate guide

Choosing between gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is a big decision, and it often comes down to your personal travel style, fitness level, and budget. While both countries offer the incredible, life-affirming experience of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, they each present a unique journey.  I spent a two-month sabbatical in Uganda and Rwanda back in 2007 and was lucky enough to track the gorillas on three occasions, in different locations, and each one was as rewarding as the last. I hope this blog, drawn from my personal experience, helps answer your key questions and guides you toward the perfect destination.

Jo with a gorilla

When is the best time to go?

The best time to see gorillas in both countries is during the dry seasons, which run from mid-December to mid-March and from July to October, when the trails are less muddy, and trekking is generally a bit easier. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll be trekking in a rainforest, so rain can occur at any time of the year. Both Uganda and Rwanda are excellent year-round destinations, so don’t let a bit of rain deter you.

Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

What do the permits cost?

This is one of the most significant differences between the two countries.

Uganda

A standard one-hour gorilla permit costs US$800. Uganda also offers a unique opportunity with its gorilla habituation permit, which costs US$1,500, this special habituation permit allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family in a smaller group of a maximum of four people. The habituation trek provides a “behind-the-scenes” look at the process of familiarising gorillas with human presence. The gorillas on these treks may be a little more skittish, but spending time with these animals is truly incredible.

Rwanda

Gorilla permits are significantly more expensive here, costing US$1,500 each for a one-hour encounter.

It’s crucial to remember that all the money from these permits goes directly back into the conservation of these endangered animals, helping to protect them and their habitats for future generations.

A young gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

A note on porters

Porters can be hired for every gorilla trek, and we highly recommend taking one to carry your backpack and provide assistance on steeper or slippery sections of the trail. Porters are not paid a wage by the parks and hiring them is a direct way for the local community to earn an income from gorilla conservation. The typical cost is US$15 per trek, and a tip of around US$5 is a thoughtful gesture.

Local porters

What is the habitat and trekking conditions like?

The physical experience of the trek itself can vary between the two countries.

Uganda

The trekking in Uganda is generally considered more challenging. You can expect steeper paths and thicker terrain, with guides often using machetes to clear a path. The views are breathtaking and arguably more beautiful, but a good level of fitness is recommended, especially for the longer habituation treks.

Rwanda

Trekking in Rwanda is typically a bit easier, making it well-suited for families with older teenagers (the minimum age is 16), older guests, or those with more limited mobility. It’s not uncommon to encounter gorillas within just 30 minutes of starting your trek here, which is a rarity in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

What are the accommodation options?

Regardless of where you stay, you can be sure that your visit is making a positive impact on the local economy, as most lodge staff are employed from the surrounding communities.

Uganda

Here, you’ll find a wider choice of mid-range lodges, making it a more budget-friendly option. We recommend Bwindi Lodge, set on a lush hillside above a winding river with breathtaking views of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This lodge is a fantastic starting point for your gorilla trekking adventure. Another favourite is Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, where over half of the park’s habituated gorilla families can be tracked in the Nkuringo sector. Beyond the incredible gorilla encounters, you can also enjoy excellent bird watching or join a guided forest walk.

Sunrise over the Forest Suite at Nkuringo

Rwanda

The majority of lodges in Rwanda are aimed at the luxury market, and it has some truly incredible properties. With a commanding position on a high ridge, Virunga Lodge treats guests to an awe-inspiring vista of the Virunga volcanoes and the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. It’s a place where majestic scenery meets prime location. The lodge is a three-hour drive from Kigali, an hour from the Uganda border, and 45 minutes from the starting point of gorilla trekking activities in Parc National des Volcans. Bisate Lodge is a masterful blend of nature and luxury, set within an eroded volcanic cone with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and the national park, and is just a short drive to the trek starting point. The lodge’s architecture is a tribute to Rwandan culture, with spherical thatched roofs that mirror the country’s iconic hills and richly decorated interiors.

Luxury accommodation at Bisate Lodge

Can you combine your gorilla trek with a broader safari experience?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda fits perfectly into a longer safari in Uganda, allowing you to experience the country’s diverse wildlife. It also combines seamlessly with safaris in neighbouring Kenya or Tanzania. While you can combine gorilla trekking with a safari in Rwanda, the lack of internal flights means you’ll either rely on long road transfers or expensive helicopter charters. Rwanda pairs beautifully with safaris in Uganda and Tanzania, offering a fantastic multi-country adventure.

Explore the Masai Mara with a stay at Offbeat Ndoto, Kenya

A great option for the truly dedicated is to combine both Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries boast a rich history and culture, offering a much deeper experience than just the wildlife. Ultimately, whether you choose Rwanda or Uganda, you are in for a life-changing experience. Each country offers a diverse adventure and a face-to-face encounter with a mountain gorilla, the world’s largest primate, in its natural habitat, a privilege that will stay with you forever.

What next?

Get inspired and sign up for our free Insiders Guide to Africa. We would be delighted to help with planning your perfect safari. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice.  Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions, even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch, whatever stage you’re at. 

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