Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda If you are contemplating scheduling a gorilla trekking expedition and are unable to decide between Uganda and Rwanda, this decision often poses a challenge for travelers interested in this activity. The distinction between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda primarily lies in the cost of the trekking permits. In Uganda, the gorilla permit is priced at USD 800 per person per trek, whereas in Rwanda, it costs USD 1,500. Both permits grant a one-hour encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park, respectively. Gorilla tracking occurs exclusively in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda versus Rwanda

Comparison of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Both Uganda and Rwanda host mountain gorillas, and there is minimal distinction in the experience derived from gorilla trekking in either location. The sole distinction is that Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas inhabit the Virunga ranges, predominantly characterized by bamboo flora, whilst Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas reside in a rainforest including a diverse array of trees and plants. The probability of encountering gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is 99%, ensuring that regardless of the country you choose to visit, you will observe these magnificent endangered primates in their natural habitat. It is, however, perceived that Rwanda’s gorillas are easily observable due to the foliage; this perception stems from the thinking of individuals engaging in gorilla tracking. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a meticulously managed endeavor, and the experience is consistently rewarding regardless of the country in which one treks.

Comparison of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Determining the superior trekking destination between Uganda and Rwanda is complex; however, many assert that Rwanda is the preferable choice. This assertion is supported by the fact that Volcanoes National Park is only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, whereas the journey from Entebbe to Bwindi takes 8-9 hours. Previously, individuals refrained from gorilla trekking in Uganda due to the lengthy drive; however, we now facilitate tours to Bwindi via Kigali, reducing the travel time to only 4-5 hours. Consequently, you should consider booking gorilla trekking in Uganda, as it costs USD800 instead of USD1500, resulting in a savings of USD700. This will enable your arrival in Kigali using the East African Visa, permitting visits to both Rwanda and Uganda at a reasonable cost. Inquire here for additional information

Procedure for Reserving a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

The initial step in arranging a Gorilla tracking safari in Uganda is to obtain and acquire a Gorilla permit. This can only be acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 per person per trip for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, and USD77 for East African Citizens. From July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2026, the cost of the Gorilla permit in Uganda will be $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 for locals, $500 for individuals from the rest of Africa, and $77 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan).

Reach out to us and we will assist in obtaining the gorilla permit for you. Upon establishing your intended travel dates, you will inform us, and we will verify the availability of space for the Gorilla Tracking Experience with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once availability is confirmed, we will proceed to tentatively book your experience. Subsequently, we will issue an invoice for payment. After you complete the payment, please provide us with proof of payment so that we can secure the permit accordingly. Upon completion of the purchase, we will provide you with a scanned copy of your permit for your records and review. Gorilla tracking occurs in groups of eight visitors accompanied by park officers. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, there are 36 habituated mountain gorilla groups available for tracking, resulting in only 288 permits being issued daily. This scarcity complicates last-minute bookings; therefore, it is advisable to secure your permit at least 3 to 5 months in advance to avoid missing the limited availability.

What is the cost of a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda?

The cost of a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda varies based on the level of luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodations, as well as the itinerary and duration of travel. The primary expense for a Gorilla tracking safari in Uganda is the Gorilla tracking permit, priced at USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, and USD77 for East African Citizens. Additional costs encompass accommodation, which varies from USD100 for budget options to USD200 for mid-range and USD300-USD700 for luxury. The most prevalent travel itinerary for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is the 3-Day Gorilla Tracking Budget Safari, costing USD1900 for solo travelers, USD1490 per person for two sharing, USD1470 per person for three sharing, and USD1450 per person for four sharing. The price is all-inclusive, covering the Gorilla tracking permit, budget accommodation, transport in a 4×4 Safari Van, an English-speaking driver-guide, and drinking water, while excluding tips, Uganda visa fees, flights, and alcoholic beverages. Contact us here and we will assist you in arranging a gorilla tracking excursion in Bwindi accordingly.

What is the best time to go Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda?

Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda can be conducted year-round, as this activity is well-organized in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The optimal periods for gorilla tracking are the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September, as these conditions facilitate travel to the park and enhance visibility of the gorillas due to reduced vegetation. Conversely, the rainy season may also be advantageous for gorilla tracking, as the abundant food supply encourages gorillas to remain within shorter distances, making them easier to locate with minimal walking.

Accommodation for Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda

Gorilla tracking safaris in Bwindi Forest National Park occur in the northern regions of Buhoma and Ruhija, as well as in the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. In Rushaga, accommodations include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo, accommodations include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort, all in proximity to the Gorilla Habituation starting point.

In the northern region, specifically in the Buhoma sector, accommodations include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Ride 4 a Woman, among others. In Ruhija, options comprise Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp, among others.

What is the route to Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla tracking in Uganda?

Gorilla tracking in Uganda occurs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Access to these parks is facilitated by flying into Entebbe International Airport, from which one can commence the journey to southwestern Uganda via the principal local towns of Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale. Access to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks can be achieved via road travel, taking around 9-10 hours, or by flying to Kisoro Airstrip for the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, or to Kihihi Airstrip for the northern section of Bwindi Forest National Park. Access to Kigali International Airport, Bwindi Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks is possible via the Cyanika or Katuna border, with a travel duration of 4-5 hours, including immigration processing time at the border. We consistently recommend that our tourists obtain the East African Visa, which permits multiple entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. The East African Visa charge is USD 100, obtainable at the airport upon arrival or online, and is more economical than purchasing individual entry visas. Alternatively, you may choose to obtain individual visas; the Rwandan visa is priced at USD 30, while the Ugandan visa costs USD 50. Distinction between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Regarding vegetation and trekking experiences, the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda inhabit distinct environments: in Volcanoes National Park, they reside in the Virunga mountains characterized predominantly by bamboo, whereas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, they are found within a tropical rainforest rich in diverse tree and plant species. It is asserted that the gorillas at Volcanoes National Park are readily observable due to the kind of vegetation, facilitating clear photography in contrast to Bwindi, where gorillas inhabit dense forests.

Regarding accessibility in Uganda and Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a superior choice compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Reasons to endorse this include that Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hour trip from Kigali, and so gorillas may be readily observed with a brief travel time, potentially within a single day. This is undeniably accurate, and no one can evade it. Previously, individuals refrained from gorilla trekking in Bwindi due to the 9-10 hour trip from Entebbe International Airport; however, we now facilitate tours to Bwindi through Kigali, reducing the travel time to 4-5 hours. Upon arrival in Kigali, utilize the East African Tourist Visa, which permits simultaneous visits to both countries, and subsequently embark on a cost-effective gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda. Consequently, even Rwandan tour providers are promoting Bwindi above their own country.

 

Both Uganda and Rwanda provide budget, mid-range and upscale lodges within their national parks for accommodation throughout your walk. Volcanoes National Park is the premier destination for gorilla trekking for individuals seeking accommodations in ultra-luxurious lodges that meet worldwide standards, in contrast to Bwindi. These lodges provide exceptional luxury and service, with some regarded as among the finest in Africa and the country, such as Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park. For individuals seeking economical accommodations, Bwindi presents the optimal choice, as it offers a variety of options priced between $30 and $100, depending on the selected package.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers a greater number of gorilla families available for trekking compared to Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda. Bwindi possesses 16 habituated gorilla family groups, resulting in 128 gorilla permits accessible daily for gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park hosts 12 gorilla families, providing 96 permits daily for gorilla trekking. This renders the acquisition of gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi more adaptable than in Volcanoes National Park, particularly during peak season months.

Regarding the premier gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda, it is a fact that both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park host mountain gorillas, and there is minimal distinction in the experiences garnered upon completion of your journey. The probability of observing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 98%, ensuring that a visit to either area will likely result in sighting these giant apes in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi offers the opportunity to engage in the Gorilla habituation experience, exclusive to Bwindi Forest. A Gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person, allowing for a four-hour encounter with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, supervised by trackers and researchers, in contrast to the one-hour duration of standard trekking.

Regarding pricing in Uganda compared to Rwanda, observing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is far less expensive than at Volcanoes National Park. The discrepancy in prices primarily stems from differing policies between Uganda and Rwanda. Rwanda aims to position itself as a luxury destination, whilst Uganda seeks to pitch itself as an economical option. Is the experience and length with gorillas unchanged? One would choose to reserve Uganda’s gorilla habituation experience for USD 1500, allowing for up to four hours with mountain gorillas, rather than spending the same amount in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for merely one hour.

The gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for residents, and $77 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This allows for a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

The Gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $500 per person for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan), allowing for a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

The distance required to observe gorillas in Uganda compared to Rwanda varies according on the specific gorilla family assigned to you on the day of trekking within the national parks. In both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla families are assigned based on an individual’s interests and physical fitness. If you desire a shorter walk, you must notify the park authorities on the day of the trek to be assigned to an appropriate group. If you desire a medium or extended excursion, then you proceed similarly. It is important to acknowledge that although they will attempt to provide you with a family that necessitates fewer trips, the behavior of the gorillas may influence the experience; for instance, if the gorillas choose to relocate while you are searching for them, you may be required to traverse a greater distance.

Reasons to plan your gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with Rwanda Gorilla trek

Rwanda gorilla trek specializes in creating bespoke safaris. The local operator in Uganda possesses a highly dedicated and reliable crew. Your inquiries will be addressed within 30 minutes by our staff of expert tour consultants. These advisors will formulate a vacation itinerary, address all your inquiries, and ensure that all your services are reserved in advance to prevent any problems. We offer highly educated safari guides tailored to your language preferences. The distinction between Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda lies in the available Mountain Gorilla Safari Packages for Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which include the 2-day Gorilla safari, the 3-day Gorilla safari, and the 4-day Gorilla fly-in safari, contingent upon individual preference. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

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