Uganda Vs Rwanda: Which Is Best For Your Next Africa Safari?
If you are planning an East Africa tour and deciding on which safari destination to choose between Uganda and Rwanda, this ultimate article offers a guideline to help you choose between Uganda and Rwanda as your next gorilla trekking destination.
While Uganda and Rwanda may not be as famous as their counterparts, Kenya and Tanzania, for travelers, a safari to Uganda or Rwanda offers some of the best the safari experiences including primate tracking (both chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking), game safaris and mountain climbs, among others outdoor experiences on offer.
Thanks to the smaller size of these two countries, travelers are able to explore their unique destinations in a relatively short time, allowing travelers make the most of their safari visit. Here you will have awe-inspiring encounters some of the world’s most sought after primates such as the endangered mountain gorillas, endemic golden monkeys and playful chimpanzees as well as the Big Five, a wide array of birds and the locals showcasing their intricate customs and traditions.
Uganda Vs Rwanda: which is best for your next Africa safari? Here is what you need to know to help you decide.
Safari Activities and Experiences
Uganda and Rwanda are both similar and different at the same, with safari activities and experiences found in both countries while others are more specific to the destination. With 10 national parks , twelve game reserve and several lakes and rivers waiting for you to explore, Uganda may seem like it has more to offer compared to Rwanda with only four national parks seeming minimal.
But there is more to it than that. Let’s take a deep dive through some examples
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Uganda
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population thriving in two populations that is in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda’s gorilla parks around in Southwestern corner of the country, a journey of 8 -10 hours from Entebbe International Airport and Kampala or an hour’s flight.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an adventure through thick impenetrable forest, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience a true African jungle feel. Depending on the habituated gorilla family you are trekking, you hike the steep areas of Bwindi Forest, meaning some level of physical fitness is crucial.
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person per trek.
Rwanda
Rwanda – the “Land of a thousand hills” is famously known for offering the most accessible gorilla trekking experience in the world. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda happens in the misty Volcanoes National Park which is approximately 3 hours’ drive from Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda and where most safaris start from.
Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda takes place in a slightly less dense vegetation than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but offers similar gorilla trekking conditions like in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as both are found in the Virunga Conservation Area, dominated by Virunga Massifs.
A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person per trek
Chimpanzee Trekking
Uganda
In Uganda, chimpanzees trekking happens in Kibale Forest National Park; the best chimpanzee trekking destination in world and home to the largest population of chimpanzees and 13 primate species, Budongo Forest, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
Most of the chimpanzee trekking in Uganda happens in Kibale Forest National Park, here you will find more habituated chimpanzee troops and, as a result, chimpanzee sightings are almost guaranteed. Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking is less hectic with less steep topography to tackle and shorter walking distances.
Rwanda
In Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking takes place in Nyungwe Forest National Park and a relatively small and newly established Gishwati – Mukura National Park. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is slightly more hectic because of the highly terrain and the more elusive nature of the chimpanzees which tend to congregate in the trees, posing a challenge photographers.
Birdwatching
Uganda
With over 1090 bird species accounting for around 10% of the world’s bird species, Uganda is a paradise for bird watching. They are found in many habitats across the country, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, woodland and grasses on the banks of lakes and rivers.
Birding in Uganda is done in both protected areas and non-protected areas, from agricultural land to small pockets of vegetation in cities. Visitors on a Uganda birding safari should expect to see or hear over 400 different species.
Rwanda
Rwanda is recognized as one of the best birding destinations in East Africa with over 700 bird species thriving in various habitats including forests, wetlands, savannah, woodland, grasslands, lakes and rivers. Because of the relatively short distances between Rwanda’s national parks, birds are easily to find.
Game Drives
Uganda
With several savannah parks and reserve, game viewing safaris in Uganda are largely done in Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve.
Often game drives take place in the morning, early evening and at night, allowing for chances to spot nocturnal animals too.
Rwanda
Rwanda has only one savannah national park where game safaris are done that is Akagera National Park, the park offers an excellent choice for travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of all the Big Five – lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhino and elephants all at once. Also, Akagera offers boat safaris on Lake Ihema, a thrilling experience that allows visitors an insight into the full range of Rwanda’s wildlife.
Culture and community experiences
Uganda
Uganda is home to over 57 tribes each with their own unique language, food and culture. On your Uganda safari you can choose to visit one of the tribes as an addition to your usual wildlife safaris. On your visit, you will get a deeper insight into the life of the local people through dance and drama, taste their meals, visit the medicine man and listen to the folktale from the community elders.
Rwanda
Cultural and community experiences in Rwanda tend to be less across the country, but they are worth experiencing. For visitors seeking an insight into culture and way of life of the local people on their Rwanda safari, visit the Iby’Iwacu – a gorilla guardian’s village. Here you will interact with the community elders, be entertained by local dances and drama, witness the crowning of King and Queen among other activities.
Practicalities
Cost and accommodation
Generally, Rwanda has set its market to be luxury travelers. It has a number of luxury lodges to choose from around the country.
Uganda is a more budget friendly destination with a number of accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange to luxury, thus attracting a wide range of visitors.
In conclusion: Your decision between Uganda and Rwanda as your next destination is influenced by a number factors as listed above. Alternatively, you can experience the countries on one safari. Checkout of Uganda Rwanda combined packages to choose the best tour for you.
The 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari customized by Rwanda gorilla trek starts from Kigali airport crossing to Uganda via Katuna Border or Cyanika Border. Learn More
4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking starts from Kigali international airport drive through the land of thousand hills crossing to the pearl of Africa’s most known national park of Bwindi. Learn More
3 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari takes you to Lake Mburo National Park where you can spot rare wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, antelope. Learn More
A 3 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park can show you the magnificent wildlife of East Africa, such as lions, elephants, buffaloes. Learn More
5 Days Gorilla Trekking & Hiking trip to Mgahinga National Park located in southwestern Uganda. Plan a visit to the mountain gorillas, and golden monkey in Mgahinga. Learn More
6 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking & wildlife safari tour to visit the mountain gorillas, Wildlife animals in Queen Elizabeth national park on a customized Uganda safari. Learn More
9 Days Uganda Safari to enjoy gorilla trekking on an ultimate gorilla safari adventure to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Wildlife viewing. Learn More
10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari; Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport, Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & transfer to Murchison Falls, Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise, Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Learn More
5 Days Uganda Primates Safari; Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport, Day 2: City tour, Day 3: Golden monkey habituation, Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Mgahinga national park, Day 5: Transfer to the airport. Learn More
Book this 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek and visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in the shortest time. Read More
Book a Perfect 1 Day Gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southern Uganda. The trip starts from Kigali and can depart daily at 3:30 AM. Read More
Book 3 Days Gorilla Safari to Volcanoes. This trip combines gorilla trekking & Golden monkey tracking, a visit to the twine lakes, and a Kigali city tour. Read More
5 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari is perfect for a double gorilla trekking experience with a great chance of comparing gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park & Volcanoes. Read More
5 Days Rwanda Congo Safari is a perfect gorilla trekking & Nyiragongo hike in Congo on a combined multi Country safari to visit the mountain gorillas. Read More
Book 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour offered by Rwanda gorilla trek the destination expert in Safaris to Rwanda throughout the entire year. Read More
9 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari. Plan for a multi-country Safari to visit Africa? Click here to read about the Gorilla Trek within Rwanda, DR Congo & Uganda for Gorilla trekking. Read More
Get the Best out of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari with Active African Vacations that begins from Rwandan Airport Kigali and ends in Uganda. Read More
Book 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour offered by Rwanda gorilla trek the destination expert in Safaris to Rwanda throughout the entire year. Read More
Plan for a 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Rwanda in volcanoes national park to visit the mountain gorillas two times watching the two different silverbacks. Read More
5 Days Uganda Primates Safari; Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport, Day 2: City tour, Day 3: Golden monkey habituation, Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Mgahinga national park. Read More
7 Days Rwanda Safari – Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking; Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport, Day 2: Transfer to volcanoes national park. Read More
