Rwanda or Uganda: which one is better for a luxury gorilla trekking stay

Mountain gorillas are the largest living primates in the world, but despite their fearsome appearance, size, and muscular body, they are among the most gentle of creatures who spend most of their time feeding and foraging on the forest floor.

The world’s main gorilla population is concentrated in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Rwanda and Uganda garnering maximum attention for commercially organized gorilla trekking. In all, there are 10 countries in equatorial Africa, where gorillas can be found in the wild.

There is something about the vulnerability of these gentle creatures that appeals to visitors who get the privilege to spend a few magical moments with the gorillas and describe it as an extremely moving and life-changing experience. Booking your wildlife holidays with a reputable agency like Wildfoot Travel will enhance this experience.

Gorilla trekking, in both Rwanda and Uganda, is a year-round activity, but the prime months are during the dry season which runs from June to September as well as December to February.

During this short dry season, the trails are firm and there is minimum risk of catching malaria, which makes it a perfect time to trek for this unforgettable adventure. However, packing waterproof gear is essential, even during the drier months due to the high humidity.

While the drier conditions are a great time for gorilla trekking, even when the rains increase in density sightings of gorilla families is still good as the troops strive to seek shelter in the dense foliage.

Also, during this period the forest is lush green and there are chances of seeing other active wildlife including forest elephant, golden monkeys and a myriad bird species that attract even more migrants as the rainfall increases.

From budget lodges to high-end retreats, both Rwanda and Uganda provide a variety of stay options to cater to the needs of every traveller.

As far as upscale accommodation choices are concerned, both Reanda and Uganda stands tall with several world-class luxury lodges, with diverse room categories, ranging from premium to exclusive.

However, in Bwindi, there are just a handful of high-end options to choose from and even the standard of the four and five star resorts tends to be lower than in the resorts with similar ratings in Rwanda.

The reason being, recently Rwanda has started targeting wealthier visitors, a factor seen in the much higher charge of gorilla trekking permits that are almost double than that of Uganda.

These strategically located lodges, offer sweeping views across the forest from all guest rooms and combine sustainable luxury with the thrill of getting up close to the worlds most endangered animal species for a rewarding safari experience.

Gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda is an organized and well-developed industry with few pitfalls to be mindful of. However, unlike in Rwanda, the gorilla population in Uganda is more dispersed and trekking here requires careful planning.

A Uganda safari offers a captivating blend of gorilla trekking in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park and can even be combined with a a major bucket-list wildlife experience in the Masai Mara because of the excellent connections with Kenya.

From November to April, a symphony of migratory birds sweep across the skies of Uganda, with over a 1000 species being recorded, including many endemic species not to be found anywhere else.

In addition, the Kibale Forest in the heart of the country is a virtual haven for primate lovers with an astounding 13 different species found in this lush sanctuary, while the Virunga Mountains are home to the elusive golden monkey.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is a different experience altogether. While the Volcanoes National Park beckons visitors with its mystical population of mountain gorillas, the Nyungwe National Park is the refuge for chimpanzees.

If you venture into the Akagera National Park, you will find the big 5, giraffe and zebras among others, roaming the vast savannah. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy a boat or kayaking cruise on the waters of Lake Kivu.

Rwanda too, has an enviable bird population with over 703 species being recorded here, including as many as 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. The best time for birdwatching in the country is between December to January and May through September.

Costs: Permit costs are a significant factor when comparing costs of gorilla trekking. While in Uganda the permits cost $800 per person, conversely the gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1500 per person, reflecting a more premium experience.

That said, transport costs in Rwanda are generally lower due to its proximity to the Volcanoes National Park with Kigali, in contrast the longer travel distance in Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can add to both travel time and logistic costs.

Ultimately, Rwanda is ideal for those with limited time as it is more accessible, while Uganda offers a more authentic and adventurous gorilla trekking experience and additional sights to see.

Safety: In addition to adhering to safety guidelines while gorilla trekking, Rwanda has a slightly better reputation for infrastructure and political stability and is considered the safer between the two. It is therefore always advisable to stay updated on travel advisories to both these countries.

Difficulty level: In both countries, gorilla trekking is generally physically demanding as the trek duration can range from an hour to much longer, through varying terrain and those embarking on such an adventure should start training months in advance.

Having said that, Uganda’s gorilla treks are more strenuous due to the steep terrain and dense vegetation, while trekking in Reanda are a lot easier, but can still pose a challenge because of the high altitudes.

Landscape: Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest in Uganda offers a rugged trekking experience over ancient rainforests and steep hillsides with elevation ranging between 1160-2607 m, creating a diverse ecosystem which makes the trek a truly immersive experience with nature, even though the thick foliage limits the visibility at times.

In contrast, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda provides a unique trekking experience in the Virunga Mountains, with its volcanic terrain being characterized by more open spaces and bamboo forests. Navigation here is easier compared to Bwindi and allows clearer views of the gorillas due to less vegetation and being more accustomed to human presence.

Trip duration : Owing to the remote location in Twanda, you will need to stay at least for two nights in the area where you want to go gorilla trekking. If you want to meet the Batwa forest tribe and go for diverse hikes, you may have to stay longer.

In Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is much easier to access, and day gorilla trips are also possible. Still, here also a two night trip is recommended as there is a lot more to the country than just gorillas.

Both Rwanda and Uganda offer excellent gorilla interaction opportunities and the final choice depends on your budget and time available.

It is imperative to go through a good tour operator as they know all the good lodges and the location of the habituated gorilla families in order to match them with your hiking ability, interests, budget and time.