Gorilla Tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda : Mountain gorilla trekking is a once in a lifetime experience where trekkers get a chance to come face to face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The mountain gorillas are only found and living in the Albertine region and the Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. There are 4 destinations that guests can book a visit to and these are in the Democratic republic of Congo in the Virunga national park, in Rwanda in the Volcanoes national park and in Uganda in the Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and the Mgahinga forest national park.
Once you are booked or interested in going for a mountain gorilla trekking, you will need to look at all options and see which of the destinations will be the best option to book. All the countries price their gorilla permits differently, all destinations have a winning advantage over the other and however much these destinations are within close proximity, the experiences are different in particular senses.
There are a few comparisons that you may make and decide on you ideal destination. Making a decision to visit one of these gorilla homes does not limit you from deciding to visit more than one destination. Given the distances between the gorilla parks and the alliances between the countries, visiting more than one of the parks is possible. Here are a few of the factors to look at if you are trying to pick between the destinations on Gorilla Tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda.
Cost of the mountain gorilla permit.
A big factor to travel is the cost involved so how much the mountain gorilla permit goes for will definitely be a point to look at. The mountain gorilla permit of Rwanda is sold at 1,500 USD per person and the mountain gorilla trekking permit of the Ugandan gorilla homes; the Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and the Mgahinga forest national park goes for 700 USD per permit person.
The difference in pricing is factored by the different authorities governing the destinations therefore if you are looking at cutting costs of your gorilla trekking safari, you may as well consider the more affordable one.
The overall experience
The mountain gorillas prefer to stay in the mountainous areas and these are usually surrounded by the rain forest vegetation. It is on most treks that the mountain gorillas are found on the mountain slopes and the Bwindi forest differs from the Volcanoes forest in a sense that the vegetation is different.
The Bwindi forest is exactly like its name “impenetrable”, the experience is very authentic as there is little to no disturbance to nature trails taken in search of the gorillas while in the Volcanoes national park, you will make your way through long bamboo trees.
The Bambou vegetation of this national park will give you a clearer view of the mountain gorillas and you will only need to be physical fit to make your way to gorilla family of the day. If you are less physically capable, Volcanoes national park would be a better option for you to book as it will not be a demanding as the experience in the Bwindi.
Distances of the national parks
The distance you will have to cover to reach the destination is a strong factor in determining the preferred park to visit. The Volcanoes national park is a 2 to 3 hour road transfer from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda and the base of the Kigali International airport where most international flights land. The Bwindi forest national park or the Mgahinga forest national park is a 9 to 10 hour road transfer from the Entebbe International airport but you can also access this national park from Kigali. This is a 4 hour road transfer via the Katuna-Gatuna border of Uganda and Rwanda.
The longer distance may be an activity of its own as you can enjoy the enroute visits and scenery transitioning from the city life to the country side. Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi forest would be a great choice for guests looking for this experience however if you have limited time and would to spend less time on road, then you can look at visiting the Volcanoes national park from Kigali.
There are many other factors that guests can consider like the security in the region, both Uganda and Rwanda are safe destinations with many tourist information points in case you are on a self-guided tour.
Availability of permits according to your preferred dates will also determine which destination to settle for as the permits sold per day are limited. There are 12 habituated gorilla families in the Volcanoes national park and about 19 habituated gorilla families in the Bwindi forest national park and only 8 guests are allowed per gorilla family so be sure to book your gorilla permit in advance if you have specific preferred dates.
Ensure to make enough research about the destination you may opt to visit. Look at the weather conditions of the season. The dry season is a great time to visit as you get to enjoy the clear views with less mud as experienced in the rain seasons.
The Bwindi forest and the Volcanoes national park are much sought after destinations by trekkers and there are a range of accommodations that you can choose to stay at depending on your budget for the safari. We can help you choose the most suitable accommodation and the ideal gorilla trekking experience in either Uganda or Rwanda.
According to Gorilla Census of 2011, there about 900 Mountain gorillas left in the world. Primarily in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. The fact that they are rare alone makes it incredible to spend time with them.
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda vs Rwanda : Uganda is well known for the gorillas tracking experience. Its a bout a 9 hours drive for the capital Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. There is also an option to charter a flight at a fee of about USD 250
Gorilla tracking has hugely developed in Rwanda over the years. The range of Virunga volcanoes form the Volcanoes National Park, the area made famous by researcher Dian Fossey and this area is generally regarded as the easiest option if your priority is just seeing the gorillas.
Unlike in Uganda, its just two hours form the capital Kigali to Volcanoes national park the only place to see gorillas in Rwanda.
One would think according to the above that definitely Rwanda would best suite them but there are other factors involved. The cost of the permit in Uganda(USD 600) as opposed to the cost of the permit in Rwanda (USD 1500). There is more to a Ugandan safari than in Rwanda. Uganda has 10 national parks while Rwanda has just four.
Rwanda seems good for those that are only looking at gorilla adventure but Uganda would be best for the sight seeing and any other additions to the Safari.
TOP TIPS
Its not bad if you choose to track two time. Each time will definitely give you a different experience. Even if it means tracking in Rwanda alone but you try out two families. One day it may rain and the other day it shines, those are already two different experiences.
Its very possible to do a combined safari of Uganda and Rwanda and therefore you can have experience of both countries and decide for yourself or actually save on planning another safari in the same area.
While heading for gorilla tracking, carry a pair of gardening gloves as some vegetation is thorny. Put on hiking boots to ease on your hike. Of course carry a rain jacket as you are not sure when it will rain.
