Gorillas in the mist (and rain)

An exquisite image of a large, male gorilla captured by @richard.degouveia

Gorillas can be found in both Uganda and Rwanda and generally guests choose the country based on the experience they want to have and want they want to explore.

Rwanda is seen as the much more expensive cousin of Uganda, with lodges catering to the upper echelons of society and those seeking a more luxurious landing. Rwanda’s park fees and permits are also significantly more expensive than Uganda.

But not to be outdone, Uganda is a bit little grittier but no less sensational than Rwanda. What differs is also the ecosystems and habitats of where the gorillas live.

The main difference is the landscape and vegetation. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is part of a dormant volcanic mountain range known as the Virungas, where gorillas primarily inhabit the a dense, bamboo forest zone.

This setting provides open vegetation, making it ideal for easy, clear viewing of the gorillas.

But in contrast, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rainforest, which can sometimes make it more challenging to obtain clear views of the gorillas due to the denser vegetation but no less exciting. As it’s a rainforest, the cacophony of ‘jungle’ sounds is simply stunning as is the ecosystems that jostle together here.

Rwanda has 12 trackable gorilla groups, while Uganda has over 25 groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda also offers more options for a broader safari experience, including Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, while Rwanda is less established as a stand-alone safari destination but has some off-the-beaten-track gems.

Best Time to Go you ask? The best time for gorilla trekking in both countries is during the dry seasons, from May/June to September and then December to February.

What month is it now? Ohhhh June? We’re completely booked for this year, but there is always next year or 2026…

#arcearth #travelwithpurpose #gorilla #gorillatrekking #rwanda #uganda #bwindi #volcanoesnationalpark #volcanoesnationalpark #virungas