What Gorilla Trek will suit me better?

What Gorilla Trek will suit me better?

Sara • 06/25/2025

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This question is asked time and again so we thought we’d list the 5 key differences between Rwanda and Uganda and how to come to a decision based on accessibility, fitness and of course budget!

1. Terrain & Trekking Difficulty

  • Rwanda: Trekking in Volcanoes National Park is generally considered easier and more accessible, with shorter distances from park headquarters to gorilla families. The Terrain is mountainous but well-maintained.
  • Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is more rugged, with steeper inclines, dense jungle, and unpredictable paths. Trekking can be more strenuous and time-consuming, especially if gorilla families are far.

2. Gorilla Subspecies

In both countries, you will see mountain gorillas, but their behavior can be influenced by the environment and habituation.

  • Rwanda: Hosts mountain gorillas exclusively, part of the same species found in Uganda, but in a different environment.
  • Uganda: Has two populations of mountain gorillas—one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and another in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Bwindi gorillas are often described as more shy and elusive, possibly due to denser forest cover.

Let’s not forget the 🐒 Golden Monkeys

Endemic to: the Virunga volcanic mountains – specifically in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC.

Where to See Them:

  1. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
    • The most popular and accessible destination for golden monkey trekking.
    • Shorter, less strenuous treks compared to gorilla tracking.
  2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
    • Uganda’s only location for golden monkeys.
  3. We don’t do tours to the DRC currently

🏨 3. Luxury & Accessibility

  • Rwanda: Known for ultra-luxury lodges (like Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest), with shorter drives (approx. 2.5 hours from Kigali) to the park. Well-developed for high-end travelers.
  • Uganda: Offers a broader range of accommodation, from budget to luxury, but Bwindi is more remote (approx. 8–10 hours drive from Entebbe or 1 hour flight).

For ultra-luxury and easier logistics: Rwanda has the edge.

4. Scenery & Biodiversity

  • Rwanda: Lush volcanoes, open bamboo forests, and terraced hills create striking, cinematic views.
  • Uganda: Bwindi is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in Africa — ancient rainforest with hundreds of bird species, butterflies, and other primates. The experience feels more immersive and wild.

Uganda wins for biodiversity and raw forest immersion; Rwanda for luxury accommodation and majestic volcano views.

5. Permit Costs

  • Rwanda: Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 USD per person.
  • Uganda: Permits are $800 USD per person (as of 2024), making it significantly more cost-effective, especially for families or groups.

Uganda offers similar encounters at nearly half the price.

Here is a video of what a gorilla hike can look like, let’s give you a taster of what you’re in for: