Gorilla trekking has presently become a priority for most travelers to Africa. Travelers to see mountain gorillas travel deep into the rain forests of Bwindi forest /Mgahinga gorilla national parks in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the start of gorilla tourism in the early 1990s many travelers have come to watch gorillas in their natural habitat while others are looking to come in the future. There are many common aspects between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda but in most cases, it’s the type of gorilla family visited that brings about the differences. Different gorilla families have different behaviors in front of trackers. Another difference is the duration and toughness of the journey before reaching where these families are plus the services offered by the park staff. But according to different tourists, Rwanda gorilla safari is more charming than the Uganda gorilla safari simply because of the various experiences a visitor is exposed to before tracking. As a visitor prepares for the adventurous activity (Gorilla trekking) in Rwanda, he/she is entertained with cultural dances as he enjoys a cup of tea. This helps to bring the African culture nearer to the visitors without struggling to find it.
In Uganda, a visitor can enjoy a number of additional safari activities after the mountain gorilla trekking adventure in the afternoon, by the various traditional groups near the park. At this time, visitors are already tired after a long day of trekking the gorillas. Though it’s tiresome, a long-adventurous journey from Kampala to Bwindi is one of those journeys that will expose a visitor to the beauty of the pearl of Africa with an optional stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale or Lake Mburo National Park. At these parks, great views of mammals, birds, and nature are enjoyed. Not forgetting an unforgettable visit to the Equator that many people wish to see. A number of factors create the difference between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
If a visitor is interested in other activities and not necessarily mountain gorillas, Uganda may be the best country compared to Rwanda. This is why most tourists find themselves crossing from Rwanda to Uganda after their Rwanda gorilla trek in order to supplement on their tour. They are attracted by the abundant wildlife in Uganda that is not found in Rwanda.
In Uganda, there are 10 gorilla families habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and only 80 people are allowed to visit a given family per day. In Rwanda, mountain gorillas are habituated in Volcanoes National Park and just like Uganda, also 80 people are allowed per day.
Comparing prices
Due to the long distance from Kampala to Uganda, a gorilla safari in Uganda becomes slightly more costly than that of Rwanda. The visitor has to travel for about 2 days (to and from Bwindi). However, this increase in transport costs is neutralized by a low cost of the gorilla permits ( US$600). Approximately, a 3 days Gorilla safari in Uganda can cost about US$1250 with accommodation, gorilla permit and transport inclusive while a one-day Gorilla safari in Rwanda can cost about US$1220 (transport, gorilla permit, and accommodation inclusive).
Though Rwanda’s Gorilla permit is more expensive (US$750) compared to that of Uganda (USD700), a visitor is able to track the gorillas in one day and fly back to his home.
In conclusion, it’s the visitor to determine whether to visit Uganda or Rwanda depending on their income. If one is interested in only gorilla tracking, he/she should go for a one day trek and those interested in gorilla tracking and all of it, they should go for a long drive.
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