Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda : Currently the best places to go for gorilla trekking are Uganda and Rwanda, both of which provide visitors with fairly different experiences as they go through the dense tropical rainforests of the two countries. But which destination of the two is better? This post makes a comparison between the two destinations, outlines leading attractions and offers useful information to assist you in making a final decision of doing gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
Think about hiking in wet, foggy rainforests and expecting to come across one of the rarest animals on the face of the Earth. Uganda and Rwanda still offers the most incredible Gorilla back tracking experience to the adventure lovers from all over the world. Although Uganda and Rwanda are among the best East African safari destinations that offer best Uganda safari and Rwanda tour experiences, there are differences in the physical features, price, ease of access and cultural encounter. But let’s see what makes each of these places unique.
Gorillas are the world’s largest living apes and are an incredible and absolutely enchanting species to observe, tracking them is very enjoyable and exciting, gracefully and at ease, they never seem pressured by your presence.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
This is the number one gorilla destination in Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a world heritage site with almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Apart from the challenging hike, there are other factors that make Bwindi more appealing; Bwindi is relatively off the beaten track, the vegetation there is thick and so is the terrain. Four sectors make up the park include; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The place you currently visit affords you the opportunity to habituate multiple gorilla families.
Apart from mountain gorillas, they have over 350 types of bird, elephants and other apes and thus qualify for a UNESCO world tourist zone. Apart from hiking to see the gorillas you can go and visit cultural stands, bird watching or take nature walks in the forest.
Other important jewel that needs to be mentioned about Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where one can always go for gorilla trekking in addition to golden monkey tracking and volcanic trek.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the world’s natural marvels with status of a dormant volcanic plateau and bamboo valleys. This park is popular globally having been associated with Dian Fossey who dedicated her life fighting for mountain gorillas.
The hiking in Volcanoes National Park is done at moderate elevation as compared to Bwindi where one has to work out extreme steep slopes, the vegetation cover is also relatively thin. However, it is rich in other attractions such as golden monkeys, buffalo and several type of bird species in addition to the gorillas.
For more, go to the Karisoke Research Center , you can pay your respect to Dian Fossey by visiting her grave or take a cultural tour around nearby Iby’Iwacu village .
Local Culture in Uganda and Rwanda
Each of these two countries Uganda and Rwanda has a cultural side to offer, complementing the gorilla trekking experience.
Culture and Traditional practices in Uganda
Uganda famous known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ attributed its surface to natural and cultural diversities. The Batwa, an indigenous group that lived in the forests of Uganda, central Africa, provides tourists with a close look at true original life. Take Batwa led tours where you will be guided on a tour of the medicinal plants, hunting and the forest as a spiritually inclined place.
Cultural Activities in Rwanda
Rwanda has for the most part changed its face in the last couple of decades and the people there are friendly and hospitable. Visitors who wish to learn about the traditional ways of the Rwandese as well as learn how to dance to traditional drums, learn how to brew banana beer then it is only natural that a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village should be on your list of destinations. There is history all over Rwanda, but visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial aside from the thrill of the journey gives the tourist time for reflection.
Travel tips
Best Time to Visit Uganda vs Rwanda
The climate of Uganda is similar to the Rwandese one, characterized by two dry periods and two rainy ones. The Dry Season, June to September and December to February are excellent for gorilla trekking. Trails are less muddy and therefore it is easy for anyone to follow them and the gorillas are more playful. High season for rainfall is from March to May and October to November, although trekking during these months can still be arranged as it is not too crowded.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda vs Rwanda
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for the foreign nonresident making it cheaper as compared to other countries. In Rwanda, the permit costs $1,500 but it involves a luxury experience and Rwanda has already developed a good tourism products.
Accessibility
Gorilla Trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park and this is quite a rural part of Uganda which can be reached from Kampala or Entebbe in a 9-10 hour drive. You can also take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro for quicker means for the hike.
In Rwanda, it is the Volcanoes National Park which is slightly further away but can be reached in a 2 to 3 hour drive from Kigali to make short trips.
Hidden Gems
In Uganda one can actually go for gorilla trekking in together with a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and for those interested in canoeing and relaxing, there is the enchanting Lake Bunyonyi. In Rwanda, consider an extension of your trip including Chimpanzee tracking at Nyungwe Forest National Park or the canopy walk.
The Fitness and Trekking conditions
In Uganda particular treks can be demanding because of the steep and densely wooded landscape of Bwindi, this is recommendable for you adventurous travelers.
Volcanoes national park in Rwanda is far much different, the bamboo region is comparatively more open as well as easier to ascend for coping with diverse health standards as compared to the mountainous forest in Uganda.
Uganda vs Rwanda, which Destination Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking then you should consider your preference, your wallet and your way of traveling. Select Uganda if you are in for rough, cheap and other activities aside from mountain treks such as savanna tracking and chimpanzee tracking. Select Rwanda if you stick to the shorter tour, want to enjoy the comfort and have no aims to reach the challenging level of the treks and enjoy the highest level of tourism services.
Conclusion
In both Uganda and Rwanda , going for gorilla tracking is one of the unique adventures in the world that creates an opportunity for the visitors to interchange with the world of mountains and the giant gorillas. Uganda presents a rough experience in addition to being cheaper and Rwanda presents the luxury experience with ease. No matter which place you select for your holiday, both are assured to give you memories to cherish for a life time.
