Everything you need to know from ease of the trek to accommodation
Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?: Uganda and Rwanda are the best countries to visit for mountain gorilla trekking both with great gorilla safari options, Uganda has two gorilla trekking destinations – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with one habituated gorilla family and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with four gorilla trekking sectors and many habituated gorilla troops.
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is limited to only Volcanoes National Park with 10 habituated gorilla troops.
With only 1006 majestic mountain gorillas still left in the world, having the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat is rare and a once -in-a life time experience a few can afford. On the flip side, this is what makes the experience all the more species.
Which is one of the two East African countries should you visit for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience? Is often the question on every traveler’s mind. To help you choose between the two, we have pitted Uganda and Rwanda against each other to the ultimate question; Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?
Ease of Trek
Uganda
Though often overlooked by travelers, Uganda is an incredible wildlife destination once described by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa”. The lush jungle and tropical wildlife are primary features of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the highest concentration of primates on earth. 19 habituated gorilla families can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with each group limited to a maximum of 8 visitors per day, the gorillas are constantly on a move so it is hard to narrow down just one area in which to track them. As a result, the total time you spend gorilla trekking can be about 30 minutes to nine hours.
Uganda is more suited to adventurous travelers, as Bwindi’s terrain is such that you start your trek on high ground before descending into the valley to see the gorillas, ending with an arduous climb at the end of the day. Slopes can often be steep and there are no trails, giving Bwindi Impenetrable National Park its impenetrable reputation. Als, weather is unpredictable even during the dry season. So, rain can make conditions slippery.
Tackling challenging conditions is often worth it, though as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to an incredible 79 mammal species, 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns. Opportunities to spot giant forest hog, elephants and several small cat varieties while gorilla trekking will no doubt make your visit worthwhile.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another option for gorilla trekking in Uganda, although the park’s small size means the gorilla family residing here is slightly more elusive. The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family – the only gorilla troop in Mgahinga is known for its tendencies of moving to Congo and Rwanda forests, however for the recent years it has settled in Uganda. Mgahinga spreads across three inactive volcanoes – Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura making its 34 square kilometer landscape incredibly dramatic. Because it can be slightly more difficult to find the gorilla family at Mgahinga, it is great to spend your time here doing a few other things such as hiking one of the three volcanoes or connecting with the indigenous Batwa Tribe.
Rwanda
Crowned the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda ‘s rolling green savannas and tropical rainforests provide the perfect backdrop for gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park is the only destination for gorilla sightings in Rwanda, with the region’s gentle slopes and open bush catering to all types of travelers. Volcanoes National Park was given its name by virtue of the fact that its home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain Massif. Combined with blanketed rainforest, open grassland and small lakes, the landscapes across Volcanoes National Park are worth visiting in and of themselves.
Rwanda is similar to Uganda in the maximum of eight tracking permits per gorilla family per day are allowed in the park, so the forest is seldom too crowded. With 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, the time taken to locate them is similar to that taken in Bwindi in Uganda. However, Rwanda’s open environment lends itself to less arduous treks making it more accessible than Uganda’s challenging terrain.
Where Should I stay?
Where Should I Stay in Uganda?
There are many lodges to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – situated on a ridge top in the heart of Bwindi, the lodge offers sweeping views over the forest Virunga Mountains. The property’s special feature is the terrace, as you are able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with a backdrop of Mount Nyirangongo’s glowing lave lake. In addition to gorilla trekking, you can go on a guided walk through the local village during which you will visit various projects including a school which the lodge supports.
Mahogany Springs – This riverfront lodge combines exceptional service with a wonderful location. Highlights of Mahogany springs include fresh produce grown on site, panoramic views from private balconies and open terracotta showers. For a more secluded feel, the presidential suite features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, complete with a spacious living room and private terrace.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – this camp is ideal visitors interested in a simple but explorer – chic atmosphere, the camp feels very communal with an outdoor campfire area set up for fellow guests to come together and swap stories. The activities are true highlight with the unique opportunity to meet the local batwa people on a guided community walk on offer.
Mount Gahinga Lodge – ideally place in a prime location in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with an impressive view of the three inactive volcanoes, with six stone and thatch bandas featuring fireplaces and solar heated showers giving it a cosy, authentic feel.
Where should I stay in Rwanda
Bisate Lodge – set amongst an eroded volcanic cone, the lodge has six forest village each providing panoramic views across rolling hills and guided village walks amongst the local community. Bisate’s Villas provide an out of this world feel, with each room’s private deck facing the ethereal Mount Bisate. As well as sought after gorilla treks, Bisate runs forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife.
Virunga Lodge – sitting a top a 2,300 metre hilltop overlooking lakes Ruhondo and Burera. Virunga lodge is one central Africa’s premier eco-lodges and is environmentally conscious property with en suite bathrooms running on solar hot water. Local cultural excursions and an extensive menu of diverse daily activities make Virunga Lodge a stylish retreat.
Sabyinyo Silverback – set in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, the lodge has eight spacious standalone cottages decorated in homely fashion. The lodge is a great choice for honeymooners as its secluded location creates a private feel, there are also opportunities to connect with your fellow travelers as guests are able to collectively recount tales in the communal lounges and dining area.
When Should I Visit?
Uganda
Uganda straddles the equator and has an average altitude of around 1,000m, the heat is rarely too intense, meaning you can visit year-round. However, the best time for gorilla trekking is between July and September. During this time its peak season, so make sure you organize your permit well in advance. Only a limited number of visitors are permitted on each trek, so the forest is never too crowded.
Rwanda
The weather is variable in Rwanda, as the country has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. The dry seasons running between mid-December to early February and from June to September are ideal for gorilla trekking, since the forest is not as treacherous as it tends to be during the wetter months. Drier temperatures also mean a low risk of contracting malaria. However, Rwanda is equatorial, the weather is never predictable so its wise to pack waterproofs year-round.
Which is the more sustainable option?
Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is well known for being a sustainable operation, by spending two days hiking and tracking gorillas in the deep forest. You will be able to learn about the inspirational work of the Bwindi team and hear about how your travel to the region directly benefits an at – risk ecosystem.
Gorilla – based tourism benefits the local community too, with private guides are able to make a living from leading treks across the country
Rwanda
In Rwanda, conservation is still a primary feature. All guided treks are led by expert naturalist guides with every effort made to minimize impact on the gorillas’ natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park was put firmly on the map by the American primatologist Dian Fossey who founded a centre to bring worldwide attention to the endangered status of the gorillas.
