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Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking: Which Should You Choose?
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- Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking: Which Should You Choose?
Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking: Which Should You Choose?
Gorilla trekking is one of the most life-changing wildlife experiences on Earth. Imagine standing just meters away from a silverback and his family, hearing their grunts, watching young gorillas play — it’s unforgettable.
But if you’re planning this adventure, one big question arises: Uganda or Rwanda? Both countries offer world-class gorilla trekking, yet each has unique advantages. At Katella Uganda Safaris, we’ve guided guests in both destinations. Here’s an expert breakdown to help you choose.
- Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Where to Trek:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – smaller, but offers a highly intimate trek.
Permit Costs:
$800 per person (as of 2025).
Experience:
Treks can last 2–6 hours depending on gorilla locations.
Terrain is rugged, with dense forests and steep hills.
Uganda offers a more adventurous, “wild” trekking feel.
Beyond Gorillas:
Uganda safaris combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls — making it a more diverse safari destination.
- Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Where to Trek:
Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Massif.
Permit Costs:
$1,500 per person (as of 2025).
Experience:
Treks are usually shorter (1–4 hours).
Terrain is more open and less dense than Bwindi.
Rwanda’s infrastructure is excellent: luxury lodges, smoother roads, easy logistics.
Accessibility:
Only 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport — ideal for travelers with limited time.
- Comparison
| Factor | Uganda | Rwanda |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Cost | $800 | $1,500 |
| Trek Length | 2–6 hours | 1–4 hours |
| Terrain | Dense jungle, rugged, adventurous | Open, more manageable |
| Other Wildlife | Big 5 safaris, chimpanzees, birds, Murchison Falls | Golden monkeys, cultural tours |
| Accessibility | 8–9 hrs from Entebbe / 4–5 hrs from Kigali | 2.5 hrs from Kigali |
| Best For | Adventurers, budget-conscious, longer safaris | Luxury travelers, short trips |
- Which Should You Choose?
Choose Uganda if:
- You want a more affordable permit.
- You’re looking for a full safari experience (gorillas + Big 5 + culture).
- You enjoy adventure and don’t mind longer treks.
Choose Rwanda if:
- You’re short on time (long weekend or business trip add-on).
- You prefer easier treks and luxury lodges.
- Budget is less of a concern.
Many travelers actually combine Uganda and Rwanda — arriving in Kigali (short drive to Bwindi) to trek gorillas in Uganda at a lower cost, then continuing into Rwanda or back to Uganda for safari. It’s the best of both worlds.
👉 See our Tailor-Made Gorilla Trekking Tours to explore combined itineraries.
Both Uganda and Rwanda promise unforgettable gorilla encounters — there’s no “wrong” choice. It simply depends on your budget, time, and style of travel.
At Katella Uganda Safaris, we’ll help you design the trek that fits you best — whether it’s a rugged adventure in Bwindi, a luxurious escape in Rwanda, or a combination of both.
Contact Us Today to start planning your gorilla trekking safari.
Travel Information
Safari Packages
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15 Days Uganda Gorillas And Wild TanzaniaGroup Tour15 Days Uganda Gorillas And Wild Tanzania
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15 Days Ultimate Kenyan Safari15 Days Ultimate Kenyan Safari
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14 Days Wild Tanzania Plus Uganda Gorillas And Chimps14 Days Wild Tanzania Plus Uganda Gorillas And Chimps
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13 Days Adventure Into The Wildlands Of Uganda13 Days Adventure Into The Wildlands Of Uganda
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13 Days Tanzania Safari Plus Zanzibar13 Days Tanzania Safari Plus Zanzibar
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12 Days Primate and Wildlife Encounters in Uganda12 Days Primate and Wildlife Encounters in Uganda
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11 Days Rwanda Gorillas Masai mara and zanzibar11 Days Rwanda Gorillas Masai mara and zanzibar
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10 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda10 Days Best of Uganda and Rwanda
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10 Days Chimps, Gorillas and Game SafariBest Seller10 Days Chimps, Gorillas and Game Safari
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10 Day Birding and primates Safari in UgandaBest Seller10 Day Birding and primates Safari in Uganda
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10 Days Uganda Gorillas and Beyond SafariGroup Tour10 Days Uganda Gorillas and Beyond Safari
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10 Days Best of Kenya and Rwanda safari10 Days Best of Kenya and Rwanda safari
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10 Days Wilderness Safari In Tanzania10 Days Wilderness Safari In Tanzania
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10 Days Wilderness Safari In TanzaniaGroup Tour10 Days Wilderness Safari In Tanzania
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9 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari9 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
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8 Days Best of Kenya Safari8 Days Best of Kenya Safari
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6 Days Primates Encounter6 Days Primates Encounter
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6 Days Short and Sweet Tanzania Safaris6 Days Short and Sweet Tanzania Safaris
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Have Any Question?
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +256 703 868952
- info@katellaugandasafaris.com