A common question I get is : which country is better to see the Gorillas Uganda or Rwanda?
There is no right answer they are both great its really depends on the traveller.
In a nutshell here are some of the differences to help you decide which country suits you best.
Rwanda
- Is a much smaller country with a stronger economy, higher standard of hotels and better infrastructure.
- Its only a 2-hour drive from Kigali airport to Volcanos National park.
Can be done as a day trip but recommend allowing 2-3 days .
- Most of the terrain encountered is more open bamboo forests with less jungle vegetation allowing for easier walking to find and view the gorillas.
- No need to worry about acclimatization.
- Gorillas permit $ 1500.00USD
Uganda
- Attracts a more adventurous ,budget minded fit traveller.
- Its more than double the size offering more opportunities for a longer tour combining Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth Park, Kibale chimpanzee park etc
- Cannot be done as a day trip.
- Altitude may affect some travellers
- Approx 8-hour drive from Entebbe airport
- Not LGBQ friendly
- Bwindi Impenetrable forest as the name applies means be prepared for a more difficult trek to see Gorillas, could be up to 6 hours in slippery, muddy, steep jungle conditions to find them.
- Uganda standard 1-hour Gorillas permit $ 700.00USD
- New Gorillas Habituation permit $1500.00US for a 4 hour visit instead of the standard 1 hour.