Uganda and Rwanda are the best countries for gorilla trekking, and both offer a conservation-focused experience that can easily be paired with other wildlife excursions and cultural visits. Uganda offers trekking in two different parks—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—with a spectrum of luxury and mid-range accommodations. Rwanda offers trekking in Volcanoes National Park and has a reputation for its high-end lodges, among others.
Visiting the endangered, habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an extraordinary experience for any safarigoer, and both countries can offer the trip of a lifetime. It’s simply a matter of deciding which East Africa country is the best fit for your particular trip.
Below, explore both countries with a side-by-side comparison of gorilla trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda to help you decide.
Highlights:
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking
Getting There
Gorilla Trekking Permits & Conservation
Where to Stay when Gorilla Trekking
Best Time of Year to Go Gorilla Trekking
Other Places to Visit
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A small but stunningly beautiful nation—rightly dubbed “the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill—Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two different national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, trekking takes place within the lush rainforest, where weather can sometimes make for a slippery hike. But the trek is well worth it—the forest is a haven of biodiversity, boasting an incredible 79 mammal species, over 200 butterfly species, and nearly 350 species of birds.
In addition, Bwindi is home to nearly half the world’s population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Visits with the local Batwa tribe or guided nature walks through the forest are other activities frequently enjoyed by guests, and can be easily paired with a trek.
While Bwindi is often said to have more challenging hikes than other gorilla trekking destinations, it can also depend on the region in which you’re trekking and the gorilla family you’re setting out in search of that day. (And if you’re traveling with limited mobility, be sure to ask us about accessible options for your trek.)
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another option for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It’s home to one habituated gorilla family, and though less frequently visited than Bwindi, the park offers stunning views as it’s spread over three of the eight inactive volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain Range.
Golden monkey trekking is also available in Mgahinga, and the distance it takes to travel to region means it’s well worth it to spend an extra day tracking the Golden monkeys, visiting with the local Batwa tribe, or hiking one of the region’s inactive volcanoes.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s destination for gorilla trekking. The park is aptly named, as it’s home to five of the eight inactive volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain Range, which create a beautiful backdrop for treks in the region. Volcanoes National Park is home to nearly 180 bird species, and the canopy comes alive with their calls as trekkers hike through the forested slopes of the park.
Other activities to consider while at Volcanoes include Golden monkey trekking, visits to the nearby Iby’iwacu cultural village, nature walks or hikes in the area, and a visit to the gravesite of Dian Fossey, of “Gorillas in the Mist” fame.
Getting There
Uganda: Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are a drive from the country’s capital, Kampala—approximately 8-10 hours in all. Scheduled flights are available, and recommended for those who aren’t up for the long road trip. However, both of these parks can be easily combined with other destinations in Uganda, which also makes them ideal parts of a longer safari itinerary and breaks up the drive.
Rwanda: Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is located approximately 3 hours from Kigali. Scheduled flights are not available; however, chartered helicopter transfers are available from Kigali to Volcanoes and take approximately 30 minutes. The national park’s proximity to Kigali makes it easily reachable by road transfer and ideal for those looking for a shorter trip.
Gorilla Trekking Permits & Conservation
Uganda & Rwanda
As of 2022, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost USD$1500 each, while gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost USD$700 each. Uganda’s permits offer a more accessible price point for many travelers. In both countries, fees go towards supporting the conservation of the gorillas.
Both Uganda and Rwanda limit tracking to 8 visitors per group, meaning that permits are in limited supply and often in high demand. Importantly, it also means that the gorillas are carefully conserved and that the forest isn’t too crowded. Porters are available for a small free to carry daypacks, water, etc. Hiring a porter helps supports both the local economy and conservation efforts with the communities around the parks.
Where to Stay When Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Lodges in Uganda
Uganda offers an excellent array of luxury and mid-range lodges for gorilla trekking. A few favorites at Bwindi include:
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Luxurious and intimate lodge situated overlooking the Virunga Mountain range
Mahogany Springs
Comfortable and serene lodge along the Munyanga River near Bwindi’s most popular trekking trailhead
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Eco-conscious, locally inspired cottages on the Nteko Ridge
Bwindi Lodge
Dramatic views and stylish lodging perched over Bwindi
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Explorer-chic tented accommodations in a prime location in the forest
For Mgahinga, options include:
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Luxury stone bandas at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes
Mutanda Lake Resort
Stunning views & comfortable accommodations that serve as a base for trekking in Mgahinga and Southern Bwindi
For more, visit: Luxury Lodges for Gorilla & Chimp Trekking in Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking Lodges in Rwanda
Rwanda is known for its luxe lodges near Volcanoes National Park. Options include:
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
A classic and elegant community-owned lodge in the foothills of the Virungas
Singita Kwitonda
Sustainable principles & bold, modern design on the edge of Volcanoes National Park
Bisate Lodge
Sumptuous thatched cabins, Rwanda-inspired style, and private verandahs looking out on the forest
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Stunning modern cabins crafted from wood and volcanic stonein the foothills of the Virunga Mountains
Virunga Lodge
Panoramic views, private stone bandas, and timeless African elegance in partnership with local community projects
Best Time of Year to Go Gorilla Trekking
Uganda & Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is widely considered a year-round activity, but the drier months include June-September, followed by December-February. However, it’s worth noting that because trekking takes place in the rainforest, rain is always a possibility.
October and November typically bring the short rains in both countries, while March-May are accompanied by longer rains—potentially making for a more slippery hike.
Both Uganda and Rwanda are equatorial countries with an altitude that usually prevents the heat from getting too intense. In fact, given the altitude of Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks, it can often get downright cool in the evenings, with average temperatures ranging from 23C/73F during the day to 11C/52F at night.
Other Places to Visit When Gorilla Trekking
Exploring Uganda on Safari
Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations combine well with other national parks in the country. Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park are two of the most popular options to add on, offering a stellar combination of chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, boat safaris, and wildlife viewing on classic safari game drives. Murchison Falls National Park, though farther from the gorilla trekking parks, offers abundant wildlife and incredible views of the falls.
Or, for those simply wishing to relax a bit and see wildlife on their way back to Entebbe, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park are both great places to stay for a night or two and break up the drive.
Exploring Rwanda on Safari
While Rwanda’s small size means that it has fewer national parks on offer, they also work easily in combination with one another. Akagera National Park is ideal for wildlife viewing and game drives, while Nyungwe Forest offers primate trekking and nature walks—including chimpanzees and Black-and-white colobus monkeys. Lake Kivu is another lovely stopover for a chance to relax on the shores of one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Both Rwanda and Uganda offer an incredible gorilla trekking experience. Still having a hard time deciding? Contact us to learn more and start planning your gorilla trekking safari.
