Gorilla trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda

Gorilla trekking is an exciting experience that involves hiking through the thick tropical rain forest to see the gentle giants in their natural environment. Gorillas are mammals that closely resemble humans. They are categorized into two species that is the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The mountain gorillas are classified as part of the Eastern gorilla species. They inhabit the tropical rain forest and consume leaves, stems, fruits, and bamboo. The Gorilla trekking activity takes place in both Rwanda and Uganda, specifically in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda). Both countries rank among the best in the world for gorilla trekking. They provide visitors with an opportunity to engage closely with the gorillas in their natural habitat.
A habituated gorilla family is a group of mountain gorillas that have been slowly taught to be okay with people being there so they can be watched, especially for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking destinations
Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southwestern parts of Uganda and it covers an area of 331 km. The park is organized into four sectors: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija. The park is home to a significant portion of the world’s mountain gorilla population, featuring more than 160 plant species, including 100 ferns such as, symphonia globulifera, newtonia, red stinkwood, and east African yellow wood. Additionally, the forest hosts a variety of bird. Bwindi provides two Kinds of gorilla trekking experiences: that is gorilla trekking experience and the gorilla habituation experience. However both experiences provide visitors with an opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in close proximity. Visitors trekking in Bwindi are likely to encounter gorillas, as the park hosts 20 gorilla families, including Kyaguriro Mubare, Mucunguzi, Katwe, Christmas, Rwigi, Oruzogo, Rushegura, Busingye, Muyambi, Posho, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Bitukura, Bweza, Mukiza, Mishaya, Nshongi, and Kahungye. The park offers a unique trekking experience due to its biodiversity and lush vegetation.

Mgahinga National Park
The park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda, nestled among the Virunga mountains, which include Mount Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, and it is close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a part of the Virunga massif The park covers an area of 33.7 square kilometres, making it the smallest national park in Uganda, with elevations ranging from 2,227 to 4,127 meters. Mgahinga National Park is home to the Nyakagezi Family of gorillas, along with over 184 species of birds and golden monkeys. This is the sole location in Uganda for golden monkey trekking. The park is less crowded hence offering a more peaceful trek compared to the others.

Volcanoes National Park
The park is located in the northwestern regions of Rwanda, nestled on the slopes of the stunning Virunga ranges, which include Bisoke, Muhabura, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo and Gahinga. It was established in 1925. The park covers an area of 160km. It’s a two-hour drive from Kigali. Volcanoes National park stands at an impressive height of 4507m and is home to some of the most unique ecological, biological, and landscape features in Africa. The park is home to more than 200 bird species, golden monkeys, and the endangered mountain gorillas. The park provides a remarkable chance for visitors to experience an up-close interaction with the mountain gorillas and stunning views of the Virunga mountains. There are 12 gorilla families, including Titus, Susa, Karisimbi, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Agashya, Kwitonda, Ugenda, Titus, Bwenge and Isabukuru. However, not every gorilla family is available for trekking. The park is where the renowned gorilla researcher Dian Fossey worked.

The gorilla trekking adventure
The gorilla trekking experience is similar in both Uganda and Rwanda, as detailed below. Trackers rise early in the morning to find the gorillas ahead of your trek. Once you find them, they will guide you to the present location of the mountain gorillas, utilizing the radio to stay in touch with the guides throughout the journey. This helps the guides identify the optimal path to follow during the trek.

Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation is a trekking experience that allows visitors to spend more than 4 hours with the mountain gorillas. This experience can only be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Rushaga sector.

Gorilla trekking experience
The trek begins bright and early with a briefing, registration, and permit verification at the park headquarters. Following this, you will be organized into groups of 8, with each group trekking to a specific gorilla family. During the briefing, you receive instructions to adhere to while engaging with gorillas. Following that, you will receive an armed ranger along with a guide. During the trek to the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to observe various birds and wildlife, along with breathtaking views of the Virunga mountains. Upon discovering your gorilla family, you are permitted to spend just one hour in their presence. In that hour, you witness the gorillas as they eat, play, feed, and groom one another. After that hour, you return to the starting point. Upon completing your trek in Uganda, you will be awarded a certificate of participation from UWA.
Note: Although gorilla trekking is suitable for most people, it’s important to note that the terrain can be challenging due to the steep slopes, dense vegetation and so the trekkers should be in good health.

Gorilla trekking permit
A trekking permit is an official document provided by the authorities that is necessary for anyone wishing to do gorilla trekking. The permit includes the entrance fee for the park, a guide, and an armed ranger. A trekking permit can be acquired from the tourism board or the relevant authorities.

Price of a trekking permit
Uganda
A trekking permit is priced at 800 USD, on other hand the habituation permit is for 1500 USD they are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The trekking permit allows visitors one hour with the gorillas. While the habituation permits provide over three hours.

Rwanda
A trekking permit is priced at 1500 USD per person and is issued by the (RDB) Rwanda Development Board. The permit allows visitors to spend one hour with the gorillas.

Steps to secure your permit
You can secure your permit directly through the tourism authorities such as the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Booking through a licensed tour operator is the most advantageous choice, as they possess greater expertise regarding the booking process.

Note: It’s important to make your reservations ahead of time for your trekking date, as permits tend to sell out rapidly, in the dry season that is the months of June to September and December to February.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking.
The best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda falls between June to September and December to February, coinciding with the dry seasons. During these months, there is minimal to no rainfall. The trails are dry and less muddy, making movement easy. Additionally, at this time, there is no fog, providing a clear view of the Virunga mountains.

However, gorilla trekking can be done during the wet season. In this season, the parks are less crowded because of the muddy trails. And the accommodation and transportation prices are generally quite affordable.

Guidelines for gorilla trekking

• It is important to maintain a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas to help prevent the easy spread of diseases.
• Eligibility requires that you are at least 15 years old.
• Touching the mountain gorillas is prohibited.
• A gorilla trekking permit is essential.
• Please make sure to attend the briefing at the park headquarters.
• Refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking.
• If you exhibit symptoms of an infectious illness such as flu or cough, you will not be permitted to trek.
• It is important to maintain silence when you are near the gorilla, but feel free to ask questions.
• If a gorilla charges at you, make sure to follow the guide’s instructions and refrain from making eye contact.
• Using the flash for photography is not allowed
• A single gorilla family is visited by just one group of eight individuals.
• It is important to wear a face mask when meeting the gorillas.
• You have the opportunity to spend just one hour with the gorillas.
• Keep the forest and park clean.

Note: The guidelines are often updated due to health and safety protocols.
Check list for a gorilla trek.

• Cozy Socks – To ensure your feet stay dry
• Sunglasses and Hat – Essential for shielding against the sun’s rays
• Long sleeved shirts – To shield your arms from scratches
• A jacket – Perfect for keeping you warm on those chilly mornings
• Trekking boots – designed for effortless navigation through the forest
• Raincoat – Designed to ensure you stay dry
• Waterproof trousers – designed to shield you from thorny bushes and scratches
• Backpack – For storing necessities such as insect repellent
• Gloves – To shield your hands from thorns
• Smartphone camera – for capturing images
• Water bottle – To maintain hydration
• Hand sanitizer – for a swift refresh
• Insect repellent – Effective for deterring mosquitoes and bugs

To sum up:
In Rwanda, the trek is usually quite easy to reach, with Volcanoes National Park only a short 2–3-hour drive from Kigali. This is perfect for travellers who enjoy convenience and a more luxurious trekking experience. The permit cost in is set at $1500 USD per person, and the park provides a limited number of permits each day, resulting in smaller, more exclusive groups of trekkers.

In Uganda’s gorilla trekking spots, especially Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, offer a wonderfully immersive experience, featuring a wider range of gorilla families to track across expansive and varied landscapes. The trek in Uganda can be a bit longer and more challenging because of the rugged terrain, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to discover various parts of the park, like Rushaga and Nkuringo. The cost of permits in Uganda is quite reasonable at $800 USD, and there’s also a $1500 USD option for those interested in the longer, more immersive gorilla habituation experience.

Conclusion
Rwanda offers a luxurious and smooth trekking experience, while Uganda invites adventure lovers to explore its lush forests and varied ecosystems, with the opportunity to meet more gorilla families. In the end, it really comes down to what you prefer when it comes to convenience, cost, and the kind of trekking experience you’re looking for.