Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda: how to choose

Mountain gorillas live only in the forests where Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet. Uganda and Rwanda are the two most visited options, and both are excellent. The best choice depends on your budget, your time and what else you want to see.

Permit price

This is the biggest difference. A gorilla permit costs US$800 for foreign visitors in Uganda, according to Uganda Wildlife Authority's tariff, and about US$1,500 in Rwanda. For a couple, that difference alone pays for several nights in a lodge.

Travel time

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is a short drive from Kigali, so a quick gorilla trip is easy. Uganda's Bwindi is further from Entebbe: either a long, scenic drive or a short domestic flight. Many travellers combine the two by flying into Kigali and crossing into south-west Uganda by road.

The forest and the trek

Bwindi is a steep, dense rainforest, so treks can be longer and more of an adventure. Volcanoes National Park has bamboo and open slopes below the volcanoes. Both give you the same precious hour with a habituated family.

What else you can add

Uganda lets you build a wider safari: chimpanzees in Kibale, the Kazinga Channel and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and the shoebill. Rwanda pairs well with golden monkeys, Lake Kivu and Kigali.

Or do both

Two treks in two countries is a trip many travellers remember for life. Our Uganda and Rwanda gorillas trip does exactly that in nine days. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one visa.

Read more about Uganda gorilla permits, or plan your trip with a local expert.