Gorilla Trekking Uganda vs Rwanda: Complete Guide

Updated for 2026 — Accurate as of February 2026.

There is a moment during gorilla trekking that no amount of preparation can ready you for. You have been hiking through dense rainforest for hours, machetes clearing the trail ahead, and then your guide holds up a hand. Everyone stops. And there, sitting in a clearing twelve meters away, is a 200-kilogram silverback mountain gorilla staring directly at you with an intelligence and calm that is profoundly unsettling. Your heart is hammering, your camera is shaking, and you realize that this is one of those rare experiences that will permanently alter how you see the world.

Mountain gorillas exist in only two places on Earth: the Virunga Massif (shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are approximately 1,063 mountain gorillas alive today, up from a low of 620 in 1989, making this one of conservation’s genuine success stories. Gorilla trekking permits fund the ranger patrols, community development, and habitat protection that made this recovery possible. When you buy a permit, you are directly contributing to the survival of the species.

The question most travelers face is simple but consequential: Uganda or Rwanda? Having trekked in both countries multiple times, I can tell you there is no universally correct answer. It depends on your budget, fitness level, available time, and what else you want to do during your trip. This guide breaks down every factor to help you decide.

The Fundamental Differences

Rwanda: The Premium Experience

Rwanda markets itself as a high-end destination, and the gorilla trekking experience reflects this positioning. The country is small (roughly the size of Maryland), efficient, and remarkably clean. Kigali is one of the safest and most organized capital cities in Africa. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes about two hours on good roads, making logistics simple.

The trekking itself in Volcanoes National Park is generally shorter and less physically demanding than Uganda. The park sits on volcanic slopes, and while the terrain is steep, the treks typically range from one to three hours. The forest is less dense than Bwindi, and the trails, while muddy, are relatively well maintained. There are 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with 8 visitors per family per day.

Uganda: The Immersive Wilderness

Uganda is the more rugged, affordable, and adventurous option. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lives up to its name: the forest is spectacularly dense, the terrain is steep and slippery, and treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to eight hours depending on where the gorillas have moved. It is physically demanding in a way that Rwanda generally is not.

Uganda also offers gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which shares the Virunga Massif with Rwanda and Congo. However, Mgahinga has only one habituated family, making Bwindi the primary destination. Bwindi has 20 habituated families, offering the greatest variety and highest number of daily permits.

The drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi takes 8 to 10 hours by road or one hour by charter flight. This longer journey deters some travelers but rewards those who make the effort with a more remote and wild-feeling experience.

Cost Comparison: Uganda vs Rwanda

Expense	Uganda	Rwanda
Gorilla permit	$800	$1,500
Mid-range lodge (per night)	$150-$350	$250-$600
Luxury lodge (per night)	$400-$1,200	$600-$2,500
Internal flight to park	$250-$400	N/A (drive)
Porter/guide tip	$10-$20	$10-$20
Park entry fee	Included in permit	Included in permit
Visa	$50 (e-visa)	$30 (e-visa) or free with East Africa visa
Typical 3-day trip total	$1,800-$3,500	$3,000-$6,500
Typical 5-day trip total	$2,500-$5,500	$4,500-$10,000

The permit price difference is the most significant factor. Rwanda’s $1,500 permit is nearly double Uganda’s $800 permit. For a couple, that is a $1,400 difference before any other expenses. Uganda’s lower permit cost and more affordable accommodation make it the clear choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, Rwanda’s shorter travel times and more efficient logistics can offset some of the cost difference by reducing the number of nights required.

The Trekking Experience Compared

Physical Demands

Uganda (Bwindi): Expect steep terrain with elevation changes of 300 to 800 meters during a trek. The forest floor is tangled with roots, vines, and undergrowth. Trails are often muddy and slippery. Treks range from one to eight hours each way, and the altitude ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters. I have done Bwindi treks that felt like a genuine mountain expedition and others that felt like a nature walk. There is no way to predict which you will get.

Rwanda (Volcanoes): The terrain is volcanic and steep but generally more open than Bwindi. Treks usually last one to four hours each way. Altitude ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 meters, which is higher than Bwindi and can affect people who are not acclimatized. The bamboo forest is easier to navigate than Bwindi’s impenetrable tangle.

Bottom line: Uganda is harder physically but at lower altitude. Rwanda is easier in terms of trail conditions but at higher altitude. If you have knee problems or limited mobility, Rwanda is the better choice. If altitude sensitivity is a concern, Uganda may be more appropriate.

The Gorilla Encounter

Both countries limit encounters to one hour once you reach the gorilla family. This rule is strictly enforced and exists to minimize human impact on the animals. The quality of the encounter depends more on the specific family and their mood that day than on the country.

That said, there are differences:

Uganda: With 20 habituated families across four sectors of Bwindi, there is significant variety. Some families are deep in the forest and difficult to find. The dense vegetation can make photography challenging but creates an intimately enclosed feeling. I have had encounters in Bwindi where the gorillas were so close I could have touched them (you absolutely should not), with vegetation creating a natural frame around the animals.

Rwanda: The 12 families in Volcanoes National Park tend to be in more open terrain, which often makes for better photography conditions. The volcanic slopes provide natural clearings where gorillas feed on bamboo shoots. Sightings of large family groups of 20 or more individuals are more common in Rwanda because the habitat supports larger groupings.

Photo credit on Pexels

When to Go

Best Months for Gorilla Trekking

Month	Uganda	Rwanda	Notes
January	Good	Good	Dry season, lower permit availability
February	Good	Good	Dry season, warm
March	Fair	Fair	Short rains begin, muddier trails
April	Poor	Poor	Heavy rains, trails very slippery
May	Poor	Poor	Wettest month, challenging conditions
June	Good	Good	Dry season begins, excellent conditions
July	Excellent	Excellent	Peak season, book 6+ months ahead
August	Excellent	Excellent	Peak season, driest conditions
September	Good	Good	Dry season, good conditions
October	Fair	Fair	Short rains may begin
November	Poor	Poor	Short rains, moderate conditions
December	Good	Good	Rains easing, holiday crowds

Dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer easier trekking conditions but require earlier permit booking. Wet season treks are more challenging but still possible and sometimes more rewarding: the forest is more atmospheric, the gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations (reducing trek duration), and permits are easier to obtain.

Booking Your Permit

Uganda (UWA)

Permits are booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) directly or through a licensed tour operator. The permit costs $800 per person. For peak season (June to September), book at least three to six months in advance. Off-peak permits can sometimes be secured two to four weeks ahead. You can specify a sector preference (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo), which affects trek difficulty and lodge location.

Rwanda (RDB)

Permits are booked through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a licensed operator. At $1,500 per person, they are the most expensive gorilla permits in the world. Peak season permits sell out six to twelve months in advance. Rwanda occasionally offers promotional discounts of up to 30% during the wet season, bringing the cost down to around $1,050, which narrows the gap with Uganda significantly.

Pro tip: If you plan to trek in both Uganda and Rwanda on the same trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 for 90 days) covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, saving you from purchasing individual visas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

The packing list is similar for both countries but there are essentials that many first-timers overlook:

• Gardening gloves: You will be grabbing vines, branches, and vegetation for balance. Standard work or gardening gloves protect your hands far better than hiking gloves.
• Gaiters: The forest is full of stinging nettles and biting ants. Long gaiters that cover from ankle to knee are essential.
• Rain jacket: Even in dry season, the forest microclimate produces frequent showers.
• Long-sleeved shirt and pants: Tucked into socks to prevent insect access. This is not the time for shorts and t-shirts.
• Camera with no flash: Flash photography is prohibited. Bring a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) because the forest canopy limits light. ISO 3200 to 6400 is typical. A 24-105mm zoom covers most situations.
• Walking stick: Porters provide these at the trailhead. Use one. Your knees will thank you.
• Water (2+ liters): There are no refill points on the trek.

Beyond Gorillas: What Else to Do

Uganda Additions

Uganda offers exceptional wildlife diversity beyond gorillas. Queen Elizabeth National Park has tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls National Park offers boat safaris to the base of the Nile’s most powerful waterfall, and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a worthy complement to gorilla trekking. A comprehensive Uganda wildlife circuit of 10 to 14 days is one of Africa’s best value safari experiences.

Chimpanzee trekking: Permits cost $200 in Kibale, and the experience is more dynamic than gorilla trekking because chimps are far more active and vocal. I have had chimps swing directly overhead and had to dodge falling branches. The hour time limit applies here too.

Rwanda Additions

Rwanda is building a reputation beyond gorillas. Nyungwe Forest offers chimpanzee trekking and a spectacular canopy walk. Akagera National Park in the east has been restocked with lions and rhinos, creating a “Big Five” safari experience that few people know about. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a sobering but essential visit that provides important context for understanding modern Rwanda.

Golden monkey trekking: Available in both Volcanoes NP (Rwanda) and Mgahinga NP (Uganda) at $100 per permit. These beautiful, playful primates live in bamboo forests and are far more active than gorillas, making for an entertaining complement.

Health and Safety

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to both Uganda and Rwanda per the WHO’s International Travel and Health guidelines. Additionally recommended: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies (for rural travel), and meningococcal meningitis. Malaria prophylaxis is essential; both countries have malaria risk in some areas, though the gorilla trekking zones are at altitude where risk is lower.

Altitude Considerations

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park reaches 4,507 meters at the summit of Mount Karisimbi. Even basic gorilla treks start at 2,500 meters. If you are flying in from sea level, consider arriving two to three days early to acclimatize. Acute mountain sickness symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) can appear above 2,500 meters. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is available by prescription and helps with acclimatization.

COVID-19 and Health Protocols

As of February 2026, neither Uganda nor Rwanda requires COVID-19 vaccination or testing for entry. However, if you have cold or flu symptoms on trekking day, you will be denied the trek with no refund. Gorillas are susceptible to human respiratory illnesses, and guides take this seriously. A minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas is enforced, though in practice the gorillas sometimes close this gap themselves.

Our Verdict: Which Country Should You Choose?

Choose Uganda if: You are on a moderate budget, want a more physically challenging and wild experience, have at least five to seven days, want to combine gorilla trekking with other safaris, or prefer a less polished but more authentic adventure.

Choose Rwanda if: You have limited time (three to four days is sufficient), want a more comfortable and predictable experience, are willing to pay premium prices for premium service, have physical limitations that make strenuous trekking difficult, or want to combine with Kigali’s cultural offerings.

Choose both if: You have 10 or more days and want to experience the different gorilla habitats, compare the trekking styles, and see more habituated families. A combined trip crossing from one country to the other is logistically straightforward.

Whichever you choose, gorilla trekking is a life-changing experience. The moment that silverback locks eyes with you, you will understand why people travel thousands of miles and spend thousands of dollars for one hour in the presence of our closest relatives.

You Might Also Like

• Overlanding Africa: Safari Beginners Guide
• Conservation Travel: Trips That Give Back
• Adventure Travel on a Budget: How to Afford the Trip of a Lifetime