Gorilla trekking in Uganda compared to Rwanda and Congo gorillas. Mountain gorillas in East Africa are found in only 3 countries in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Are you a gorilla enthusiast and you are planning to track gorillas in Africa? Don’t forget that gorillas in Africa can only be found in 3 countries and distributed in 4 national park parks which are a home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Uganda has two national parks which host mountain gorillas and these are; Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, on the other side, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park and in Congo you will have a chance to see Eastern lowland gorillas which can be tracked in Kahuzi-Biega national park.
If you are to look at the experience of gorilla trekking in these three countries, the result maybe the and the difference if insignificant due to the hustle and bustle one goes through to encounter these forest giants. Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the lifetime experiences that every travel enthusiast should consider to engage in to, this is because gorilla trekking in Africa has collected a number of travelers from different parts of the world and they have lived to praise the experience. Gorilla trekking permits in these three countries are different in that a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800, in Rwanda a gorilla trekking permit goes for $1500 and in Congo gorilla trekking permit is at $400, and despite of the permit cost difference, gorilla trekking in Uganda takes the lead this is because Uganda has almost half of the world’s remaining gorilla population and gorillas in Uganda can be found in two national parks unlike other countries that have 1gorilla national park each. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can either be done in Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park depending on the availability of the gorilla permits or your choice, Uganda remains the top gorilla destination in Africa. Uganda has over 26 habituated gorilla families which are not found in Rwanda and Congo.
Comparing gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is relatively cheaper compared to gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda, among these countries Congo has the cheapest gorilla trekking permits. The comparison between these countries is due to the policies that these countries have set, Rwanda is a luxury destination, and Uganda has placed itself as an affordable destination while Congo is trying to promote gorilla trekking experience as one of the most rewarding revenue collection.
The gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 and this fare is for per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa and 300,000 UGX for East Africans, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda goes for $1500 for foreigners, $500 for the rest of Africa and $250 for East Africans, a gorilla permit in Democratic Republic of Congo a gorilla permit goes for $400 for foreigners, $200 for East Africans and $20 for national residents.
Comparison in terms of Accessibility
Gorilla trekking in Uganda mainly is done from Entebbe/Kampala and it takes about 9-10hours drive which is a bit hectic to connect to either Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park compared to gorilla trekking Rwanda in Volcanoes national park which is about 2-3hours drive from Kigali via Katuna border, however, you can also track Uganda gorillas from Rwanda and this takes about 4-5hours drive from Kigali and Uganda gorillas from Rwanda has become so easy since Omangwa Safaris arrange trips from Rwanda to Bwindi and Mgahinga and Uganda gorilla from Rwanda is one of the most selling gorilla safaris that we have.
Comparison in terms of Lodges
All countries have budget, midrange and luxury accommodation, however Rwanda has set its bar high and it is super luxury. For travelers who want to experience super luxury accommodation during the gorilla trekking, Rwanda meets international standards, however Uganda has set itself as an affordable gorilla destination in East Africa which has budget lodges in Bwindi and Mgahinga, midrange lodges in Bwindi and Mgahinga, Luxury lodges in Bwindi and Mgahinga national park, the budget lodges in Uganda and Congo start from as low as $30 to $100.
Comparison in terms of gorilla families
Uganda has over 26 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking and each family is allowed to be visited by 8 people per day and therefore there are 208 gorilla permits per day in Uganda and Rwanda has only 10 gorilla families ready to be tracked meaning Rwanda sells 80 gorilla permits per day and there are 2 gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega in Congo. Therefore the best place to track gorillas in Africa is Uganda.
Best time to track gorillas between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
All countries have almost the same climate and therefore you can visit them throughout the year. The best season for gorilla trekking should be between June to September and December to February this when the rain is off and the paths are dry enough and you can explore the park with ease. However for those who want to track gorillas in low season you can track gorillas in March to May.
Why should you book a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and Condo?
As Omangwa Safaris, we are excited to brag about our vast experience in arranging gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, once you inquire with us, with in no minute we shall be in touch with you and we shall make sure that your safari is a remarkable one.
