What’s the Difference Between Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?

For many travelers, coming face to face with a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. Watching these gentle giants — intelligent, powerful, and strikingly human-like — is an emotional experience that stays with you forever. Luckily, there are only two main countries where this incredible experience is possible and safe: Rwanda and Uganda.

While both destinations offer unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures, they differ in cost, accessibility, landscape, and overall experience. Choosing between Rwanda and Uganda depends on what kind of traveler you are, how much time you have, and what you want to get out of your safari.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, from logistics and permit prices to terrain, comfort, and surrounding attractions — and help you decide which destination best suits your adventure.

1. The Gorilla Trekking Destinations

In Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the country’s northwestern region, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Kigali, the capital. The park forms part of the Virunga Massif, a chain of ancient volcanic mountains shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Volcanoes National Park is small but spectacular, known for its misty volcano peaks, dense bamboo forests, and dramatic scenery. The park is home to around 12 habituated gorilla families, meaning groups that are accustomed to human presence and can be safely visited.

In Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda, on the other hand, offers gorilla trekking in two different locations: the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the smaller but equally captivating Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is larger and more diverse than Volcanoes. It covers 331 square kilometers of dense rainforest and is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — over 20 habituated families available for trekking.

Mgahinga, located in the Virunga Mountains like Rwanda’s Volcanoes, hosts one main habituated group, the Nyakagezi family, which is known for its stability and calm temperament. It’s also the only place in Uganda where you can see both gorillas and golden monkeys — an experience famously known as “Where Gold Meets Silver.”

2. Gorilla Trekking Permits: Rwanda vs Uganda

The most significant difference between gorilla trekking in the two countries is the price of the permits.

• Rwanda Gorilla Permit: USD 1,500 per person (for one hour with the gorillas).

• Uganda Gorilla Permit: USD 800 per person (for one hour with the gorillas) as of 2025.

That means Uganda offers the same world-class gorilla trekking experience at nearly half the price of Rwanda.

Additionally, Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi, which allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family as researchers prepare them for regular visits. This special experience costs USD 1,500 per person — the same price as a one-hour trek in Rwanda, but far more immersive.

If you’re traveling in a group or on a budget, Uganda provides far more flexibility and value for your money.

3. Accessibility and Travel Time

Rwanda – Short and Convenient Transfers

One of Rwanda’s biggest advantages is accessibility. From Kigali International Airport, it takes just 2.5 hours by paved road to reach Volcanoes National Park in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri).

This convenience makes Rwanda ideal for travelers on short itineraries — you can arrive, trek gorillas the next day, and fly out within three days. This ease of access is one of the main reasons Rwanda’s gorilla permit costs are higher; it caters to luxury and short-stay travelers.

Uganda – Longer but Scenic Journey

Uganda’s main gorilla parks, Bwindi and Mgahinga, are located in the country’s southwestern region, approximately 8–10 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala.

However, this long drive is incredibly scenic, winding through rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant rural communities. Many travelers combine gorilla trekking with stops at Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Murchison Falls, turning the journey into a multi-destination safari.

For those who prefer not to drive, Uganda also offers domestic flights between Entebbe and Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, reducing travel time to just 1.5 hours followed by a short road transfer.

Alternatively, travelers can fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and drive across the border to Bwindi’s southern sectors (Rushaga or Nkuringo) — a journey of only 4–5 hours. This option offers the best of both worlds: Rwanda’s convenience and Uganda’s affordability.

4. The Trekking Experience

Rwanda – Easier, Shorter Treks

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park sits at higher altitudes (around 2,400–4,500 meters above sea level), but the terrain is more open, with clear bamboo and Hagenia forest zones.

Trekking in Rwanda is generally considered less strenuous than in Uganda. Most gorilla families live on accessible slopes, and the park’s smaller size means treks often last 2–4 hours round trip, depending on the group’s location.

This makes Rwanda an excellent choice for travelers who prefer shorter hikes or those with limited physical fitness.

Uganda – Wilder, More Challenging Terrain

Bwindi’s dense rainforest is aptly named “Impenetrable.” The trails are steeper, muddier, and covered with thick vegetation. Gorillas move through steep ridges and valleys, making treks physically more demanding but also more adventurous and immersive.

Treks in Bwindi can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, sometimes longer, depending on where the gorillas are feeding that day. However, the reward is unparalleled — the forest’s ancient atmosphere, filled with bird calls and dripping foliage, adds to the sense of awe and exploration.

Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, though smaller, also offers hikes on volcanic terrain, often with views of the Virunga peaks — a combination of adventure and scenery unmatched anywhere else.

5. Scenery and Atmosphere

Both countries are stunningly beautiful, but their landscapes have distinctive personalities.

• Rwanda is known for its neat, well-ordered countryside, rolling “thousand hills,” and manicured tea plantations. Volcanoes National Park offers striking views of volcanoes shrouded in mist — a cinematic setting for gorilla encounters.

• Uganda, on the other hand, feels wilder and more varied. Bwindi’s thick rainforest is older than the Ice Age itself — over 25,000 years old — making it one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. Beyond gorillas, you’ll find lakes, waterfalls, and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.

If Rwanda feels like an elegant, curated safari, Uganda feels like a true expedition into the wild.

6. Accommodations and Comfort

Rwanda – High-End Luxury

Rwanda has positioned itself as a luxury gorilla trekking destination, with world-class lodges that rival those in Botswana or Tanzania. Exclusive lodges such as One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offer five-star experiences complete with gourmet dining, spa treatments, and stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

While mid-range options exist, most accommodation around Volcanoes National Park caters to upscale travelers seeking premium comfort and exclusivity.

Uganda – Wider Range of Choices

Uganda, by contrast, offers a much broader range of accommodation — from luxury eco-lodges like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Bwindi Lodge, to mid-range and budget-friendly lodges such as Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.

This makes Uganda more inclusive for different budgets without compromising on comfort or location.

7. Gorilla Families and Availability

Uganda has more habituated gorilla families than Rwanda — over 20 groups across its four tracking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo). This means greater availability of trekking permits and a wider variety of gorilla behaviors and environments to experience.

Rwanda, with 12 families, offers a slightly more exclusive feel but fewer permit slots overall. Because of high demand, permits in Rwanda often sell out quickly, especially during peak season (June–September and December–February).

In contrast, Uganda’s larger number of groups gives travelers more flexibility in choosing their dates and locations.

8. Surrounding Attractions

Rwanda:

After gorilla trekking, you can explore Kigali’s cultural and historical attractions, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, or enjoy the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. You can also continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks or to Akagera National Park for a classic Big Five safari.

Uganda:

Uganda offers greater diversity for longer safaris. In addition to gorillas, you can:

• Track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.

• See tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Visit Murchison Falls for game drives and Nile cruises.

• Relax by Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes.

For travelers seeking to combine gorillas with a broader East African safari, Uganda provides a more complete experience.

9. The Overall Experience

Both Rwanda and Uganda offer life-changing gorilla encounters — there’s no “wrong choice.” However, the overall feel of each experience differs slightly:

Travel with Muhiga Safaris

Whether you choose to trek gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one thing remains certain — this is a journey like no other. And to make it seamless, safe, and unforgettable, travel with Muhiga Safaris.

With years of experience operating across both Uganda and Rwanda, Muhiga Safaris crafts personalized itineraries that cater to your preferences — whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or a perfect balance of both. From securing your gorilla permits and arranging cross-border transfers to selecting the best lodges and guides, they handle every detail with care and expertise.

Their knowledgeable local guides not only ensure successful gorilla treks but also share deep insights about the region’s wildlife, culture, and people. With Muhiga Safaris, your gorilla trekking adventure becomes more than a trip — it becomes a story of connection, wonder, and discovery in the heart of Africa.