The key areas for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa have always been Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda though some tourists track gorillas in Congo. And over the years Uganda and Rwanda receives many foreign visitor arrivals for gorilla safari vacations despite the presence of multiple attractions in the country hence taking control of the tourism sector. Besides no gorilla safari tour to Uganda and Rwanda that disappoints no matter when you decide to do the trek.
Are you coming to Rwanda or Uganda for mountain gorillas? Better to fly to Kigali if you want to explore both countries and Entebbe international airport and connect to Rwanda via Gatuna Border. The two countries are too stunning with much to choose from and believe me you find a thousand reasons to spend more time around.
Where to Track Mountain Gorillas Uganda or Rwanda?
Looking at the premium gorilla safari destination on Uganda and Rwanda, I think both are great with a difference on gorilla permit prices and affordability of gorilla safari tours. Of course Uganda is best when it comes to cheap safaris though Rwanda is superb for Luxury gorilla safaris. Both countries have easy access that instead of driving for nine hours from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you can fly to Rwanda-Kigali international Airport and get to Bwindi forest within just 2-3 hours. Track gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda and get a chance to look into the eyes of the peaceful silver back gorilla that many describe as the most exciting life time experience in Africa.
Gorilla Safari Costs in Uganda & Rwanda
The biggest challenge of tracking gorillas in Rwanda is the gorilla permit that cost $1500 per trek a price for a full private tailor made 3 day gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. To sum it all tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda is more expensive compared to Uganda though making the choice gorilla of a gorilla trekking destination is yours. No more long drives for Uganda gorilla safaris and today one can do a 2 day Uganda Rwanda gorilla tour starting from Kigali which is much more cheap and affordable all year.
What to do After Gorilla Trekking
There is too much to enjoy and experience in both Uganda and Rwanda but would recommend to make plans at the time of planning your gorilla safari tour. If your focus is only visiting mountain gorillas but want to also explore other park activities see bellow what you can take on.
Rwanda
After tracking gorillas in Rwanda and you have a free day off, opt for golden monkey trekking, Bisoke or Karisimbi volcano hike, Dainy Fossey tomb visit, nature walk or visit other Rwanda amazing attractions like chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest, wildlife in Akagera national Park or explore the leisure world of Lake Kivu.However, you can also cross to Uganda and explore beauty of the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda
If your trek is in Uganda Bwindi forest national park or Mgahinga national park a visit to Lake Bunyonyi Island will do you good, cultural tour visits in the communities, experience the life of the Batwa people of the forest, take a nature walk, track golden monkeys or visit or Uganda national parks like Queen Elizabeth known for wildlife,tree climbing lions and chimpanzees, Kibale forest national park for Chimpanzees,Murchison falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley and Much more.