Spending an hour with a family of wild mountain gorillas is one of the most moving wildlife experiences on earth. Only a few places offer it, and for most travellers the choice comes down to two countries. This guide compares gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda side by side so you can decide which suits your budget, fitness and travel plans.
Gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda: quick comparison
| Uganda | Rwanda | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks | Volcanoes National Park |
| Permit price (foreign visitor) | Around US$700 to US$800 | US$1,500 |
| Time from main airport | 8 to 10 hours by road from Entebbe, or a short domestic flight | About 2.5 hours by road from Kigali |
| Trekking terrain | Dense, steep forest; can be challenging | Bamboo and volcanic slopes; often shorter treks |
| Other highlights | Chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls | Golden monkeys, Akagera big game, Lake Kivu |
Gorilla permit price in Uganda and Rwanda
The permit is the largest fixed cost of any gorilla trip. It gives you one hour with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by rangers and trackers.
- Rwanda: US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors, with lower rates for foreign residents and East African citizens. Rwanda has also offered seasonal discounts in quieter months.
- Uganda: around US$700 to US$800 per person for foreign visitors, depending on the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff in force, with much lower rates for East African citizens.
- Uganda gorilla habituation experience: about US$1,500 for roughly four hours with a family that is still being habituated. It is only offered in Uganda.
Permit prices change from time to time, so we always confirm the current rate and availability before you pay.
The trekking experience: Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park
Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi lives up to its name. Treks pass through thick, steep rainforest and can take anywhere from one to several hours each way. It is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with many habituated families across four sectors. For fit travellers who want a true jungle adventure, Bwindi is unforgettable.
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s treks start in farmland at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes and enter bamboo forest. Many treks are shorter than in Bwindi, and the park is just a few hours from Kigali, so you can trek in a short trip of two or three days.
Gorilla trekking cost: Uganda vs Rwanda value compared
For most travellers, Uganda costs less overall because the permit is roughly half the price and lodges are often cheaper. The trade-off is longer travel time. Rwanda costs more but is faster and easier to reach, which suits travellers who are short on time. Many people choose based on what else they want to see: chimpanzees and classic savannah in Uganda, or a short, polished trip in Rwanda.
Rules and requirements
- Minimum age for trekking is 15 years in both countries.
- Groups are small, usually up to eight trekkers per gorilla family.
- You must keep a distance of several metres and should not trek if you are unwell, as gorillas can catch human illnesses.
- Wear long sleeves, trousers, gloves and sturdy waterproof hiking boots. Porters are available to carry bags and help on steep sections.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking runs all year. The drier months of June to September and December to February are the most popular because trails are less muddy. The rainy months bring fewer visitors and, in Rwanda, occasional permit discounts.
Our gorilla trekking packages
Rwanda
- 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari, Rwanda
- 4 Days Classic Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari with a golden monkey trek or cultural visit
- 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Akagera Wildlife Safari
Uganda
- 5 Days Uganda: Gorilla Galore in Bwindi
- 9 Days Uganda: Gorillas and Chimpanzees including Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park
How much does a gorilla trekking safari cost in total?
The permit is only part of the budget. A complete gorilla trekking safari also includes transport, a driver-guide, accommodation, meals and park transfers. Short Rwanda trips cost more per day because of the higher permit, while longer Uganda safaris spread the cost and add chimpanzees and savannah wildlife.
- 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari: from US$1,684 per person
- 9 Days Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzees: from US$2,976 per person
- 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: from US$3,124 per person
- 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Safari: from US$4,219 per person
Check each tour page for current inclusions, and ask us whether the gorilla permit is part of the quoted price.
Gorilla trekking from Kenya
Many of our guests combine gorillas with a Kenya safari. Short flights connect Nairobi with Kigali for Rwanda and Entebbe for Uganda. A popular plan is a Masai Mara safari followed by a short flight to Kigali and a two or three day gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Kenyan and other East African citizens pay much lower gorilla permit rates in both countries, which makes this an excellent regional holiday.
What happens on gorilla trekking day?
- Early start: you report to the park headquarters in the morning for a briefing and are assigned to a gorilla family.
- The trek: guided by rangers, you hike through forest. Trackers go ahead to locate the family, and trekking time can range from under an hour to several hours.
- One hour with the gorillas: you watch the family feed, play and rest, often at close range.
- Return: you hike back and receive a gorilla trekking certificate.
Beyond gorillas: what else to see
In Uganda
Uganda is the more varied safari destination. Add chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dramatic Murchison Falls and rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
In Rwanda
Rwanda pairs gorillas with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and relaxing days on the shores of Lake Kivu. Kigali itself is clean, safe and easy to explore.
Uganda or Rwanda: which should you choose?
- Choose Uganda if you want the lowest permit cost, a longer and more varied safari, or the gorilla habituation experience.
- Choose Rwanda if you are short on time, prefer shorter drives and want a smoother, more premium trip.
Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be?
A reasonable level of fitness helps, especially in Bwindi. Rangers try to match trekkers with gorilla families based on ability, so let your guide know if you would prefer a shorter trek.
How far in advance should I book?
Permits are limited, so book three to six months ahead, especially for June to September.
Can I combine gorillas with a Kenya safari?
Yes. Many guests fly from Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe after a Masai Mara safari. Ask us to build a combined East Africa itinerary.
Is gorilla trekking worth it?
Almost everyone who goes says yes. Watching a silverback and his family at close range in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Which is better for gorilla trekking, Uganda or Rwanda?
Both offer excellent sighting success. Uganda is better value and more varied; Rwanda is quicker and easier to reach.
How long is a gorilla trek?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours each way, depending on where the gorilla family is that day, plus one hour with the gorillas.
Can I do gorilla trekking as a day trip from Kigali?
It is possible, as Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours from Kigali, but staying overnight near the park is far more relaxed.
Start planning
Still weighing up gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda? Not sure which country is right for you? Our team will compare options for your dates and budget. Request a free gorilla trekking proposal.
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