Uganda and Rwanda are the two best-known places to meet mountain gorillas, and the experience is similar: a trek, then one hour with a wild gorilla family. The difference is in the forest, the travel and the extras. We arrange gorilla trekking in Uganda, and we have written this comparison honestly so you can decide.
Side by side
| Uganda | Rwanda | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (and Mgahinga) | Volcanoes National Park |
| The park | Mist-covered rainforest, World Heritage site since 1994, about 320 km² | A smaller park of about 160 km² at the foot of five volcanoes, the first national park created in Africa (1925) |
| Terrain | Steep, dense and often muddy forest | Open bamboo and moorland at high altitude, with a trek that can range from about half an hour to several hours |
| Group size | Up to 8 visitors per gorilla family | Up to 8 visitors per gorilla family |
| Time with gorillas | One hour | One hour |
| Distance | Currently reported as 10 metres | Reported as 7 to 10 metres, so follow your guide |
| Minimum age | 15 | 15 |
| Longer encounter | Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, with up to four hours and very limited permits | Not reported |
| Other wildlife | Chimpanzees, forest elephants and many forest birds nearby | Golden monkeys, and the Dian Fossey story |
| Permits | Uganda Wildlife Authority, through a licensed operator | Rwanda Development Board |
Why choose Uganda
- The scale and wildness of Bwindi, home to a large share of the world’s mountain gorillas, with several trekking sectors to choose from.
- The Gorilla Habituation Experience for a longer time with a group.
- A choice of sectors, so we can match terrain to fitness.
Why some travellers choose Rwanda
- Open, high-altitude slopes with views of the volcanoes.
- A smaller park and a more compact trip.
Read more
See our Bwindi guide, the Uganda gorilla trekking page and the best time to visit Bwindi.
Frequently asked questions
Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?
Neither is universally better. Both offer the same mountain gorillas and similar rules. Uganda offers Bwindi’s dense forest and a longer Gorilla Habituation Experience. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has open bamboo slopes and is smaller. The best choice depends on your route, fitness and budget.
How long do you spend with the gorillas?
In both countries a standard visit is one hour with the gorillas once they are found. Trekking time to find them varies from under an hour to several hours.
How many people visit a gorilla family?
Both countries cap visits at eight people per gorilla family per day.
What is the minimum age?
Fifteen years in both countries.
How do I book a permit?
In Uganda, permits come through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and we arrange them as part of your trip. In Rwanda, permits are managed by the Rwanda Development Board. Permit prices and rules change, so we do not list them here. Ask us for the current details.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to walk uphill for several hours at altitude on muddy ground. Porters are available and are a good idea. Tell us about any health concerns so we can place you in a suitable group.
Sources
Compared across sources. Rules, distances and permit prices change, so we leave out prices and confirm rules with you before you travel. Gorilla trekking rules (Duma Explorer), Volcanoes National Park (Wikipedia), Bwindi (Wikipedia), Mountain gorilla (Wikipedia).
Want help choosing?
Tell us when you can travel, how many days you have and what you most want to see. A planner replies, usually the same day.
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