Rwanda vs Uganda Gorilla Trekking: Which Should You Choose?
Both countries offer world-class gorilla encounters. The right choice depends on time, budget and how hard you like your hikes.
Eben Safari Tours Team2 min read
Quick comparison
| Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) | Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga) | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | US$1,500 | US$800 |
| Getting there | 2–2.5 h from Kigali | 4–5 h from Kigali to southern Bwindi; 8–10 h from Entebbe |
| Terrain | Volcano slopes, bamboo, open trails | Steep, dense, tangled forest valleys |
| Gorilla families | About a dozen habituated families | Many more families across four sectors |
| Extra primates | Golden monkeys | Golden monkeys (Mgahinga), chimps in Kibale |
| Best for | Short trips, luxury, business add-ons | Budget, longer trips, adventure |
Access and time
Rwanda's biggest advantage is time. You can land in Kigali, trek the next morning and be back in Kigali the following evening. Uganda's gorillas are much further from Entebbe, which is why many visitors to Bwindi actually fly into Kigali.
The trek itself
Rwanda's trails often climb through farmland and bamboo before entering the forest, and the vegetation is somewhat more open, which can help photography. Bwindi, as its name suggests, is impenetrable: steep, wet and thick. Treks there can be tougher, but the sense of wilderness is profound.
The verdict
- Short on time or combining with business in Kigali? Rwanda.
- On a budget or doing a long overland trip? Uganda.
- Want both? Our 8-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Safari treks in each country.
Written by the Eben Safari Tours team
We are a Kigali-based tour operator, guiding travellers through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania since 2015. Our guides trek with the gorillas, drive Akagera and climb the volcanoes every week, and we update these guides whenever rules or prices change.
