Gorilla in Rwanda Vs Uganda; Gorillas in Rwanda vs Uganda differs about location where to start from, Airport flight, price of the Permit, number of gorilla families that are fully habituated to humans, accommodation option, safety among others. Other things are the main decision factors you choose where exactly to see the Mountain gorillas. More so, the price of the permits must be determined one for many people but it is critical to have the full picture because the rate of the permits should not be the only aspect when looking for better decision from where to book or go for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla permit prices in Rwanda and Uganda
Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD1,500 per person per day and Uganda permit cost USD700 per person for foreign nonresident, USD600 for foreign resident and UGX250,000 for East African Member.
In Rwanda there are 96 gorilla’s permits issued to visitors every day and Uganda every day issues 152 permits to visitors. For this case, we recommend you to book in advance through a tour operator or buying it directly to the government booking offices. In Rwanda can be booked through Rwanda Development Board Offices and Uganda directly through ‘’UWA –Uganda Wildlife Authority Office.
Park where the gorillas can be trekked;
In Rwanda gorilla trekking can be done in Volcanoes National Park and Uganda hosts two gorilla parks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in southwestern region of Uganda approximately 8 to 9 hours’ drive from Kampala starting point to main visited safari destination.
International land airport in each country where you can fly to get to the national park where the gorillas are located;
Reaching Rwanda by flight you can access it through Kigali International Airport, then from there to access the national park by fly use a domestic flight to land you to Volcanoes National Park.
Accessing Uganda by flight you access it through Entebbe International Airport, from there to reach the main visited national park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla national park use a domestic flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield ‘’ Aero link airline or Eagle Air to fly you Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip, then be picked up by the safari driver to drive you to park.
How far is the park from the International Airport/What is the driving distance from the Airport;
From Kigali to Rwanda-Volcanoes National Park takes about 3 hour drives and from Entebbe to access the southwestern region or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla estimates about 8 to 9 hours’ drive.
How safety of both countries;
Rwanda destination famously known as the land of thousand hills is one of the top visited safari destination on African safari all because of these unique primates the mountain gorillas. When it comes to security is also one of the safest countries in Africa.
Uganda once known as the Pearl of Africa, which boosts with over ten remarkable national parks home to bio diversity of wildlife species and mountain gorillas. More so, on how security the country is together with national park, Uganda’s national parks are very safe and secure since the government provided tight security of military, policemen and armed rangers, Gorillas in Rwanda Vs Uganda..
Number of habituated gorilla families;
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has over ten ‘’10’’ Gorilla Families include; Amahoro Gorilla Family, Susa B-known as Karisimbi group, Umubano group, Titus family, Sabyinyo Gorilla family, Agashya, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Ugenda among other.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park boost with over 22 gorilla groups which includes; some, Christmas gorilla family, Nkuringo, Bushaho, Rushegura, Katwe, Mishaya gorilla family, Mukiza, Nshongi, Kyaguliro, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Rwigi, Bikyingi, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Mishaya among others. Mgahinga has two gorilla’s families include; Nyakagezi and Hirwa.
Other Activities to do or see in Rwanda’s Volcanoes or Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
Other activities to do in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include; Golden monkey tracking, Visit Dian Fossey Gorilla Find Museum and the grave, Volcanoes climbing, Visit the local villages among others.
Other activities to do in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include; Visit the local medicine man, Nature walk, birding, Batwa trail visit among others, In Mgahinga you do Golden monkey tracking, Volcanoes climbing, Visit the Batwa trails many more.
Accommodation Options; Each gorilla safari destination as perfect accommodation facilities ranging from Budget, Mid-range and Luxury. They are affordable according to guest’s choice.
What is the best way to book your Gorilla safari tour package;
All a tourist needs to do is to contact or book with a trust worthy tour operator with registered tour company.
Do I need to be physically fit to trek gorillas?
Yes, since Mountain gorillas live in montane forest and some in bamboo slopes, so trek and have a chance of seeing them. You need to have levels of fitness to hike or climb up slippery trails or muddy slopes since you pass through varied vegetation terrain, Gorillas in Rwanda Vs Uganda.
What is the age limit of gorilla trekking?
One to be able to trek gorillas must be at least 15 years old and there’s flexibility to this rule, considered in both Rwanda and Uganda.
Best time of the year to visit the gorillas?
Travelers can visit gorillas throughout the year, though they are being trekked in tropical rainforest climate. Note, it can rain any day of the year or on that every day of gorilla trekking, it will not fall full day. It rains in the morning and the afternoon the day normalizes go for the activity. April and May are the rainiest months and tourists tend to avoid travel at these times.
Are you guaranteed to see gorillas when you head out in search for them;
It might not be possible 100% guarantee of seeing the mountain gorillas. However, disappointments of not seeing the gorillas during their trek has never been experienced . To ensure that, you do not get disappointed, you’re set out with experience guide who locates you in search of gorilla group assigned, so he can be knowing where you are heading.
What pack for gorilla trekking safaris in all trekking destination?
You need to pack essentials that fits with the climate in the area in order to keep your body clean such as waterproof jacket, long trouser to protect your legs against nettle ,T-shirt with a long –sleeved shirt over the top ,enough mineral water bottle and snacks .
