Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking | Cost, Time & Experience

Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking – Choosing between Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park depends on several factors. These include budget, available time, physical ability, and the type of experience you want.

One of the main differences is the cost of gorilla trekking permits. As of 2025, Uganda’s standard gorilla permit costs USD 800 for one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Rwanda’s permit costs USD 1,500 for the same experience.

This makes Uganda a better choice for travelers who want to manage costs and still enjoy a full safari. Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience at USD 1,500. This allows up to four hours with semi habituated gorillas. This option is not available in Rwanda.

Travel time is also important, especially for travelers with limited days. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Kigali. This makes it easy to reach and ideal for short trips.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is farther and takes about 8 to 10 hours by road from Kampala or Entebbe. Domestic flights can reduce travel time. Some travelers choose to fly into Kigali and then drive to Bwindi to avoid long drives within Uganda.

The trekking experience is different in each country because of the terrain. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has higher elevation and more open slopes with lighter forest cover. Treks are usually shorter and less demanding. This makes Rwanda a good option for older travelers or those with average fitness who prefer an easier walk to see the gorillas.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for thick rain-forest and steep terrain. Treks can take between two and eight hours, depending on where the gorillas are found that day. This appeals to travelers who enjoy a harder walk and a deeper forest experience, where seeing the gorillas feels well earned.

Beyond gorilla trekking, Uganda offers more safari options. Rwanda mainly focuses on gorillas and cultural visits. Uganda also offers Big Five game drives and well known chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. In the end, the best choice depends on what matters most to you, whether that is easy access and comfort, or adventure, more activities, and better value for money.