Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Vs Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences. The two countries are part of the Virunga region which is an ecosystem for these primates to thrive. Combined, the two countries have more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Mountain gorillas are a rare subspecies of eastern gorillas and can only be viewed in the Virunga region to which the two countries form part.

Whereas trekking between the two countries has distinct prices, the trekking guidelines and what to expect are greatly similar. Both regions have a high manifestation of tropical rainforests and scattered alpine vegetation. It’s in these forests that the mountain gorillas breed. The two regions also share the Virunga volcanoes which have highly fertile soils on which the vegetation grows.

Their location in the Virunga volcanoes is the very reason they are regarded as mountain gorillas (accustomed to highly mountainous areas). This is their main distinct feature from their sister subspecies –Eastern lowland gorillas in D.R Congo. Rwanda and Uganda are the most popular mountain gorilla destinations mainly due to their conducive nature. Mountain gorillas are endangered species.

That fact has for many years sparked extensive protection and conservation works from both local and global conservation agencies and organizations. Because of the foregoing, the mountain gorillas are located and protected from national parks in both countries. In Rwanda, they are situated in Volcanoes National Park; while in Uganda, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This is found in South-Western Uganda. It’s Uganda’s main mountain gorilla destination. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was named after the lush Bwindi Forest in which mountain gorillas are located. It has over 20 habituated mountain gorilla families that are available for both mountain gorilla trekking and habituation.

Additionally, Bwindi has trails that can equally be used for nature walks by tourists. Mountain gorillas in this park are the highest in number within Uganda, so a tourist doesn’t have any possibilities of failing to view them when they visit the park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

This is the alternative to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and also another destination in which mountain gorillas are found. It’s Uganda’s smallest National Park and equally located in South Western, in the district of Kisoro.

The national park is highly mountainous, with a combination of green vegetation in which the mountain gorillas breed. Mgahinga National Park has only one mountain gorilla family i.e., the Nyakagezi Gorilla family that’s comprised of 9 members. It was granted its status as a national park in 1991 and it has since been a progressing conservation area. It’s situated at the intersection of the D.R Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Mountains Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhabura also cross into the park. Therefore, apart from mountain gorilla trekking, tourists can also take part in the hiking of any of the mountains of their choice.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

It’s situated in north - western region of Rwanda. This national park is the only known park in Rwanda that houses mountain gorillas. It’s also unique since it has 5 of the 8 volcanoes that make up Virunga region i.e., Bisoke, Sabinyo, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Karisimbi. The mountains have therefore been of great significance in as far as mountain gorilla conservation.

Travelers are able to trek the many gorilla families within, and also take part in hiking any of the available mountains within the park. It became a national park in 1925 and was also a station area for American primatologist Dian Fossey, whom tourists get to learn about while visiting Volcanoes National Park.

How much gorilla permits costs in each country.

The two countries have different set prices for the mountain gorilla trekking.

Rwanda has the highest mountain gorilla trekking rates in the world. Each trekking permit regardless of nationality status costs $1,500 and can be purchased from the Rwanda Development Board or through a travel agent.

Uganda on the other hand offers affordable permits, depending on the nationality. Permits can be purchased at Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a licensed tour company. An East African national pays 250,000/= UGX; a foreign resident pays $600; while a non-resident foreigner pays $700.

When to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Both countries share similar climatic conditions. Since they are situated in tropical Africa, the two countries have two different seasons annually i.e., dry season, and wet season. It’s therefore clear that most tourists choose to visit during dry season for obvious season of the abundance of sunlight.

The dry season creates required environment with minimal, to no interruptions to the mountain gorilla tourism. Dry seasons run from December to February, and July to September. These are the months recommended to mountain gorilla trekkers planning to visit either, or both countries.

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