Rwanda is a lush country with magnificent mountain scenery, hills, rain forests, and terraced farmland. It is a country that can provide you with one of the world’s last great adventures, trekking for gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This once war-ravaged land is now full of vitality and is reported to be one of the most progressive and safest countries on the African continent.

Accommodations are excellent and world-class. A trek can be a 2-night/3-day journey or longer. Trips can be arranged to include the Nyungwe Forest to see the chimps and Akagera National Park for big game and excellent bird life.

ACCESSIBILITY

Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with disabilities, knee hip replacements or just not in perfect physical condition. If you have mobility challenges, we can pre-arrange for what is called ‘sedan chair’ that porters will carry you to the gorilla sighting.  Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda but ‘chairs’ tend to be more comfortable in Uganda.

WHICH GORILLA TREK IS FOR YOU - RWANDA or UGANDA?

Rwanda and Uganda trekking experiences can vary for each person that treks. The following is an overall consensus about the basic differences. Whichever country you choose to visit, we can assure you that your close-up visit with the gorillas will be like no other.

GORILLA FAMILIES & PERMITS

Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated with approximately 1,050 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Of that, there are approximately 40 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda that can be visited. Permits require booking months in advance, especially for the high demand seasons (June-August, December-February).

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes National Park):

• Trekking Difficulty: Generally considered less physically demanding, with steeper slopes in places but more established, clearer paths due to the foliage in the area. Trekking is generally done at higher altitudes 7,800 feet + Rwanda offers steeper ascents, but its bamboo slopes are often easier to hike than Uganda’s dense terrain. The terrain in both areas is cleared as best possible by park rangers. 

• Permit cost: current rate of $1500 each

• Accommodations: high-end luxury properties

• Rwanda is best for: Those with limited time, prefer not to fly and prioritizing high comfort. 

 • Access: Beautiful drive from Kigali, only requiring 2-3 hours.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park):

• Trekking Difficulty: Terrain is denser than Rwanda with thicker forests, but as in both Uganda and Rwanda, park rangers clear paths as best as possible. Trekking is at a lower average altitude of 3,800-8,500 feet. 

• Permit cost: current rate of $800 each for foreign non-residents.

• Accommodations: More choices available than Rwanda - mid to high end. 

• Uganda best for:  Looking for more of selection in accommodations. Also for those those wanting a more immersive, deep-jungle experience and also would like to visit with chimps in their natural habitat and possible stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Access: Travelers general fly from Entebbe to base camp unless visiting other parks in Uganda. Straight drive time is 8-10 hours. 

Consensus:

Rwanda can seem to be more expensive than Uganda, but when all is totaled, including permits, flights, and accommodations, prices are about the same. Rwanda would most likely be recommended for those with real concerns about terrain.

Rwanda's permits are more expensive than Uganda, but in Uganda, a flight is required to get to base camp, as the drive is 8-10 hours.

Uganda has more choices of accommodations, so overall cost might be a few hundred dollars lower. 

Born Free can request lower family permits in both countries. Arrangements can be made for those who may have mobility issues for carrying seats. 

Permits for Primate treks must be paid in advance and are non-refundable.

Reservations for accommodations and additional safari arrangements are not made until permits are secured. Permits are limited.  

Journey Priced From: Call for current rates.

Rates do not include primate permits.