Accessibility: Rwanda has a smaller land area compared to Uganda, and its gorilla trekking destinations which Volcanoes National Park, is relatively closer to the capital city of Kigali. This makes Rwanda more accessible for travelers with limited time and also who are not used to travelling for longer time on road. On the other hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park require more travel time, including domestic flights or long drives. from Entebbe airport which is the entry point in to the country or Kampala, to Bwindi by road takes approximately 9-10 hours which requires whole days travel to make it to Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Trekking Experience: Both Uganda and Rwanda offer unique gorilla trekking experiences. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is known for its lush, mountainous landscape, and the gorilla families tend to be closer to the starting points, resulting in potentially shorter treks. Whereas Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and immersive trekking experience, with longer treks through dense forests. If you prefer a shorter trek, Rwanda may be a better choice. Bwindi gorilla trekking is also Unique in its way in that you will encounter various species of animals, primates, birds and colorful butterflies among other attractions while trekking gorillas in the forest.
Availability of Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are limited in both countries, and it’s essential to check their availability. Rwanda has a smaller number of permits available per day compared to Uganda, making it a bit more challenging to secure permits during peak seasons.