Rwanda vs Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Both countries offer world-class mountain gorilla treks. Rwanda is quicker and pricier; Uganda is more affordable and wilder. Here’s how they compare.
Permit Cost
Rwanda permits are $1,500 per person; Uganda permits are $800 per person (habituation $1,500). The Uganda permit is cheaper, which is why many travelers trek there.
Access & Logistics
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is 2–3 hours from Kigali, so day trips are possible. Bwindi (Uganda) is 4–5 hours from Kigali — still easy as a multi-day add-on.
The Experience
Volcanoes offers bamboo and montane forest with gentler slopes. Bwindi’s steep, ancient forest is wilder and denser with the largest gorilla population on earth.
Popular Tours & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Rwanda or Uganda gorilla trekking?
Uganda. The permit is $800 versus $1,500 in Rwanda, and lodges and logistics are generally less expensive.
Which is better for a day trip?
Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park is only 2–3 hours from Kigali, allowing a same-day return.
Which has more gorillas?
Uganda. Bwindi alone is home to over 400 mountain gorillas — roughly half the world population.
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