Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: Which Should You Choose?

We guide in both countries, so we have no horse in this race. Here is the honest comparison we give every guest.

Permit Price

Uganda: US$800. Rwanda: US$1,500. For a couple trekking twice, that is a $2,800 difference — real money that can fund two extra nights at a luxury lodge. Details on the Rwandan system are in our permit guide.

Getting There

Rwanda wins decisively. Volcanoes National Park is a smooth 2.5-hour drive from Kigali airport. Bwindi is 8–9 hours by road from Entebbe — or a one-hour domestic flight to Kihihi, which is how we route most luxury itineraries.

The Trek Itself

Bwindi is a true rainforest — denser, steeper, wilder; sightings feel earned. Volcanoes’ open bamboo slopes are generally (not always) gentler, with the Virunga volcano backdrop. Both deliver the same heart-stopping hour at close range.

Beyond the Gorillas

Uganda surrounds the trek with a full safari — tree-climbing lions, chimps in Kibale, the Nile at Murchison Falls (see our Uganda guide). Rwanda offers golden monkeys, Nyungwe’s canopy walk and Akagera’s Big Five (see our Rwanda guide).

Our Verdict

Short on time or want maximum comfort: Rwanda. Want a complete, varied safari and better value: Uganda. Many guests do both in one journey — the border crossing takes an afternoon. Tell us your dates and we will recommend honestly, or read how to plan the whole journey.