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.

To ensure the well-being of the gorillas and their habitat, the Rwandan and Ugandan government strictly regulates the number of daily visitors, making a trek to see them an exclusive privilege that remains one of the world's most sought-after wildlife encounters. Once you locate a habituated family, you are granted a precious hour to observe their complex social dynamics from just a few feet away. Proceeds from the permits are dedicated to the national park and caring for the gorillas' protection and safety. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with physical challenges. Seeing the gorillas is still possible. We can pre-arrange for what is called a "sedan chair" that porters will carry you into the gorilla sighting. Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda, but the chairs tend to be more comfortable in Uganda.

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).

Gorilla Trekking - Rwanda or Uganda? - Insider's Guide

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.

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. Rwanda's bamboo slopes are often easier to hike than Uganda’s dense terrain. Trekking is generally done at higher altitudes (7,800 ft +). The terrain in both areas is cleared as best possible by park rangers.
• Permit cost: current rate of $1,500 each.
• Accommodations: high-end luxury properties
• Rwanda 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. 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 those looking for more of selection in accommodations. Also, for those wanting a more immersive, deep-jungle experience and would like to visit with chimps in their natural habitat. Add a 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.

Born Free can request lower family permits in both countries.