Gorilla Trekking is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences that one can experience in Africa. With just as few as 900 mountain gorillas remaining in the whole world, meeting the gorillas in their natural wild within the misty rain forests of East – Central Africa is a great expedition that any wildlife enthusiast would not miss in the wild.
Uganda and Rwanda, Which Country Provides the Best Option for Gorilla trekking?
Uganda and Rwanda are two known destinations offering travelers with opportunities to enjoy gorilla trekking in Africa. However many travelers ask about the place to enjoy their gorilla safari tour in Africa. This is quite a tricky question since both countries offer an amazing experience to see the endangered mountain gorillas living in the forests.
When it comes to general wildlife viewing , comparing Uganda to Rwanda is not a good idea since Uganda has more wildlife than Rwanda. Wildlife parks include Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semliki National Park, Kibale National Park among others. Rwanda having three National Parks includes Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park- the above justifies that Uganda Gorilla trekking is better if supplemented by other wildlife viewing experience.
Besides the mountain gorillas, you can visit other national parks or see other primates in Kibale Forest National Park.
Pricing
For more information, Rwanda Gorilla permits are a bit expensive that those of Uganda at US$1500 and US$700 respectively. The permit offers you one hour with the mountain gorillas in a group of 8 people. In case you are threatened by the price look at it in this point of view that you are contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas and as a form of thank you, you will be rewarded with an hour in the midst observing and enjoying their company. Keep in mind that just 80 people are allowed to see the gorillas in their natural habitat each day. Because their habitat is very fragile, every time you walk in this forest you leave a footprint.
Within Uganda gorilla trekking is not only done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but also in Mgahinga National Park. This relatively small protected area is another park where gorilla tracking can be found. Within this Virunga Park, there is only one gorilla group; Nyakagezi that can be tracked. Meeting the Nyakagezi Gorilla group in their natural habitat is easier if compared with the gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable NationalPark.
It is important to check with Mgahinga National Park website to get updates about the presence this gorilla group that is known to seldomly roam Rwandan Volcanoes and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It should be noted that if you book Nyakagezi Gorilla group and unfortunately cross to Rwanda or Congo before the actual visiting day, the Uganda Wildlife Authority official can substitute with another group in Bwindi National Park or refunded your money.
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