“Spending time with these gorillas changed my life.” – Ellen Degeneres.
Global tourism has been mesmerised by this spell-bounding experience and we are already taking 2022 bookings! Availability is going fast! No wildlife adventure can compare with coming face-to-face with a wild gorilla – truly the ultimate wildlife experience.
There are less than 1000 mountain gorillas left in the wild – with infants born only every 4 years. Half of these gorilla families are found deep in the forests of Rwanda and Uganda. Getting up close to these majestic giants can be physically challenging, expensive and daunting… but completely worth it! This awe-inspiring experience should be bumped to the top of your travel bucket list before it’s too late.
So that leaves the question, where do you go to see these great silverback gorillas – Rwanda or Uganda?
Well, wherever you go, you will need to trek – up slippery paths, down narrow pathways, through muddy hills and thick vegetation. But as soon as you catch a glimpse of the first infant or family of gorillas, any exacerbation will fall void and you will feel nothing but joy as you see them groom each other and amble around.
Safari trips to Rwanda and Uganda are becoming increasingly popular, especially among U.S. travellers, but the available numbers remain limited and are planned and booked almost 18 months in advance. Here are our top reasons to visit both Rwanda and Uganda for your ultimate gorilla safari:
Rwanda:
The vegetation is less dense in the Rwandan forests making sightings easier.
Travel distances between places are short making road travel more pleasant and convenient.
You have panoramic views of the volcanoes which are a sight to behold.
The treks are shorter, despite the higher altitudes.
You can visit the Dian Fossey Foundation.
Travellers looking for the ultimate luxury accommodation nestled in the heart of the forest can look to book at Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda.
Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit with magnificent views and lush forests.
Nyungwe Forest has over 100kms of trails and home to 13 different primates.
Golden Monkey trekking adds an additional experience to your visit.
Gorilla trekking is a sustainable operation that benefits local communities in Rwanda.
Rwanda has better infrastructure.
The permits required for trekking and luxury accommodation contribute to the sustainability of wildlife operations and communities.
Uganda
Uganda is significantly more affordable than Rwanda – both with permits and accommodation.
There is a wider variety of accommodation from entry-level to luxury lodges.
Trekking in Uganda can be challenging due to the frequent downpours, steep slopes and thick vegetation, but there are amazing chimp-trekking programs that make this adventure worthwhile.
Experience interactions with the indigenous Batwa people in the Bwindi region.
Gorilla trekking is a sustainable operation in Uganda as the public/private partnerships are designed to save endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda and benefit communities.
Gorilla tracking permits bring in more than $1 million dollars a year.
Expeditions have also contributed more than $1.18 million to transform Bwindi Community Hospital, reducing infant mortality by 50%.
Both Rwanda and Uganda offer great opportunities for gorilla trekking, and the choice often lies at the availability of permits – especially if you’re booking last minute.
Both countries allow only 8 guests to visit a gorilla family per day and require guests to know their fitness level before deciding. If you’re looking for ultimate luxury accommodation, Rwanda would be the ideal destination. However, if you’re looking to experience the wonders of the mighty Silverback gorillas and other outdoor adventures on a smaller budget, Uganda is preferable as it has over half of the world’s population of critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Due to the huge demand for a safari & gorilla combo prices have increased and we have thus carefully crafted an incredible 7-night tour at a combination of our selected Sanctuary Retreats giving you a MASSIVE 33% saving! Read more here.