Differences between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Differences between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda remains one of the remarkable experiences for all travelers coming in on the African continent to explore mountain gorillas. Originally the African wildlife tourism was dominated by the activity of the safari game drives before the discovery of endangered mountain gorillas in countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However after the exploration of amiable mountain gorillas in the tropical forests of Virunga highlands then the gorilla trekking safaris took effect. In the whole world, these mountain gorillas are found in only four destination parks which are well known as Ugandan parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, Congos Virunga park and Rwandas Volcanoes National park in Rwanda.
The exploration of endangered mountain gorillas in East Africa has made it easy for the travelers from different continents such as Europe, America, and Asia to flock Africa and making it their best destination for gorilla expedition. These visitors have flocked Africa in big numbers annually to come and see gorillas in their district species. Mountain gorillas offers an opportunity to travelers to offer a memorable experience to the traveler who has come and intend to come to destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda, or D.R. Congo for gorilla trekking safaris.
In fact, there is more than one destination in Africa where one can go and trek mountain gorillas. It is just a matter of a question of selection for the travelers or tourists who intend to come and see the gorillas specifically for gorilla trekking to choose which destination they should choose for gorilla trekking.
A Gorilla family in Uganda
Because of very many websites offering information, there is nothing that should puzzle your mind when it comes to which destination you should choose to trek gorillas in Africa especially between Uganda and Rwanda. This article will articulate the differences between the two gorilla destinations of Rwanda and Uganda. Through they are all equally good destinations for gorillas trekking expeditions.
It is really puzzling and very difficult to compare the two destinations of Rwanda and Uganda to ascertain which destination of the destination for gorilla trekking and how these two destinations differ. Choosing the best destinations between Uganda and Rwanda is difficult because of the different tastes and preferences presented by customers. Besides, we can articulate the comparisons or differences between the gorilla trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
There is a quite good point to pick out between these two destinations that would provide a good comparison and later help you understand the best destination to visit these two destinations with ease and you satisfy your wildlife experience, the unique reason as to why you travel from your home areas to your destination.
The expediency of seeing mountain gorillas in both Uganda and in Rwanda is one of the talking points that form the main difference between gorilla trekking Uganda and gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It is on record that Uganda is the only country in Africa with more than half of the remaining gorilla population in the world. Over 500 gorillas reside in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga forest national park both located in the western part of Uganda.
The highest tropical rain forests covering the Uganda forested parks provide a conducive environment and probably attract large numbers of mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda has over 20 gorilla families of which about 19 of them are habituated and ready for trekking by the tourists. Some of the gorilla families in Bwindi which are available for trekking include the Orugoza family, Mubare gorilla family, Katwe gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla family, Christmas gorilla family, Nshongi among many gorilla families. On the other hand in Mgahinga National park, has only one habituated gorilla family called the Nyakagezi gorilla family which travelers can also visit after visiting the incredible Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park.
Bitukura Gorilla family
Rwanda on the other side, Rwanda is described as the land of a thousand hills with a rugged hilly landscape and spectacular views of the Volcanoes Mountains. In terms of the gorilla family, Rwanda volcanoes national park has only to ten gorillas families as compared to Uganda with over 25 gorilla families. The gorillas reside in the thick forest of Volcanoes national park. Some of the mountain gorilla families in Rwanda include Muhoza, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Amahoro, Susa A, and B among very many others. You can as well enjoy the gorilla habituation process because some of the families are clearly habituated.
The cost of gorilla trekking permits between Uganda and Rwanda forms a distinction from which you can base on to differentiate between gorilla trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Rwanda. For any gorilla destination in both countries, you will have to book a gorilla trekking permit before the actual day of gorilla trekking. You can obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda from the Rwanda Development Board at 1500 United States dollars daily per person.
On the other hand, in Uganda, you can get a gorilla trekking permit cheaper at 700 United States dollars daily per person. During the wet season which usually happens in April to May and mid-February to Match. Gorilla tickets are sold by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority or you can contact a trusted tour company that will book for your gorillas. This shows that there is a difference in the costs of gorilla trekking permits in both Rwanda and Uganda destinations.
In Uganda, there are two destinations where you can go and do gorilla trekking and this can be conducted in both Bwindi and Mgahinga National park both located in the southwestern part of Uganda close to the Virunga Mountains. These two national parks shelters half of the mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park has over 450 species of mountain gorilla while Mgahinga national park harbors over 80 species of mountain gorillas. On the other hand, Uganda has about a third of the gorillas of the world gorillas with about ten habituated gorillas all found in Volcanoes national park which makes a big difference in trekked gorilla families as compared to Uganda.
A Silverback Gorilla
Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is situated in the western part of Uganda in districts of Kisoro and Kanungu. It always about 7 to 8 hours from Entebbe international airport by using road transport. Besides, you can reach in Bwindi faster by taking a chartered flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield which takes you directly to Kihihi airstrip. While it takes as short as 4 hours to travel from Kigali international Airport to Volcanoes National Park. And this makes it the nearest gorilla trekking destination in Africa provided the short distance of the park.
Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is a very competitive safari package in the whole of Africa with Uganda the best because it harbors half of the gorillas in Uganda. Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are conducted throughout the year.
