Mountain gorillas can only be trekked in three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For most travellers, the choice comes down to Rwanda vs Uganda. Here is our honest comparison.
**Permits**
Rwanda's gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person. Uganda's is $700. However, Rwanda's premium price reflects a genuinely higher-end experience overall — from the infrastructure to the lodges to the efficiency of the park management.
**The Trekking Experience**
In Rwanda, all habituated gorilla families are in Volcanoes National Park, a relatively compact park with excellent access from Musanze. Treks are generally well-organised and groups rarely exceed 8 people.
In Uganda, gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi in particular is a vast, dense forest — treks can be longer and more physically demanding, which some travellers love for the added sense of adventure.
**Accessibility**
Rwanda wins on accessibility. Volcanoes National Park is just 2.5 hours from Kigali's international airport. Uganda requires an additional domestic flight or a long drive from Entebbe.
**Combining Both**
The best answer for many travellers is: do both. Our 7-day Rwanda & Uganda Primates Safari combines gorilla trekking in Rwanda with chimpanzee tracking in Uganda's Kibale Forest — giving you two great ape encounters on a single seamless itinerary.
**Our Recommendation**
If time and budget are limited, choose Rwanda for its accessibility, luxury options, and slick park management. If you want a more rugged adventure and have more time, Uganda offers something raw and unforgettable. If you can, do both — you will not regret it.
