Mountain gorillas live in only two places: the Virunga volcanoes, shared by Rwanda, Uganda and Congo, and the forests of Bwindi in Uganda. Both countries offer a magnificent hour with a family. Here is how we help guests decide.
What Rwanda does best
Volcanoes National Park lies about two and a half hours from Kigali airport, on good roads, so you can fly in, meet the gorillas and be back in the capital in the same few days. Treks often start on farmland at the foot of the volcanoes and can be shorter, although nothing is certain. Rwanda also offers golden monkeys, the hike to the Dian Fossey research site and some of the finest lodges on the continent. The permit costs more than in Uganda, which keeps numbers low.
What Uganda does best
Bwindi has the largest number of gorilla families, spread over four sectors, and Mgahinga offers a smaller option on the volcanoes. Uganda’s permit costs less, and a Uganda trip can add chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, boat trips at Murchison and game drives in Queen Elizabeth. The drives are longer, and they cross some of the most beautiful countryside in East Africa.
How we decide with you
- If time is short and comfort is a priority, we usually suggest Rwanda.
- If you want more variety, a longer trip and a wider range of budgets, we suggest Uganda.
- If you want both, you can combine them. The road between the two is long but scenic, and we plan it with care.
Whichever you choose, the hour with the gorillas is the same quiet, extraordinary experience. Tell us how many days you have and what you want to see, and we will give you an honest recommendation, including which of the two we would not choose for you.
Read the guides to Uganda and Rwanda, see Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, or ask for our honest recommendation.