Which is the best country for gorilla trekking: Rwanda, Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? All three protect wild mountain gorillas in the forests of the Albertine Rift. However, each one offers a different mix of access, cost, comfort and extra activities. In this guide, we compare them side by side, so you can choose the trip that suits you.
Where Can You See Mountain Gorillas?
Mountain gorillas live in only two areas on Earth. The first is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The second is the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes shared by three countries. Here, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (DR Congo) meet along the borders.
Because of this, you will meet the same species in every country. The real differences are in travel time, permit cost, lodges, safety and what else you can do on the trip. So let’s look at each destination in turn.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Most of them live in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, one habituated family, the Nyakagezi group, ranges in Mgahinga beneath Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo.
Bwindi’s Four Trekking Sectors
Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector has its own gorilla families and nearby lodges. As a result, you can choose a sector that fits your route, budget and fitness. Our guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda explains the sectors in more detail.
Getting to Bwindi
Bwindi is far from Entebbe and Kampala. The drive takes most of a day, although it passes through beautiful countryside. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to an airstrip near the park. Many travellers also fly into Kigali and drive about four hours to the southern sectors.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience
Uganda offers something the other two countries do not. On the gorilla habituation experience, you spend about four hours with a family that is still getting used to people. By contrast, a standard trek allows one hour with the gorillas.
Why Choose Uganda?
Uganda usually suits travellers who want good value and a wider safari. Permits have generally cost less than in Rwanda. Lodges also range from budget to luxury. Moreover, you can combine gorillas with chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a rest at Lake Bunyonyi.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda’s gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, in the north-west of the country. The park lies about 2–3 hours by road from Kigali International Airport. Therefore, Rwanda is the easiest option if you are short of time. You can even land in the morning and be at the park by lunchtime.
Rwanda also has a strong conservation story. Dian Fossey studied gorillas here for many years, and you can hike to her grave at the old Karisoke research site. In addition, you can track golden monkeys, climb a volcano or visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Rwanda follows a high-value, low-volume tourism model. As a result, its gorilla permit has typically been the most expensive of the three countries. Many of its lodges are high-end too. Even so, it is well organised, safe and very easy to reach. Read our full guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda to learn more.
Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo
In DR Congo, mountain gorilla treks take place in Virunga National Park. Founded in 1925, it is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors usually reach it by road from Goma, near the Rwandan border.
Congo also has a unique extra. In Kahuzi-Biega National Park, you can track eastern lowland gorillas, which you cannot see in Uganda or Rwanda. They are larger than mountain gorillas and have shorter coats.
Virunga is also famous for Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano with a lava lake in its crater. It last erupted in 2021. Many visitors combine a gorilla trek with an overnight hike to the summit.
However, safety needs careful thought. Virunga has closed to visitors at times because of insecurity in eastern Congo. So always check the latest situation with the official Virunga National Park website and with your tour operator before you book.
Comparing the Three Countries
When you decide on the best country for gorilla trekking, think about these factors:
- Access: Rwanda is the quickest from an international airport. Uganda’s Bwindi is the longest journey, unless you fly or enter via Kigali.
- Permit cost: Rwanda has typically been the highest. Uganda and DR Congo have usually been lower.
- Accommodation: Uganda has the widest range. Rwanda has many luxury lodges. Congo has fewer choices.
- Extra activities: Uganda offers the broadest safari. Rwanda adds golden monkeys and culture. Congo adds Nyiragongo and lowland gorillas.
- Stability: Uganda and Rwanda are generally stable for visitors. Eastern Congo can change quickly, so check before you travel.
A Note on Gorilla Permit Prices
Permit prices are set by each country’s wildlife authority, and they change from time to time. For that reason, we do not list fixed prices here. Instead, Roots will confirm the current rate when you enquire. You can also read our guide to gorilla permits for booking tips.
So, Which Is the Best Country for Gorilla Trekking?
In short, there is no single winner. Instead, the best country for gorilla trekking depends on your priorities:
- Choose Uganda for value, the habituation experience and a full wildlife safari.
- Choose Rwanda for short trips, easy access and luxury lodges.
- Choose DR Congo for adventure, lowland gorillas and Nyiragongo, but only when conditions allow.
Of course, you do not have to pick just one. For example, our 4 day Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trek starts in Kigali and crosses into Uganda. That way, you enjoy Rwanda’s easy access and Uganda’s forests on one trip.
Plan Your Gorilla Trek with Roots
Still not sure which country is right for you? Roots Tours & Travel is a Kampala-based operator that plans tailor-made gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Tell us your dates, budget and travel style. Then we will check permit availability, compare options honestly and send you a free itinerary.