For this instalment of our 'versus' series, we're casting our eyes over two of Africa's greatest primate-viewing countries and discovering the differences between holidays to Uganda vs Rwanda.
Both are undoubtedly best known for their excellent mountain gorilla tracking opportunities: very few wildlife encounters can compare with the time you spend among these magnificent creatures in their montane forest home.
But Uganda and Rwanda each have so much more to offer than great ape observations.
Scroll down to find out more about which other experiences can make holidays in the two countries distinct from each other and find out which destination is right for you.
In this article:
- Overview
- Spectacular Natural Beauty
- Wildlife Experiences
- Mountain Gorilla Tracking
- Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
- Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit
- Accessibility, Infrastructure and Travel Costs
- How to Visit Uganda and Rwanda with Rainbow
Rwanda vs Uganda – A Quick Overview
Our resident Uganda and Rwanda expert, Craig Kaufman, is here to provide a short introductory overview of Rwanda vs Uganda. He's been lucky enough to have ventured back to East Africa every year, exploring almost every national park and reserve there is to experience in the two countries.
Rwanda
"Rwanda is known for its gorillas, but there's SO much more to the country than its world-famous primate tracking opportunities! When planning your trip, I advise you to think about all of the other activities you can do, including seeing more primate species and rare birdlife.
East Africa Travel Specialist, Craig Kaufman, in the field, 2024.
"I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking on Lake Kivu, tried mountain biking and loved slipping gently downstream in a canoe while admiring stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. Top it all off with a scenic sundowner and you've got yourself a fantastic active travel experience!"
Uganda
"For Uganda, I like to take my clients beneath the surface of the country. I'm keen to let visitors learn about both the issues surrounding the wildlife they come to see, and how local communities and park authorities work together towards creating a sustainable future.
"Give me a call to find out how you could meet reformed poachers now working in anti-poaching units; or, where you can learn from park authorities about how they go about protecting the big predators from local communities when the wildlife threatens livestock."
Uganda vs Rwanda for Spectacular Natural Beauty
One of the standout features of both Uganda and Rwanda is the diverse landscapes you'll come across.
There's everything from savannahs to lakes and rainforests scattered all around the two countries. To protect their rich biodiversity, Uganda has a network of ten national parks and, in Rwanda, there are four.
Uganda: "The Pearl of Africa"
Referred to as "The Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill, Uganda is well worthy of its moniker thanks to its impressive natural beauty and plentiful wildlife. You can explore dense, tropical rainforests teeming with flora and fauna in addition to visiting mountains, savannahs, hot springs and lakes.
For example, three of the seven 'Great Lakes of Africa' are partly located in Uganda – Lake Victoria, Lake Albert and Lake Edward – with Lake Kyoga part of the Great Lakes system but not itself a 'great lake'. During boat trips, you can spot reptiles including massive Nile crocodiles and iconic birds such as the prehistoric-looking shoebill, residing on Lake Albert.
Rwanda: "The Land of a Thousand Hills"
Nicknamed "The Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is a country whose landscape is – as the title suggests – composed of interlocking and rolling green hills. Additionally, there are some pretty inland beaches around Lake Kivu and extensive montane rainforests in Nyungwe.
Partly located here is the Virunga volcano chain – where Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda meet. In Rwanda are eight of the mountains, including Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Sabyinyo. Various primate species, as well as many Albertine endemic birds and butterfly species live here. The climate is predominantly cool and misty, and nights can be very cold.
Uganda vs Rwanda for Wildlife Experiences
Beyond gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, Uganda and Rwanda offer a variety of wildlife-related experiences.
The savannah parks of Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley (Uganda) and Akagera (Rwanda) each offer plenty for ecotourists to enjoy, with Murchison being bisected by the Nile River and Akagera featuring an extensive lake system.
Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
In Uganda, one of our favourite protected areas is Murchison Falls National Park, where Craig worked at one point while living in Uganda. You have the Falls themselves, a hallmark image of this wonderful area's varied landscapes in the different habitats. There are grasslands dotted with Borassus palms and dense riverine woodlands as well as papyrus wetlands by the Nile Delta.
In mahogany forests such as Rabongo Forest, wild chimps thrive (though those are not habituated*). It goes without saying that wildlife viewing and birding at Murchison Falls is just phenomenal – if you're planning on visiting, you're certain to see an abundance of ungulates, especially along the river. There are also big cats, which prey on them. Their predators – African lion, African leopard and spotted hyenas – are also present.
*To experience a habituated chimpanzee tracking excursion, your best bet is Kibale Forest National Park.
Akagera National Park (Rwanda)
"Rwanda's Akagera National Park is an inspirational experience," says Craig. "I think it's one of the best locations in East Africa where you have an incredible opportunity to learn about park management.
"African Parks has been conducting really impressive work here, not least with when it comes to the high-profile relocation programmes of certain large mammal species – such as black and white rhinos and African lions. Visitors are able to go behind the scenes with local rangers and check out the control room. You'll even get to know the dog training unit and learn about park maintenance and how it's become self-sufficient."
Other Wildlife Experiences Beyond Gorilla Tracking
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer many wildlife experiences, from primate watching to first class birding and guided nature walks.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), tracking habituated golden monkeys is offered. They're active primates, ever in search of bamboo shoots, ripe fruit and invertebrates.
Birding is spectacular in places such as Rwanda's Nyungwe National Park and Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The international birding community visit these sites to seek many of the 41 Albertine Rift Endemics (ARE). The rare dusky crimsonwing, highly localised African green broadbill and a cluster of colourful sunbirds are but a few of those you have the chance to observe. Kidepo Valley National Park in far northern Uganda is also notable for some dry country specials including Clapperton’s spurfowl and the sought-after Karamoja apalis.
Further Reading: African Primates: A Comprehensive Roundup of Our Top Primate Experiences
Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda vs Uganda: Which One Should You Choose?
Which is the best experience when comparing gorilla tracking in Rwanda vs Uganda?
Mountain gorillas are confined to montane rainforest habitat, which is protected in the Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
First-time visitors to Rwanda head for the Volcanoes National Park to seek out one of the resident, habituated mountain gorilla groups, which may be in bamboo habitat or in closed forest. Experienced trackers lead you into the forested slopes to seek one of the bands of mountain gorilla.
In Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, keen wildlife enthusiasts may also see other forest wildlife such as L'Hoest's monkeys, black-fronted duiker and various forest squirrels. There are wonderful resident and range-restricted birds such as the colourful Rwenzori 'painted' turaco, which can be found bouncing through the trees.
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs around US$1,500 per person for a one-hour visit. To help you see the gentle giants here, we've devised a brief but intense experience which makes a great add-on to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Our five-day Rwanda Gorilla Express experience starts from £6,750 per person.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
In southwest Uganda, resting on the edge of Rift Valley sits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Dense mist-covered rainforest clads the volcanic hills, offering a safe home for mountain gorillas; chimpanzees (the chimps there are are unhabituated); black-and-white colobus, L’Hoeste’s and blue monkeys. After a briefing from the head ranger on what to expect, you'll be guided into the forested slopes to search for the mountain gorillas.
The global mountain gorilla population is today estimated at some 1,063 individuals – those endangered primates living in Rwanda and Uganda are carefully protected as they form the backbone of a well-developed and very successful tourism industry. In each park, time taken to reach the gorilla family you’re assigned to locate may be as quick as 45 minutes – or it might take a few hours.
While a gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person in Rwanda for one hour, it costs US$800 in Uganda. For US$700 more (US$1,500 in total), in Bwindi, Uganda, you can spend four hours on a gorilla habituation experience with resident conservationists instead. Therefore, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest does offer better value.
Our five-day Gorilla Express Uganda experience starts from £4,710 per person. This makes for an excellent add-on to any Eastern African safari or to a beach extension in Zanzibar or the Kenyan Coast.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
An alternative or addition to Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to one habituated family of mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorilla family parties are led by dominant alpha silverbacks, who direct troop activities such as nesting and feeding.
Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorillas: Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
"Conservation is vital to the protection and continued survival of habituated mountain gorilla groups," says Craig. "When it comes to Uganda vs Rwanda for gorillas and conservation, there are many initiatives in place that serve to protect those remaining in the mountainous forests of the two countries.
"For example, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) is a coalition of international conservation organisations joining forces with national and local partners to ensure the long-term survival of the endangered animals. As well as engaging and educating resident communities on human-wildlife conflict, IGCP also carries out important conservation science as evidence of their actions.
"Your visit makes a valuable contribution towards the continued existence of these wonderful creatures. Responsible tourism helps create jobs for resident community members, improving the quality of life for local people while also leading to infrastructure development and opportunities for business growth. Your support does make a difference and ensures that others get to enjoy this magical experience.
"It's also worth knowing that many porters are reformed poachers, so utilising their services makes an excellent contribution to the conservation of the gorillas and other wildlife in the national parks," comments Craig.
Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla Tracking: Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit
1. Responsible Primate Tourism Tips
Take care to follow the rules set out in the briefing at the beginning of your gorilla tracking experience.
You'll be instructed on gorilla tracking etiquette, such as crouching down slowly and not looking the gorillas directly in their eyes when they're nervous or agitated. These guidelines are structured with the well-being of gorillas and tourists taken into consideration. Flash photography is prohibited and a minimum distance of seven metres should be kept at all times.
2. What to Pack and Prepare For
Lightweight long trousers and thin layers help as the mornings tend to be cool and crisp. Additionally, bring a long sleeve top and gaiters to protect yourself from biting or stinging insects during the hike.
Wear well-worn hiking boots with a firm grip and ankle support. The terrain is muddy and can be slippery, so being able to keep traction throughout ensures your safety.
A waterproof jacket is also necessary, as inclement weather is quite common. Pack a pair of thick gardening gloves to protect your hands from stinging nettles.
Take a dry bag for your camera lenses and video camera. Remember a water bottle and take some cash for tips.
3. Best Seasons for Gorilla Tracking
The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla tracking is the dry season, which is either between December—March or June—September. Rain falls around 330 days of the year in places such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but less so during the dry season when the conditions make navigation easier.
Also, you get a much better chance of observing the diverse wildlife residing in the area.
Further Reading: 9 Tips for Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda vs Rwanda: Accessibility, Infrastructure and Travel Costs
Accessibility: How to Get Around
Craig took this photo of rangers during one of his trips to Uganda.
Most airlines enter Uganda through Entebbe International Airport. From here, a two-hour light aircraft flight is required to connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park before a 90-minute four-wheel-drive road transfer.
The nearest airport to Volcanoes National Park is Kigali International Airport – around a two-hour drive.
Infrastructure: Road Conditions & Transportation
The main roads in Uganda and Rwanda are in relatively good condition. Our clients are always taken care of by a dedicated, professional and highly experienced driver-guide. We don't recommend self-drive in either country.
Travelling in Uganda and Rwanda is both done via four-wheel drive safari vehicles, some of which have flexible pop tops which allow you to stand up and get a better few of the incredible scenery around you.
Travel Costs: Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost US$800 for a one-hour experience, or US$1,500 for a four-hour experience. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost US$1,500 for a one-hour experience.
Tipping is discretionary, depending on your level of satisfaction for services provided. During gorilla tracking park personnel involved are guides, rangers, trackers and porters. The recommended tip for guides, for example, is US$25 per day per couple.
After your gorilla tracking briefing at the park HQ, you'll be introduced to porters. For a small fee (currently US$20), they'll carry your day pack and jacket/surplus clothing during the gorilla tracking.
Refer to our Uganda travel guide for more guidelines on tipping.
How to Visit Uganda and Rwanda with Rainbow
Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife and Conservation Tour is one of our most comprehensive annual set departures that starts in Rwanda and ends in Uganda.
Apart from taking in an array of unforgettable wildlife sightings, the tour allows you to delve deeper into the relationship between the wildlife, the park authorities and the permanently resident communities. Spend time tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda and/or Rwanda.
During this very special tour, you can learn about mountain gorilla and wildlife conservation through the eyes of the local park rangers, guides, wardens and specialists during talks, presentations and discussions with the Gorilla Doctors/Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project; the Lion Monitoring/Uganda Carnivore Predator Programme and the Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) organisation.
Additionally, enjoy authentic cultural experiences with the Batwa in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and at the Ndere Centre in Kampala.
This costs £10,945 per person for 16 nights. Speak with Craig to find out more about the details of the small group tour and how to book it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
