Uganda Safaris and tours-Uganda gorilla trekking safaris The mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park…
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Which country is best(Uganda / Rwanda)?
We can rather certainly pick which one is finest/prominent, but we can relate the two and let you decide which one will be best for you. There are various factors that you need to put into consideration as you decide the perfect Gorilla Trekking Terminus for you. And these are as below.
Price Comparison.
Both countries (Uganda & Rwanda) entails you to have/acquire/procure a Gorilla permit prior your gorilla trekking activity. As for Uganda, Gorilla permits cost $600 each per person, per trek, whereas for Rwanda costs $1500 each per person per trek. Therefore round rating of a 3 Day gorilla tour in Uganda is almost the same as the rating of a 3 Day gorilla tour in Rwanda. The difference is that there are various activities to add to your tour in Uganda
Time and Travel
The main entrance point into Uganda is through Entebbe International Airport and this leads to a 9-10 hr drive from Entebbe International Airport by road to Bwindi Impenetrable forest and still to one amongst the 4 starting points for gorilla trekking activity in the dense Rain forest. You can also take on a flight to Bwindi Impenetrable forest but at an added charge of course, then you will either have access to Rusahga section, Nkuringo located in the north of the Bwindi impenetrable forest, Buhoma section & Ruhija section situated in the south of the National Park. If you decide to transfer by road, however, you will need 3 Days for gorilla trekking. The worthy thing is you can supplement several more things to do on your safari like chimpanzee trekking, Game viewing, a Canoe trip /relish some cultural tourism. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is approximately 3-4 hr drive from the airport in Kigali. A 2 Day trip is ultimate in Rwanda. You can tour one Wildlife park possibly Akagera National park and go chimpanzee Trekking supplementing to the gorilla trekking, or discover Kigali and tour the memorial center.The trekking encounter –Gorilla trekking in Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable forest seems to require more physical fitness and Vigor. The forest is very dense and takes more physical exertion to trek the gorillas through it. Trekking these gentle giants is just as exciting as or even more exhilarating than finally spotting the mountain gorillas near. In Rwanda on the other hand, gorilla trekking is done on the part of a volcano, and this activity-trekking is a bit easier. On a Rwanda gorilla trek, you are allocated a group based on your physical capabilities.
Viewing and photography
Bwindi impenetrable forest is relatively dark for if you want to take photos, but whether you get good photos bases on several factors like the family you are trekking, and the position. But it is very likely to take good photos of these gentle giants (gorillas) within the impenetrable National forest, many have done it before. In Rwanda, you will be ascending up the side of the Volcano, trekking via the vegetation might be a little interesting but you will still get a clear spot of the mountain gorillas and some photos as well. So whether its Rwanda/ Uganda, you will view these mountain gorillas just good, and will be able to take good photos.
Lodging
Tour lodging in both countries (Uganda vs Rwanda) is quite well. In fact, it is very adequate. In Uganda there are various lodges and camp sites situated close to Bwindi Impenetrable National forest and in the close by towns, several of them oversee the forest. There is something for everyone, luxury/deluxe, budget/cheap and mid-range lodges, so you can decide one according to your financial plan and fondness (Bwindi Gorilla Safari Lodges). For the most part, accommodation in Rwanda is found mainly in town.
Mountain gorilla population
Which country has more mountain gorillas?
The mountain gorilla inhabitants in the African wild totals to about 880. Some of these are found in DRC, some reside in Rwanda and others in Uganda. 1/3 of the 880 gorilla leave in Rwanda, and 480 of them, which is more than half reside in Uganda of which 400 in Bwindi impenetrable forest and 80 of them in Mgahinga gorilla National park. There are 10 groups of Habituated Gorillas existing in Rwanda, one in Mgahinga gorilla national park and 11 groups staying in Bwindi impenetrable forest. Habituated gorillas are gorillas that have adapted to human presence.
What other activities that can be done to supplement on gorilla trekking in either countries.
Each country has gotten a lot to present than the gorilla trekking experience.
In Rwanda you can do Chimpanzee tracking, or Golden monkey tracking. You can also embark on the Nyungwe forest canopy walk, tour Akagera National park, or hike the Congo trail in addition to the activity (Gorilla Trekking). In Uganda, there is a host of things to do still like Chimpanzee tracking, tour some of the game parks like Queen Elizabeth national park and embark on a Game drive/ bird watching, spot some tree climbing lions, go white water rafting on the Nile, relish some mountain climbing & abit of cultural tourism.
However, both countries are places rich with trekkers/tourists spots and activities. So you can embark on your gorilla safari in whichever one feels right, safe and more exploratory for you. We Monumental expeditions can plan a safari/tour/ trip for you to either countries and do our best to make sure it is fun and unforgettable.