Uganda and Rwanda are among the East African countries which are endowed with mountain gorillas, a rare ape specie only native to only three countries in the world. These gentle giants can be found in the ancient tropical rain forests of the Virunga Region and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The mountain gorillas are the major primate species tracked in the two countries and the mountain gorilla permits (passes allowing travelers to hike in the forest) are sold at 750 in Uganda but lower in Uganda at US$ 600 each.
If you come to Africa, your safari will not complete without hiking in the jungles and encounter the gorillas in the two countries than tracking in one country due to the following reasons:
Uganda Mountain Gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Forest National Park –rain forest which is dark with tall trees, ever green, canopy and so on. The tree offers fresh breathing air which is unpolluted and the mountain gorillas in Rwanda are found in Bamboo forest – light. The difference in vegetation between the two destinations makes it inevitable for the visitor to meet gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
Different Physical location – Uganda’s mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest situated at the gentle slope while Rwanda gorillas are found high altitudes. Volcanoes National Park is situated in mountainous areas amidst Mountains: Karisimbi, Visoke, Mgahinga, Karisoke among others. Share experience of the two different locations.
Different Relief – amazing mountainous view in Rwanda suitable for memorable photographing and the hilly relief together with valleys in Uganda makes it better to visit the two places.
Uganda has more Gorillas than Rwanda – the two countries hosts gorillas of different characters, therefore, visitors are advised to explore Uganda and Rwanda’s Gorillas to experience the different characters exhibited among Gorillas.
The introduction of one East African visa simplifies travel from one country to another with out paying extra. Currently, the East African visa cost US$ 100 – this is a good deal to those looking to explore both Uganda and Rwanda. An East African visa also permits entry to Kenya, another rewarding destination for game viewing, big five safaris and beach holidays.
The Batwa experience adds value to Uganda’s gorilla trekking as the Banyarwanda culture in Rwanda. The two groups of people have amazing culture thus a must visit to supplement a gorilla safari in the two countries. Many travelers would like to visit the pygmoids tribes such as the Batwa, Bambuti and the easiest way to experience these past hunters and fruit gather tribes is to take a safari to Mgahinga or Bwindi.
The two Ugandan gorilla parks in Uganda and Rwanda offers different accommodation facilities – therefore, it is better to explore the three parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga forest and Volcanoes National Parks.
The journey to Volcanoes National Park is amazing as it takes you through the rolling hills of Rwanda which covers the biggest relief of Rwanda – Uganda Gorillas are found in gentle slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable forest.
Uganda has two gorilla parks (Mgahinga & Bwindi impenetrable forest national Parks) while Rwanda has one (Volcanoes National Park) – therefore, the exploration of three parks gives visitors maximum satisfaction of Gorilla encounter.
From Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Uganda), it is 4 hours drive but 2 hours drive to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). The short distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National park is not enough to explore lots of attraction found on the way thus better to supplement it with Uganda tours.
The location of Uganda and Rwanda facilitates the visiting of two countries –both countries are situated in East Africa and bordering each other.
Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park is close to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park – therefore, visitors can easily cross from Uganda to Rwanda for Gorilla trekking.
