Comparison
Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Both protect mountain gorillas in the Virunga and Bwindi forests. Rwanda is faster and more polished; Uganda is cheaper and adds chimps and classic savanna parks.
Rwanda
- Short trips: the park is about 2.5 hours from Kigali
- Smooth logistics and short transfers
- Combining with Nyungwe chimps or Akagera
Uganda
- Lower permit price
- Longer trips with chimps in Kibale and big game in Queen Elizabeth
- Gorilla habituation experiences
Side by side
| Rwanda | Uganda | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Volcanoes National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga |
| Getting there | Kigali (KGL), then about 2.5 hours by road | Entebbe (EBB), then a long drive or a domestic flight |
| Terrain | Bamboo and volcanic slopes | Steep, dense rainforest |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec | Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec |
| Visa, Lithuanian | Visa on arrival (US$50) | eVisa (US$50) |
| Visa, British | Visa-free | eVisa (US$50) |
| Visa, American | Visa on arrival (US$50) | eVisa (US$50) |
| Headline fee | Gorilla trekking permit, Volcanoes National Park: US$1,500 per person, one trek | Gorilla trekking permit, treks in 2026: US$800 per person, one trek |
| Yellow fever | Only if arriving from a risk country | Required for all |
| Main airports | KGL | EBB |
Our take
Rwanda. Choose Rwanda if time matters more than money, or for a short add-on to a Kenya or Tanzania safari.
Uganda. Choose Uganda if you want to spend less on the permit and have a week or more.
Combine them. The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya on one visa, so a combined trip is simple.
Health
Rwanda: Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Uganda: Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Entry rules for your passport
Frequently asked questions
Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Choose Rwanda if time matters more than money, or for a short add-on to a Kenya or Tanzania safari. Choose Uganda if you want to spend less on the permit and have a week or more.
When is the best time to visit Rwanda and Uganda?
Rwanda: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec. Uganda: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya on one visa, so a combined trip is simple.
Planning a safari in Rwanda or Uganda?
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