Rwanda or Uganda?

Hi everybody,

I will make a trip from June 28-August 14, staying about 4 weeks in Ethiopia, and afterwards I am not sure, whether to go for 2 weeks to Rwanda or Uganda.

Biggest wish is to see gorillas there, where's the better chance, Rwanda or Uganda?
Is Rwanda much more expensive, re. accommodation (dont want to spend too much for hotels, preferably budget category)?

I guess there might be some more posts about this topic on the thorntree, but I couldn't find any really satisfying answer to my questions, sorry.

Happy travels,
Rupert

Hey,

I can't comment on the gorillas but I would say the Rwanda is quite a bit more expensive than Uganda for accommodation and food, but saying that Uganda is really cheap! Having stayed in Kampala, Jinja, Murchison, Kabale and on Lake Victoria we were paying under $15 (approx) a night and getting really nice accommodation, whereas in Rwanda we stayed in a $30 a night hostel in Kigali which was a charity place so we didnt mind paying extra but it turned out to be one of the cheapest options anyway. In Gisenyi we stayed at a cheap(ish) mission hostel but it was basic and you definetly get more for your money in Uganda Even the cost of transport in Rwanda was significantly higher then Uganda so I would reccommend Uganda if you want to save a bit of cash.

Hope this is of some help!

Hi,

General opinion at this forum seems to be that Rwanda is better for gorilla tracking. Anyhow, only few people have seen the gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda, so that's for the comparison. I'm sure you won't be disappointed no matter which one you choose.

Rwanda is much more expensive than Uganda.

I disagree with great Escape. There are more gorillas in Bwindi uganda compared to Parc des national park in Rwanda. It depends on which group gorilla family you are trekking. Habinyanja and mubare groups in bohoma in bwindi are the best to trek, on Ugandan side

On accommodation, Thimpu seems to be on a tight budget. Budget accommodation in Rwanda is cheaper than that of Uganda, though much more expensive with luxury accommodation.

Still Uganda accommodation is much more better than that of Rwanda.

Otherwise in both Countries you will get to see the gorillas in large numbers

Note On rwanda side, the suza gorilla family is hectic to trek but much rewarding.

Is the couple of years old ”set price” for the mountain gorilla trekkings still valid, being about 500 US dollars for a trip? If I have about two weeks in Rwanda and/or Uganda is that enough time to arrange a gorilla trek or should I be much more in advance booking things? Not many people are allowed to the animals per day but I've also read that booking a permit won't take months...?

I'm the kind of person who loves mountains and walking in the woods (or in these cases rainforest) so if you have any good experiences in these fields let me know.

I am planning a visit to Rwanda and/or Uganda around late June and have a so called loose schedule so any kind of tips would be appreciated!

The gorilla permit still costs 500 USD. If you're around for two weeks and do have a loose schedule you're probably able to arrange the permit then. Summer should be high season though, so if you wanna play safe, arrange the permits in advance.

I just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that in January I booked my permit for the gorilla trek for August 4th. Basically, when I inquired about it there was only about 6 days left in August. I would book ahead as you don't want to be disappointed. After doing some research I am beginning to think that tour companies are buying up the permits and then increasing the costs so it is harder for the independent traveller.

Thank you for this info as well. What I might do is just go there and see if I can find any opportunities with my loose schedule and if don't then do it (the booking) in advance the next time as good (most?) countries always leave something for the next time.

Hello

I recently visited Rwanda, i contacted various tour companies and they were expensive my friend reccommended me to contact Le Bambou Gorilla lodge, they helped me secure a permit, provided me transportation to their lodge and they offered me good rates for room. US $ 100 for a single including meals and drinks, get in touch with them they will be of help to you so long as you book their accommodation, they got also camping facilities in their compound , visit their website, www.lebambougorillalodge.com