I have only two weeks and am trying to choose between Rwanda and Uganda. I have traveled extensively (and don't like the limited timelines but what can you do) including safari in the savanas of southern africa. My primary goal for the trip is to see gorillas and chimps (since I never have). I am very comfortable, and prefer, independnet travel when possible.
With that in mind, for a limtied two week trip, which of the two countries would you reccomend and why?
I would definitely prefer to see the gorillas in Rwanda. The setting and the visibility is from what I have heard better in Rwanda but other travellers will have to correct me on this. I hear it is easier to get permits in Rwanda but having just returned from Uganda, I can confirm that you can get day to day tickets for the Nkuringo and the Rujina sector of Bwindi NP.
As for the chimps. I never attempted to track them in Rwanda but you can do it Nyungwe forest but I think you have to be self sufficient. In Uganda I had friends attempting it in Kyumbura gorge which was a big disappointment but the gorge is beautiful. If you do attempt it here then remember that you have only booked a spot if you go through the office in Kampala. Booking anywhere else will only get you on the waiting list which for the most part is good enough. I myself have tracked them in Kaniyo Pabidi and in Kasonguire around Masindi which is cheaper but a long way from the gorillas but it was amazing. With two weeks I would consider flying into Rwanda for gorilla tracking then moving overland to Uganda to see Lake Bunyoni and maybe Mgahinga NP. From there you could go through QE NP via the Ishasha sector for the tree climbing lions, which are also fantastic, then moving to Mweya and the crater lakes. Or else going from Rwanda overland all the way to Masindi at Murchinson NP for the chimps and of course the NP. That way you will have time for Sipi falls which is also spectacular.
So many possibilities and so little time. Enjoy these two amazing countries
For me, Uganda. Without any doubt. Far more to see (Murchison, QE, Sipi Falls, white-water rafting at Jinja... the buzz of Kampala... countless treks if you like that sort of thing... and of course, the stunning Lake Bunyoni to chill out). Uganda is also much cheaper.
Rwanda is interesting, but of course a much smaller country. It's expensive, and the likes of Lake Kivu cannot compare to the tranquil beauty of Bunyoni (for me, anyway). I saw the gorillas in Rwanda as a opposed to Uganda so can't compare - I loved it. However, I'm sure you'll have a great experience wherever you see the gorillas... yes, you get a very clear view of them on the Rwandan side, but I've heard that Bwindi is a magical setting (and Uganda limits the group to 6 people, whereas in Rwanda it is 8 - I'm sure this makes a difference).
i am in the same situation and am trying to decide betwee 10 day in uganda and rwanda - i am not really that interested in seeing the chimps - i think a safari in kenya will suffice so therefore from the above posts am I right in thinking that uganda will be the more interesting destination?>
Uganda definitely. Gorilla and chimp trekking is great and lots more to do as well. #1 above has, I think, got confused between Murchison falls and Sipi Falls as the latter is over near the Kenyan border. They are very different but both are worth seeing.
Thanks for perspectives. Seems to be consensus on Uganda. I'm still mixed - can anyoen compare chimp and prmiate tacking in Nyungwe to Kibale? The game in either countries savanah won't match what I ahve seen elsewhere so for me what makes this trip unique from others is the primates (though I have tracked Orangutan in the rain forests of Borneo) and I want to optimize to that.
I think I am now leaning towards a trip that starts in Rwanda, goes to Virunga for Gorrilas, possibly Bwindi, through Queen Elizabeth Park, to Kibale and then to Kampala to fly out - is that reasonable in two weeks?