Depending on the visitors’ preferences, either Uganda or Rwanda is are good destination to encounter gorillas in 2025. Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural environment is known as gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is a rare tourist activity limited to only Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is because these three countries are the remaining gorilla destinations in the world. Mountain gorillas are listed as one of the endangered primate species in the world. Thus, encountering them as they go about their chores is quite an experience. Gorilla trekking involves hiking the tough and uneven terrain, searching for the endangered mountain gorillas, are spending an hour in their presence.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda is the leading gorilla trekking destination in the world, given that it harbors the most mountain gorillas in the world. Over 1,062 mountain gorillas roam the wild today, and Uganda takes the lion’s share of this number, with over 559 mountain gorillas, equating to more than half of the world population. Uganda has two gorilla destinations, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern region of the country, stands as the best and biggest gorilla destination in the country. It was established as a national park from a forest reserve in 1991, a few years after the discovery of mountain gorillas. Bwindi hosts approximately 459 mountain gorillas. These primates are scattered in the four gorilla sectors of Bwindi, which include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has approximately 50 gorilla families, among which 26 are habituated and available for trekking.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second gorilla destination in Uganda. Stretching for over 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts over 100 mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated gorilla family in the park, which visitors can explore on a trekking experience. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991 in Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, the only gorilla destination in the country. Volcanoes National Park has over 300 mountain gorillas scattered across its 160 square kilometers. Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa, after it was gazetted in 1925. Gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park. With over 10 habituated gorilla families, visitors are guaranteed to encounter these mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park was introduced to the park by the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey.

Comparing gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

In order to answer the question of which gorilla destination is the best between Uganda and Rwanda, we need to compare these two gorilla destinations. The following are some of these comparisons.

Number of mountain gorillas

Comparing Uganda and Rwanda in terms of the gorilla population, Uganda takes the lead with the most mountain gorillas. Uganda hosts over 559, with Rwanda only harboring about 300, and since the many the mountain gorillas, the more chances of spotting them, Uganda is better than Rwanda on this account.

Nature of terrain

The nature of the terrain is also a huge factor in determining which gorilla destination between Uganda and Rwanda is better. The more challenging the terrain is, the more difficult it proves to be difficult to encounter the mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park though it hosts over 8 volcanic mountains of the Virunga massif, has a relatively navigable terrain. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a challenging terrain, which is very steep with flowing streams that make the terrain slippery and hard to maneuver. Therefore, Rwanda has better terrain that aids gorilla trekking experiences compared to Uganda.

Gorilla trekking experience

The gorilla trekking experience is in accordance with the nature of the terrain. For a gorilla trekking experience to be seamless and successful, the terrain can play a vital role. The gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is less challenging and demanding compared to that of Uganda, which is very challenging because of the terrain, but also adventurous.

Number of gorilla families

Gorilla trekking targets habituated gorilla families, and the more the families, the higher the chances of spotting and encountering these mountain gorillas. Uganda, in this position, comes in handy with the largest number of gorilla families. Uganda has over 51 gorilla families, and over 26 families are habituated and available for trekking. Rwanda, on the other hand, has over 13 families with just 10 habituated gorilla families and up for trekking.

In conclusion, both Rwanda and Uganda are incredible gorilla destinations that offer unmatched gorilla trekking experiences. Visitors, depending on their personal preferences, can choose which gorilla destination offers a better experience of spotting the endangered mountain gorillas between Uganda and Rwanda.