Silverback Gorilla in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda

For adventure seekers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling activities you can do on the planet. To this day it’s one of my favourite experiences I have ever done. While Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) also offer gorilla trekking, Uganda stands out as the best destination for those seeking an affordable, diverse, and adventure-packed trip. In this article I explain why Uganda should be at the top of your bucket list.

1. Two Unique Gorilla Trekking Experiences for the Price of One

One of Uganda’s biggest advantages over Rwanda is the cost combined with variety. Rwanda charges a hefty $1,500 for a single gorilla trekking permit, while Uganda’s permit costs only $700—less than half the price. Again, Uganda doesn’t just offer affordability; it also provides variety.

In Uganda, you can trek gorillas in two distinct locations:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas (!), Bwindi offers a challenging yet rewarding trek through dense jungle. The steep terrain, lushy vegetation, and unpredictable gorilla movements make every trekking an exciting adventure.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Unlike Bwindi, Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga Mountains ecosystem and offers a different trekking experience. The terrain here is more open, providing breathtaking views of volcanic peaks and a chance to see golden monkeys along with gorillas.

By visiting both Bwindi and Mgahinga, you get two unique trekking styles for the price of just one permit in Rwanda. Awesome isn’t it?! See more in the below video!

2. The Ultimate Primates Adventure: Combine Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda

Unlike Rwanda, which primarily offers gorilla trekking, Uganda allows you to extend your adventure by tracking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. This experience lets you observe the social behavior, intelligence, and playful antics of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It’s where the famous Netflix series the Chimp Empire was shot.

In just one trip, you can witness the powerful presence of mountain gorillas and the energetic dynamism of chimps, making Uganda the best choice for primate lovers.

3. Add a Safari Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Unique tree climbing lion in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Another advantage Uganda has over Rwanda is the ability to combine gorilla trekking with a classic African safari. Queen Elizabeth National Park, located between Bwindi and Kibale, offers incredible wildlife viewing, including:

Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
Large elephant herds
Hippos and crocodiles along the Kazinga Channel
Leopards, buffalo, and an abundance of birdlife

Instead of just doing gorilla trekking and leaving, Uganda lets you experience the best of both worlds—primates and safari wildlife—all within the same trip.

Tip: do not miss a boat trip on Lake Edward, that brings most African animals to one location, especially during the dry season.

4. A More Immersive and Less Commercialized Experience Than Rwanda

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking, while well-organized, has become highly commercialized, with a strong focus on luxury tourism. Uganda, on the other hand, offers a more authentic and rugged trekking experience. The trails in Bwindi and Mgahinga are wilder, the landscape is more varied, and the experience feels more like a true jungle expedition rather than a curated luxury tour.

Additionally, Uganda’s trekking groups are smaller and less crowded compared to Rwanda’s, allowing for a more intimate encounter with the gorillas.

Hiking in the lushy rainforest in the Virunga National Park

5. Safer and More Accessible Than the Congo

While the DRC offers cheaper gorilla trekking permits and the most rural experience, safety is a major concern. Ongoing conflicts and instability in Virunga National Park have led to periodic closures and security risks. Uganda, on the other hand, is one of Africa’s safest destinations around the well-maintained national parks with experienced guides, and reliable security measures in place. I recommend to avoid big cities, where you need to be careful as conflicts and attacks can happen to tourists.

While Rwanda is the safest, Uganda provides a good mix between safety and authentic experience. Here is how you can combine the two countries:

Conclusion: Uganda is the Best Choice for Adventure Seekers

If you’re looking for the ultimate mountain gorilla trekking experience, Uganda is the perfect destination.

✅ Two unique gorilla trekking locations (Bwindi & Mgahinga) for the price of one in Rwanda
✅ The opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with chimp tracking in Kibale
✅ Classic safari experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park
✅ A more immersive, less commercialized trekking experience
✅ A safer and more stable environment compared to the DRC

Uganda offers the best value, variety, and adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. If you’re planning a gorilla trekking trip, Uganda should be at the top of your list!

Where I booked my trip: https://www.go2africa.com/african-travel-blog/where-to-go-in-africa-to-see-gorillas

Why Uganda Is the Best Destination for Mountain Gorilla Trekking