Uganda vs Rwanda: Best Safari for Gorillas & Wildlife?

Uganda vs. Rwanda: Which African Country is Best for Wildlife & Primate Safaris?

Both Uganda and Rwanda are world-renowned for their primate encounters (especially mountain gorillas and chimpanzees) and diverse wildlife safaris. However, they offer different experiences in terms of cost, accessibility, and safari variety.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which destination suits your travel style.

Primate Safaris: Gorillas & Chimpanzees
Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Feature	Uganda	Rwanda
Where?	Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga NP	Volcanoes National Park
Permit Cost	800∗∗(foreigners),∗∗800∗∗(foreigners),∗∗700 (residents)	$1,500 (all visitors)
Trek Difficulty	Moderate to challenging (dense forest, steep terrain)	Moderate (shorter hikes, well-maintained trails)
Best Time	June–Sept & Dec–Feb (dry season)	June–Sept & Dec–Feb
Unique Perk	More gorilla families (20+), lower cost	Luxury lodges, easier access from Kigali

✔ Uganda is better for budget travelers (cheaper permits, more gorilla groups).
✔ Rwanda is better for luxury seekers (high-end lodges, shorter travel time).

Chimpanzee Trekking

Feature	Uganda	Rwanda
Where?	Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo	Nyungwe Forest
Permit Cost	$200 (Kibale)	$100 (Nyungwe)
Experience	Highest chimp density (Kibale has 95% sighting rate)	Canopy walks in Nyungwe (unique rainforest experience)

✔ Uganda wins for chimpanzees (Kibale Forest is the best place in Africa to see them).
✔ Rwanda offers a rainforest canopy walk (Nyungwe is stunning but chimps are harder to spot).

Big Five & Wildlife Safaris
Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino)

Feature	Uganda	Rwanda
Best Parks	Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP	Akagera National Park
Rhino Sightings?	Yes (Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)	Yes (reintroduced in Akagera)
Special Wildlife	Tree-climbing lions (Ishaasha), Nile River boat safaris	Rare sitatunga antelope, lake-dwelling wildlife

✔ Uganda has more diverse wildlife parks (Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls are exceptional).
✔ Rwanda’s Akagera is smaller but great for a quick safari (fewer tourists).

Boat Safaris & Scenic Landscapes

Feature	Uganda	Rwanda
Boat Safaris	Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth), Nile River (Murchison)	Lake Ihema (Akagera)
Scenic Beauty	Lake Bunyonyi, Rwenzori Mountains	Lake Kivu, “Land of a Thousand Hills”

✔ Uganda offers better boat safaris (hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking).
✔ Rwanda has stunning rolling hills & lakeside relaxation (Lake Kivu is serene).

Accessibility & Travel Logistics

Feature	Uganda	Rwanda
Main Airport	Entebbe (EBB)	Kigali (KGL)
Travel Time to Parks	8–10 hrs to Bwindi (longer but scenic)	2–3 hrs to Volcanoes NP (easier access)
Road Conditions	Some rough roads (4×4 needed)	Well-paved highways
Visa Fees	$50 (single-entry)	$50 (single-entry)

✔ Rwanda is more convenient (closer to parks, better roads).
✔ Uganda is more adventurous (longer drives but more varied landscapes).

Cost Comparison

Expense	Uganda	Rwanda
Gorilla Permit	$800	$1,500
Mid-Range Lodge (per night)	150–150–400	300–300–800
Budget Safari (3-day trip)	1,200–1,200–2,500	2,500–2,500–5,000
Luxury Safari (5-day trip)	3,000–3,000–7,000	5,000–5,000–12,000

✔ Uganda is far more budget-friendly (cheaper permits, lodges, and tours).
✔ Rwanda is pricier but more luxurious (high-end lodges like Bisate Lodge).

Cultural Experiences

Feature	Uganda	Rwanda
Tribal Encounters	Batwa Pygmies (Bwindi), Karamojong culture	Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (near Volcanoes NP)
City Experiences	Kampala (lively markets, nightlife)	Kigali (clean, modern, genocide memorial)

✔ Uganda offers more cultural diversity (many tribes & traditions).
✔ Rwanda has a poignant history (Kigali Genocide Memorial is a must-visit).

Final Verdict: Uganda or Rwanda?

Choose Uganda if you want:

✅ Affordable gorilla permits (800vs.800vs.1,500).
✅ More wildlife variety (chimps, Big Five, boat safaris).
✅ A mix of adventure & budget travel.

Choose Rwanda if you want:

✅ Luxury gorilla trekking (high-end lodges, quick access).
✅ A shorter, more convenient trip (2-hour drive to gorillas).
✅ A cleaner, more organized tourism experience.

Best for Primate Lovers?