It should be noted that Rwanda and Uganda are found in East Africa and bordering each other. Following the 5th May 2017 implementation made by Rwanda Government through the Rwanda Development Board – a body responsible for the country Tourism. Rwanda increased its gorilla permits last year in May from US$ 750 to US$ 1500 per permit. Uganda got a clear pass for it to sell her gorillas to full capacity in the peak season. At the time of writing, there is no availability of gorilla permits in the peak months of July, August and September. Mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is blessed to host mountains in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park.
Rwanda increment of gorilla permits gave a clear pass to Uganda, a country that has invested less in its tourism if compared with Rwanda. Most tourists diverted to tracking Uganda gorillas given that it cheaper! For a whopping US$1500 Rwanda Gorilla Permit, you can book a fully inclusive gorilla safari! Gorilla permits in Uganda still cost US$ 600 per permit for the year 2018/2019.
Currently, Uganda is selling more Gorilla permits than Rwanda and the dominating safari is two days Gorilla safari. In the past, one day Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari was dominating before the increase of their Gorilla permit.
The opening of Rwanda borders to all visitors has made Rwanda, one of the best entry points to Uganda’s national parks in the Western Region. Visitors from Kigali can easily reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The journey takes just six hours and a good number of visitors have gone gorilla trekking in Uganda something that has fully supported Uganda’s gorilla tourism.
Kigali International Airport is a major entry point for the two days Uganda Gorilla safari visitors. Two days Gorilla trekking trip is among the Uganda’s shortest tours but possible when the trip start in Rwanda.
Uganda and Rwanda use one East African tourist visa to allow tourists visit two nations. For that case, Rwanda has directly and indirectly marketed Uganda Mountain Gorillas.
Rwanda offers direct flights from different destinations – RwandAir and Rwanda Airbus have transported visitors to enable them trek Uganda Gorillas.
Rwanda constructed good roads connecting to Uganda to facilitate Uganda tourism industry. Kigali – Katuna road is first class, Musanze – Kyanika boarder road is also in good condition to facilitate tourism in Uganda and Rwanda.
The good Hotels/ Lodges/ camps in Rwanda to accommodate international visitors. Kigali is the major pick and drop off points for Uganda Gorillas trekkers. Some visitors spend the nights in Kigali before and after Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks.
The hospitality of the people of Rwanda to accept and welcome visitors who come to trek Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
Rwanda has few gorilla groups to satisfy the high growing demand. The alternative is in Uganda where more than 12 gorilla groups are found.
It is a shorter distance from Kigali Airport compared to Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National parks. It’s approximately 4 hours and 8 hours respectively. For that note, Visitors find it convenient to use Kigali Airport into Rwanda and then drive to Uganda through Katuna boarders and back.
Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are found in south western Uganda near Uganda- Rwanda boarders. Clients can easily combine Rwanda safari with Uganda Gorilla trekking since the cost of Uganda gorilla permit still low compared to that of Rwanda. Clients can do other activities in Rwanda like boat cruises, Golden monkey trekking, Columbus monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, cultural tours and community walks among others.
Rwanda makes it easy to get East African tourist visa to facilitate tourism in East African countries including Uganda.