Best reasons for Rwanda gorilla safari over Uganda
Tour Company: Dav Safaris
Website: www.davsafaris.com
Email: info@davsafaris.com
Tel: +256701412430 / +256757795781
A Rwanda gorilla safari offers shorter treks, luxury lodges, and easy access from Kigali, making it ideal for time-conscious travelers. With habituated gorilla groups and open terrain, a Rwanda gorilla safari ensures clearer, more intimate wildlife encounters. Though pricier than Uganda, Rwanda excels in organization, safety, and add-on experiences like golden monkey trekking and city tours.
Shorter and Easier Treks
A Rwanda gorilla safari offers shorter and less strenuous treks thanks to Volcanoes National Park’s gentler terrain. Gorilla families are often found at lower altitudes, making hikes typically last between 1 to 4 hours much easier compared to Uganda’s Bwindi, where treks can stretch up to 8 hours. This makes a Rwanda gorilla safari ideal for travelers seeking a more accessible and physically manageable primate experience without compromising on the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas.
More Accessible and Time-Efficient
One major advantage of a Rwanda gorilla safari is its proximity to Kigali International Airport just a 2 to 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. In contrast, Uganda’s Bwindi requires a 6 to 10-hour journey or costly charter flights. This makes a Rwanda gorilla safari perfect for short trips, even as brief as two days, allowing travelers to maximize their time without long, exhausting transfers across the country.
Higher Chance of Seeing Gorillas Up Close
Gorilla groups in Rwanda are more habituated to human presence, offering better and closer viewing opportunities. The open bamboo forests and meadow clearings in Volcanoes National Park enhance visibility, making a Rwanda gorilla safari more rewarding for photography and observation. These conditions ensure intimate encounters that are often clearer and more memorable than Uganda’s dense forest settings.
Luxury and High-End Accommodations
‘A Rwanda gorilla safari stands out for its luxury offerings, with lodges like Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Singita Kwitonda providing world-class comfort and service. Even Kigali boasts upscale hotels such as The Retreat and Kigali Serena. For travelers seeking indulgence and elegance, a Rwanda gorilla safari delivers a premium experience unmatched by most options available in Uganda.
Well-Organized and Less Crowded
Rwanda gorilla safari logistics are smoother and less crowded, thanks to excellent infrastructure and fewer overall trekkers. Although both Rwanda and Uganda limit gorilla groups to 8 visitors per day, Rwanda’s streamlined systems and smaller tourist volumes create a more private and well-managed experience. This makes a Rwanda gorilla safari feel more exclusive and relaxed from start to finish.
Combination with Other Rwanda Attractions
A Rwanda gorilla safari can easily be combined with other top attractions like Kigali city tours, golden monkey trekking, or a hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb. For added variety, Akagera National Park offers Big Five safaris just a few hours away. This flexibility makes a Rwanda gorilla safari ideal for travelers wanting a diverse itinerary without long transfers or complicated logistics.
Strong Conservation and Safety Record
Rwanda gorilla safari experiences benefit from the country’s strong commitment to conservation and community tourism. The government invests heavily in protecting gorillas and supporting local initiatives. Rwanda also boasts low crime rates and excellent security, making a Rwanda gorilla safari not only enriching but also safe and worry-free for international travelers.
When Uganda Might Be Better
While a Rwanda gorilla safari offers luxury and convenience, Uganda may be better for budget-conscious travelers. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 compared to Rwanda’s $1,500. Uganda also suits longer itineraries that combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale or wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. For those with more time and tighter budgets, Uganda presents a compelling alternative to a Rwanda gorilla safari.
Verdict Choose a Rwanda gorilla safari if you value shorter hikes, luxury lodges, and time efficiency. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a high-end, well-organized experience with easy access and diverse add-ons. Uganda is ideal for those planning extended multi-park adventures or traveling on a budget. Both offer unforgettable gorilla encounters, but a Rwanda gorilla safari excels in comfort and convenience.
Booking Rwanda gorilla safari with Dav safaris
Booking a Rwanda gorilla safari with Dav Safaris guarantees a seamless, luxury-filled adventure through Volcanoes National Park. Their expert-guided itineraries include gorilla trekking, cultural tours, and optional extensions to Akagera for Big Five safaris. With top-tier lodges, personalized service, and conservation-focused experiences, a Rwanda gorilla safari with Dav Safaris blends wildlife, heritage, and comfort into an unforgettable journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills. You can explore their 9-day Rwanda safari itinerary here