Which country should I go to in order to see gorillas?
I understand that you can see gorillas in the wild in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. In planning a trip to Africa to see gorillas, why might I choose one country over another considering factors such as safety, price, conservation practices and likelihood of seeing gorillas?
Best Answer
I am Billy Ssali (freelance local Tour guide in Uganda). I would say that Rwanda has an added advantage over Uganda compared to the distance to be driven in the car, in Rwanda it takes 2 hours drive from Kanombe International Airport to get to Kinigi (Parc De National) while in Uganda it needs a minimum of 11 hours to drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi impenetrable forest depending on which gorilla family you want to visit. But Uganda has the large number of mountain gorillas so if your to consider that and the good medical facilities and good terrain, then you can give Uganda an thought. Roads are not always good though.
Can't advise you to go to Congo since their security is unreliable, anything can happen at any time! Not only that but even getting a Congo visa is not easy whether online or at any of their border checkpoint. Roads are impassable, visa goes up to $135 single entry for Congo, Rwanda visa fee was reduced to $30 (but you need to apply online in advance). Uganda visa fee is $50 single entry.
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Where is the best place to see gorillas?
The best places in the world to see gorillas are Rwanda, Uganda, DRC and Republic of Congo....4. Republic of Congo- When to visit: It's best to go during the dry seasons, from June to September or December to February. ...
- What you need to know: This is an amazing adventure for seasoned African travelers.
Which country is best for gorilla trekking?
These three national parks offer some of the best gorilla viewing opportunities.- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. ...
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda. ...
- Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo.
Which country has the most gorillas?
1. Rwanda. The Virunga Mountains spanning the borders of Uganda, DRC and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park are home to over 600 mountain gorillas.Is it better to see the gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?
Baas acknowledged that both Uganda and Rwanda offer great opportunities for gorilla trekking. However, she said that she personally favors Rwanda, as most of the terrain during the gorilla trekking is a little bit more open and therefore it is easier to get a good view.Which country has the most gorillas?
More answers regarding which country should I go to in order to see gorillas?
Answer 2
Mountain Gorillas, which are said to be man's closest relatives are living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Parc Nationale Des Volcans in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Eastern DR Congo. But Uganda has the biggest numbers and Rwanda is also good.
I advise you to visit:
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Answer 3
It's true; Uganda, Rwanda and DRC both have Mountain Gorillas, however safety in DRC is truly not reliable unlike in Uganda and Rwanda. So on the scoreboard of safety DRC scores least.
When it comes to price, a gorilla permit (a must have in both Uganda and Rwanda to see the mountain Gorillas) is $1500 and $600 in Rwanda and Uganda respectively. The Ugandan Gorilla permit is way cheaper than that of Rwanda. So on the scoreboard of price Uganda ranks best (eliminating DRC because of safety).
When it comes to facilities and service Uganda ranks equally as good as Rwanda.
So you would spend twice in Rwanda than in Uganda for the same experience and quality of service.
Answer 4
Now, in the year 2017, Uganda has the best value for the price. I did Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park in August 2017 for 600 USD per person. It was well organized with good rangers. The walk was unexpected easy and short, but depends on the place and the family you visit. It was possible to book the day before (with some luck).
Rwanda charges 1500 USD per person since this year. Way too much. Congo charges 400 USD afaik. But is much less safe and more complicated. This year, three rangers have been shot in the Virungas by rebels.
But: I wouldn't do it one more time, no matter where. It is to much money for just a few hours in the forrest and one hour with the Gorillas.
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