Following the 5th May 2017 implementation made by Rwanda Government through the Rwanda Development Board – a body responsible for the country Tourism. Rwanda increased Gorilla permit from US$ 750 to US$ 1500 per permit. Uganda became the best alternative for budget gorilla treks and the Uganda Wildlife Authority has sold more gorilla permits this year than any other destination! Uganda hosts mountain gorillas in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. all tourists who were looking to gorilla trekking in Rwanda diverted their plans to Uganda as a cheaper destination. Remember Uganda’s Gorilla Permits cost US$ 600 per permit quite a cheap option if compared with Rwanda’s USD1500. It should be noted that Rwanda and Uganda are found in East Africa and bordering each other and a drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes just 6 hours.
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 boarders for visitors to reach Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks to trek Gorillas is an indicative that Rwanda has fully supported Uganda 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 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 and Mgahinga national parks 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.