Some time back, Rwanda increased the prices of gorilla permits from $750 to $1500. Uganda has kept its gorilla trekking permits at $600. After a year, Uganda is fast turning into the most popular destination to visit the mountain gorillas.

“Rwanda used to be the most well-known destination for gorillas because of the shorter travel time from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park the home to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda,” says Paul Basudde a travel operator and the owner of African Jungle Adventures Ltd one of the well-known tour company in the region. “In any case, since Rwanda has decided to concentrate on the exclusive luxury market, tourists have begun to search for different alternatives.”

The main option is to fly into Kigali, Rwanda and then drive 4 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, including around 1.5hours from the gorilla area in Rwanda. This safari can be done in at least 2 days, but sometimes it becomes 3 days with the timing of the international flights. This Gorilla trekking safari can be included with additional days and tourists will need 2 visas for Uganda and Rwanda.

The second alternative is to fly into Entebbe, Uganda and then fly to Bwindi areas. Flights are to either Kihihi or Kisoro depending on the availability of gorilla permits. There several accommodation alternatives near and within Bwindi Forest from budget to luxury. This safari can be done for 3 – 4 days.

The third alternative is to make Uganda your main safari destination and include activities like the safari game drives to see the Big 5, and Murchison Falls on the Nile River and other national parks, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, bird watching and others. This safari takes around 12 days in total.

Ms. Paul clarifies, “This ‘Uganda Adventure Safari’ route enables you to visit Uganda’s Albertine Rift and visit its most important wildlife areas including Murchison Falls, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks. It incorporates a lot of wildlife, chimpanzee, birds, and gorilla watching. Uganda is safe and friendly, so this is extremely a stunning safari!”