Mountain gorilla trekking versus mountain hiking: Uganda and Rwanda are renowned for offering their visitors incredible and rewarding experiences with mountain gorillas, alongside unparalleled mountain hiking adventures. Absolutely. Visitors to the two countries are drawn to either observe the gorillas in their natural environment or to embark on a hike in the mountainous regions.
In southwestern Uganda, mountain gorillas can be found in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, while Rwanda is home to gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Uganda’s mountains that are commonly hiked include the majestic Rwenzori, Mt. Elgon, and the stunning Virunga massif, which features Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhavura.
Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, features the stunning Mountains Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhavura, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to visit Uganda or Rwanda, you can expect to enjoy both mountain gorilla trekking and hiking experiences.
But which is better?
Initially, it’s important to note that both activities include a degree of climbing, with one requiring more effort than the other; this may be the primary distinction between them.
Nevertheless, as the saying suggests, beauty is subjective, and what is considered the best ultimately depends on the individual experiencing the tour or safari. To provide you with a clearer understanding of each trip, here is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect on either tour.
Mountain gorilla trekking
During a mountain gorilla trekking experience, you have the opportunity to enter one of the most stunning tropical mountainous forests, where you can observe the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The gorillas inhabit high-altitude regions, typically found in mountainous forests. This experience involves trekking through mountainous terrains for approximately 3 to 6 hours, depending on your pace, until you encounter the gorillas.
Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend an hour in their presence before exiting the forest.
In this experience, you will embark on a nature adventure in the forest, discovering tree species you have never encountered before, along with various forest creatures, birds, butterflies, and more.
You will also encounter the renowned mountain gorillas up close and personal.
All of this can be accomplished in a single day; in fact, in Rwanda, it may even take just half a day if the terrains are favorable.
In summary, mountain gorilla trekking offers a unique opportunity to connect with the apes and the surrounding nature.
Mountain hiking
This time, the objective is not to encounter gorillas, even though it includes climbing a mountain. The objective is to ascend to the summit of the mountain.
The experience of hiking in the mountains. It requires more time than gorilla trekking, potentially taking up to 7 or 8 days based on the mountain you choose to climb.
While mountains such as Gahinga, Bisoke, and certain peaks on Mt. Elgon can be ascended in a single day, the experience can be quite strenuous and physically challenging.
It is important to note that all mountain hiking requires physical fitness; without it, your body may struggle.
The mountain hiking journey begins at the base, where you start your ascent to a designated pitstop. Here, you will spend the night before resuming your trek the following day or over the next few days, ultimately reaching the majestic peak.
At the summit, you will spend a few hours capturing photos and resting before descending the mountain to the nearest overnight stop. The descent will continue over the next day or days until you reach the bottom.
While hiking, in addition to reaching the peak, you will appreciate the stunning scenery of the surroundings and the distinctive features of the mountain, such as the crater lakes and more.
When it comes to mountain gorilla trekking and hiking, follow your heart’s desire.
