If you’re looking to travel to East Africa, you have plenty of incredible destinations to choose from. Two that really stand out are Rwanda and Uganda. Both countries are known for their enlightening cultural opportunities, diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, but there are still a few key differences you should know about.

For example, Rwanda safari holidays usually have a more high-end feeling, while Uganda safaris are typically more accessible to travellers looking to stretch their budget.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for travellers trying to decide between these two amazing safari destinations. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision based on your individual interests, budget and travel preferences. 

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

In Rwanda, the main wildlife-viewing activity is gorilla trekking, with people travelling from far and wide to see the fascinating mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Most of the country’s gorillas live within Volcanoes National Park. 

Another popular safari activity is chimpanzee trekking, which can be done in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Golden monkey trekking is also a much-loved activity.

While Uganda also offers gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, there is a focus on more traditional safari activities like game drives, boat safaris and bird-watching.

Both countries are home to an array of well-maintained national parks, which are filled with fascinating creatures of all kinds.

Landscapes

The first thing to note is that Uganda is roughly 9x bigger than Rwanda, thus providing Ugandan travellers with more diverse landscapes to explore. That being said, both countries are incredibly beautiful and are filled with everything from tranquil lakes to majestic volcanoes. 

Filled with lush mountains and rainforests, Rwanda is an undeniably gorgeous country that is known for its breathtaking views. Central Rwanda is mainly made up of rolling hills, which give it its nickname of ‘land of a thousand hills.’ The eastern border is made up of savannah, plains and swamps, while the northwest is home to the Virunga Volcanoes.

Known as ‘the pearl of Africa,’ Uganda is situated on a large plateau that gradually drops from 1,500 metres to 900 metres, with plenty of mountains and valleys.

Cultural Experiences

Rwanda and Uganda share a few cultural overlaps, but these two East African countries each offer unique cultural experiences that you can look forward to.

While Rwanda has more of a focus on national unity and social cohesion, Uganda celebrates its ethnic diversity, which includes tribes like the Baganda, Acholi and Basoga. 

The primary language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, which is also spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda’s official language is English, but there are also plenty of indigenous languages spoken throughout the nation.

You can soak up each country’s cultural experiences by going to watch cultural dances, visiting local markets, eating at traditional restaurants and visiting museums. 

Overall Travel Style

Rwanda is best suited to a traveller who is looking for a polished, high-end experience. In the past couple of decades, Rwanda’s government has poured millions into their tourism industry and it shows. Travelling through the small country is seamless, especially if you book through a reputable tour operator.

Uganda is better suited for the more relaxed traveller who wants to go on an affordable African adventure. There is a wider choice of activities to choose from, and it can be easier to enjoy ‘authentic’ experiences as not everything has been commercialised for tourists.

Visa Requirements

Neither country has overly strict visa requirements.

Rwanda offers its visitors a visa upon arrival, but you’ll need the following:

• A valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Two passport photographs
• Proof of funds for the duration of your stay
• Return ticket
• Accommodation details or an official invitation from a Rwandan host
• Clean criminal record

If you’re visiting Uganda, you can apply for a visa online ahead of time, but you’ll also need the following:

• A passport with a validity of at least 6 months
• Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination
• A travel itinerary
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel booking confirmation of invitation from a Ugandan host

Accessibility

Since Rwanda is a lot smaller than Uganda, it is usually easier to find your way around. Getting from the airport in Kigali to the main wilderness areas (such as Volcanoes National Park) usually only takes around 3 hours. Furthermore, the roads in Rwanda are well looked after, with clean pavements and working traffic lights.

If you want to get from Entebbe to Uganda’s national parks and forests, travel times are estimated at 7 hours or so. 

Accommodation Options

Accommodation is another area where Uganda and Rwanda differ quite significantly. Rwanda is certainly more limited in the accommodation options available, especially if you want to stay in the wilderness and not in a big city like Kigali.

While Kigali is home to plenty of hotels and BnBs, there aren’t too many lodges in rural Rwanda. The lodges that are available are absolutely stunning and provide incredible views over the surrounding landscape. You can also look forward to thoughtful architecture, amazing food and world-class facilities. As you’d expect, the rates for these lodges are quite high.

Uganda has far more diverse options when it comes to accommodation, offering a range of hotels, guest lodges, backpackers and campsites. Your accommodation is generally a little more basic than you would find in Rwanda, but if you are looking for luxury, you can still find it if you know where to look.

Overall Cost

When it comes to cost, Rwanda is undoubtedly the more expensive option. For example, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1500 per person, while the cost of this permit is just $800 in Uganda.

Accommodation, transport, food, and activities are typically more expensive in Rwanda than in Uganda. This is because Rwanda has a more significant tourism industry than Uganda, and many of the lodges have been built with luxury travellers in mind.

Uganda is probably a much better option for the traveller on a budget, while Rwanda is a great choice for travellers who prioritise comfort and luxury.

Can’t Choose? Visit Both

If you have enough time available, why not visit both destinations? Two weeks would be ideal, as you could spend a week in each country, but a 10-day trip would also suffice. This way, you’ll get to experience the magic of both Rwanda and Uganda, and you can decide for yourself which one you like best.

At the end of the day, the decision is entirely up to you. Whichever country you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable safari holiday.

 Are you ready to plan your safari holiday to East Africa? Tailormade Africa is your trusted travel expert and would love to come up with a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions. 

We invite you to contact Tailormade Africa if you have any questions about Uganda and Rwanda safaris. They can also help you plan safari holidays in other African countries, including Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, and many more.