Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Vs Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park offers primate enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime chance to search for mountain gorillas on foot. The gorilla trekking adventure allows trekkers to enjoy a close encounter with these massive apes in their natural habitat, learn about their behaviours, and most importantly, have a chance to take pictures of them.
Comparing gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park is useful, especially if you need guidance on the destination for your gorilla holiday. Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park are among Africa’s premier mountain gorilla destinations. Visiting both parks is an excellent idea because it allows you to compare the perfect gorilla trekking adventure in Africa. We offer several gorilla tour packages that combine gorilla trekking in Uganda, specifically in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Here are some of the insights to guide you as you decide on the destination to visit for gorilla trekking;
Vegetation cover & trekking experience
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park comprises a compact tropical rainforest, while Volcanoes National Park consists mainly of bamboo forest. Considering the nature of the vegetation, Bwindi is densely vegetated, while Volcanoes National Park is slightly less dense, allowing for easier observation of gorillas while they forage. It also favours the photography experience and visitor navigation while searching for the large apes. Overall, the two gorilla safari parks offer something for nature lovers to experience, making them a good reason to consider visiting both.
Accessibility
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned gorilla sanctuary located in the far southwestern part of Uganda. Accessing Bwindi from the heart of Kampala, the capital and commercial city, can take visitors 8 to 9 hours of driving, which may vary depending on the route. If you are crossing from Kigali, Rwanda, via the Katuna/Cyanika border to Bwindi National Park, you can spend 4-5 hours.
Visitors with limited time or those who prefer not to use road transportation can opt for a fly-in gorilla trip. If the weather conditions are favourable, the flight from Entebbe International Airport/Kajansi Airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip can take 2 hours.
Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible from the city centre (Kigali) in a well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicle, making it the most convenient gorilla safari destination among the four major East African mountain gorilla parks. This accessibility ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for visitors.
En route to destinations
Travelling from the heart of Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers visitors plenty of things to encounter, depending on the route. The Masaka-Mbarara route allows visitors to make stopovers at the Equator crossing and the Igongo Cultural Centre, where they can enjoy meals and explore the unique traditions of the Ankole region.
If you travel via Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can enjoy a game drive at Ishasha –the park’s Southern section, which allows you to enjoy the sight of the tree-climbing lions. Additionally, this sector is also popular for its diverse topics and unique bird species. These abundant en-route opportunities for exploration on the Uganda road trip to Bwindi may not be available when travelling to Volcanoes National Park. But expect to enjoy the breathtaking views of Rwanda’s landscape, characterised by rolling hills and beautiful homesteads.
Additional places to visit
Beyond Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers tourists another opportunity to explore. This is Uganda’s smallest National Park, but it is most popular for mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and habituation. The other eight wildlife parks can also be visited, often in combination with gorilla safaris, but require longer trips.
Additional National Parks in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are also 12 wildlife reserves and numerous rich forest reserves that are home to a variety of wildlife.
Only three additional National Parks must be visited in Rwanda: Akagera National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Gorilla families
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to numerous habituated gorilla groups, with approximately 23 families spread across the park’s four regions. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park boasts 12 habituated gorilla groups, providing visitors with numerous opportunities to encounter these magnificent creatures.
The cost of the gorilla permits
The cost of gorilla permits for Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park varies. Bwindi permits are available for booking at USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and USD 500 for African guests outside East Africa, including citizens in East Africa –Ugandans pay Uganda shillings 300,000. In Rwanda, valid gorilla permits cost USD 1500 per person, which may influence your decision when planning your gorilla trekking adventure.
In Rwanda, valid gorilla permits are sold out at USD 1500 per person and apply to all categories of guests on the Rwanda gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park. The 12 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park translate to about 96 gorilla permits, slightly more than 176 permits available for Bwindi gorilla trekking alone.
Altitude
The altitude of the two parks also differs. Volcanoes National Park’s highest point is Karisimbi Volcano, which ranges in elevation from 2,400 to 4,507 meters. Bwindi National Park’s altitude ranges from 1160 to 2607 meters. This difference in altitude may influence your choice of park based on your fitness level and altitude tolerance.
When should you travel for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park can be visited any month of the year. However, the ideal period to consider exploring the endangered and rare mountain gorillas in the two protected areas is usually around the dry season. This is from June to September, and the other phase occurs from December to February. If you want to enjoy some discounted offers, especially from the gorilla safari lodges, try visiting around the wet or rainy months of the year, such as March, April, May, or October and November.
Things to carry for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Vs Volcanoes National Park
The must-have items for your gorilla trekking vacation include a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, a good camera, a daypack, snacks, insect repellents, a pair of binoculars, a first aid kit or medical kit, an additional battery for the camera, and socks. Other items include a safari hat, sunscreen, toiletries, a rain jacket, waterproof walking or hiking boots, and others.
Accommodation options in Bwindi Vs Volcanoes National Park
Bwindi National Park features different gorilla lodges across its four sectors. The popular lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, and Bwindi Community Haven. Engagi Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Bakiga Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Agandi Lodge and others.
The accommodation choices for visitors on a gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park include Bisate Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Best View Hotel, to mention but a few.
You must have answered all your worries about Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Vs Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Book a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda or Rwanda for an unforgettable adventure.
