Bwindi or Mgahinga? Which park in Uganda is better for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure! Travelers often ask: Which park in Uganda is better for gorilla trekking—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? Both parks promise unique encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas, but each has its distinct terrain, number of gorilla families, visitor experience, and accessibility. This guide highlights the main differences to help you choose the perfect park in Uganda for your gorilla trekking journey!
Observing a family of mountain gorillas foraging in dense vegetation, a baby gorilla leaping between branches, or a silverback demonstrating authority over his group, a gorilla safari is among the most fulfilling wildlife experiences one can have. Add evenings spent engaging with the local culture, or nights under starry skies exchanging stories with your new friends while enjoying coffee, tea, or other beverages around a campfire, and you’ve created a truly unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is the destination for remarkable and unforgettable gorilla safaris. Home to at least half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with over 25 habituated gorilla families in the protected areas, most visitors to Uganda seek intimate encounters with these magnificent creatures. Unsurprisingly, two of Africa’s premier gorilla trekking locations, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, are found within Uganda’s borders.
If you’re heading to Uganda, the main challenge will be deciding between two amazing destinations for your next gorilla safari! Our article compares these two spectacular National Parks in an exciting gorilla adventure “showdown.”
Population of Mountain Gorillas
You’ll need to book with a licensed tour operator in advance to get a gorilla permit for Bwindi. Spanning 321 square kilometers, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts a remarkable population of mountain gorillas. This park is home to more than 500 mountain gorillas, nearly half the world’s population of these giant apes. Due to this large population, over 25 gorilla families have been habituated in the park, resulting in the daily issuance of at least 200 gorilla permits for Bwindi.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as a premier destination for gorilla safaris, mainly due to its substantial population of mountain gorillas and the availability of gorilla permits. This accessibility makes Bwindi an excellent choice for those wanting to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The park is home to fewer than 100 mountain gorillas, with an estimated population of around 40 individuals. Notably, there is only one habituated gorilla family, allowing for just eight gorilla permits to be issued each day for this remarkable trekking destination.
Thus, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the superior choice for gorilla trekking because of the mountain gorilla population and the number of habituated gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking regions in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park consists of four distinct Gorilla trekking sectors, each hosting different numbers of gorilla families and accommodations, all offering unforgettable experiences. Buhoma, situated in the northernmost part of the park, is home to five habituated gorilla families and was the first sector opened for tourism, making it the most popular choice.
Rushaga, located in the southern part of the Park, is home to the most significant number of habituated gorilla families, with over 12 currently recorded. The Nkuringo sector, also in the south, hosts three habituated gorilla families.
The east of Bwindi lies the Ruhija sector, home to at least five habituated gorilla families.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park features a single gorilla trekking area, home to one habituated family, called Nyakagezi. In contrast, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a superior experience for those seeking gorilla trekking tours.
Accessibility between other safari destinations – combining with additional safaris
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is strategically located, allowing travelers to blend gorilla adventures with various activities. Situated at the boundary of the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors can easily transition from Bwindi’s Buhoma sector. This convenient location of Bwindi provides a sense of reassurance, making it easier to plan your trip and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Travelers can combine Kibale Forest National Park, a world-famous chimpanzee tracking spot, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and passes through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The most convenient option for visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park alongside other safari spots like Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks is to take scheduled flights from Kasese Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip. When you land at the airstrip, you will be able to greet you.
When comparing the accessibility of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to other safari destinations, Bwindi stands out as the more favorable choice for visitors.
Alternative activities to partake in apart from gorilla trekking
A gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is unique due to the opportunity for gorilla tracking (visiting fully-habituated gorilla families) and the Gorilla Habituation Experience (visiting semi-habituated gorilla families). Beyond the mountain gorillas, this park is a paradise for unforgettable safari experiences. These experiences encompass cycling, bird watching, Batwa cultural tours, village walks, guided forest hikes, and boat rides or canoeing.
A gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers one of the most incredible experiences, as you will encounter giant apes and famous golden monkeys during guided tours. There’s no shortage of adventure in this 34-square-kilometer destination. Some unamiable adventures include golden monkey tracking, mountain climbing (exploring three Virunga Volcanoes), village walks, the Batwa cultural experience, guided forest walks, boating and canoeing trips, and bird watching. Mgahinga is a paradise for those seeking a diverse and adventurous safari experience.
If you want to combine gorilla trekking with various activities, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the ideal choice. It offers a broader selection of unique safari experiences, making it a top destination.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The ideal time for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda is during the dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February. With reduced rainfall, forest trails become less muddy and slippery, making them easier to navigate during gorilla tours. Consequently, the dry season is considered peak gorilla trekking time, leading to crowded venues, higher costs for gorilla safaris, and limited availability of permits and accommodations.
If you can tolerate occasional rain and muddy paths, and you prefer fewer crowds along with discounted gorilla trips (thanks to lodges offering low-season rates), consider planning your visit to Uganda during the rainy months of March to May and November. This time of year is also excellent for bird watching, featuring resident and migratory species.
In conclusion, a gorilla safari in Uganda, regardless of the National Park, is a guaranteed success. While Bwindi Impenetrable National Park may have edged out as a top choice, it can be challenging to differentiate between these remarkable locations since each is truly unique and provides unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Thus, it can be confidently stated that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the ideal option for visitors seeking more flexible gorilla trekking alternatives, perfect for group tours and those wishing to conveniently combine gorilla trekking with other safari activities like game drives and chimpanzee tracking.
The answer to which park in Uganda is better for gorilla trekking is a personal judgment. Of course, if you have the time and resources to experience gorilla trekking in both Bwindi and Mgahinga, then the battle is won!
