Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes And Bwindi National Parks

Comparing gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Forest national park and Volcanoes National Park is crucial throughout the time of selecting the gorilla trekking destination. Bwindi impenetrable forest and Volcanoes National Parks are the two major gorilla trekking destinations in Africa and the entire world. It is crystal clear that in case a tourist fails to trek gorillas in Bwindi, then his/her next option is Volcanoes National Park. On some instances, tourists have attempted to compare gorilla trekking encounters between Volcanoes and Bwindi Forest National Parks. Rwanda gorilla trek guides you through the detailed comparisons between gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park and Bwindi Forest National Park.

Location and getting there

The two gorilla trekking destinations differ in locations; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda while Volcanoes National Park is situated in northwestern Rwanda. Volcanoes Park is situated 106.3 kilometers from Kigali International airport and the transfer from the airport to volcanoes national park takes 2 hours and 30 minutes drive. While Bwindi is located 462.5 kilometers from Entebbe international airport and the transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi takes approximately 9 hours driving. Incase you have intensions of trekking gorillas at Bwindi impenetrable national park and landing in Kigali Rwanda, the transfer from Kigali to Bwindi takes approximately 4 hours via the Cyanika border.

Mountain gorilla numbers

While comparing the number of mountain gorillas in each gorilla national park, Bwindi Forest accommodates the highest number of gorillas compared to Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi impenetrable forest is a home to17 gorilla families open for public viewing while Volcanoes National Park currently has 9 gorilla families. Bwindi has four gorilla trekking sectors namely; Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhjia and Rushaga. Bwindi gorilla groups include Mubare, Kyaguliro, Mishaya, Habiyanja, Kyaguliro, Bweza, Nshongi, katwe, Christmas, Bushaho, Bitukura and Rushegura among others. On the contrary, the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are include Amahoro, Susa, Agasha, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Umubano, Bwengye, Ugenda, Titus and Hirwa gorilla family which is currently living in Mgahinga gorilla National Park Uganda.

Gorilla permit costs

On the subject of gorilla permit prices, Bwindi impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National parks totally differ. A single gorilla permit in Rwanda goes for $1500 paid by all tourists regardless of their nationality. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Every single day, 136 gorilla permits are available for trekking in Bwindi Forest while 70 gorilla permits are available in Volcanoes National Park. The issuing of gorilla permits in Volcanoes and Bwindi is based on a first come first serve basis.

Vegetation cover and altitude

The vegetation cover at Volcanoes National Park majorly consists of bamboos. Swamps, marshes, thickets, alpine forests, and pastureland cover the other part of Volcanoes Park. On the contrary, Bwindi Forest National Park is an impenetrable forest comprising of virgin forests, mahogany trees. Bwindi Forest stands on a higher altitude compared to Volcanoes National Park. Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is less challenging compared to the mountainous Bwindi Forest. Gorillas in Bwindi especially in the Nkuringo sector are hard to reach but the feeling of meeting gorillas face to face is worth the effort.

Accommodation facilities

Both national parks have accommodation ranging from luxury, midrange to budget accommodation and it is up to the clients to choose which one suite their needs. Volcanoes national park is the best gorilla trekking destination for clients who interested in staying in super luxury lodges on international standards compared to Bwindi. These lodges offer great and luxury services and some of these lodges are ranked among the best in Africa and the country at large. These lodges include Bisate lodge, One and only gorilla’s nest and Singita Kwitonda. However, for those travelling on a budget and looking for budget lodges, Bwindi is the best option given the fact that there are many options to choose from.

How to book for gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest & Volcanoes Park

Booking for Bwindi gorilla permits is done through Uganda Wildlife Authority while gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park are booked through Rwanda Development Board. In both national parks, it is highly recommended that you book the gorilla permits 6 months prior to the trekking date due to a high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda. Alternatively, you can book a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda through Rwanda gorilla trek, the number one gorilla safari company.

Comparing gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park gives you the best guide on which gorilla destination to visit. The gorilla encounter in each national park is exceptional in its own kind, remarkable and worth doing.