Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes vs Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes vs Bwindi : If you are contemplating gorilla trekking and are struggling to decide between Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the following comparison, based on our expertise, will assist you in making an informed choice regarding your gorilla trekking experience. Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park have mountain gorillas, therefore there is minimal distinction in the experience garnered upon completing your walk. Numerous factors can be utilized to compare gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, aiding in your decision on where to book and go on your gorilla trekking adventure. These factors include the following:

Regarding ecology and hiking experiences, the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park inhabit the Virunga mountains, characterized predominantly by bamboo, while those in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park reside in a tropical rainforest featuring a diverse array of trees and plants. It is posited that the gorillas at Volcanoes National Park are readily observable due to the kind of vegetation, facilitating the capture of clean images, in contrast to Bwindi, where gorillas inhabit dense forests.

 

Volcanoes National Park has better accessibility compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Reasons to endorse this include the proximity of Volcanoes National Park, which is a 2-3 hour journey from Kigali, and the accessibility of gorillas, which can be observed with a brief travel time, possibly within a single day. This is undeniably accurate, and no one can evade it. Previously, individuals refrained from gorilla trekking in Bwindi due to the 9-10 hour journey from Entebbe International Airport. However, we now organize tours to Bwindi through Kigali, reducing the travel time to 4-5 hours. Upon arrival in Kigali, utilize the East African Tourist Visa, which permits simultaneous visits to both countries, and subsequently embark on an economical gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda. Consequently, even Rwandan tour providers are promoting Bwindi above their own country.

Both National Parks provide budget, mid-range, and upscale lodges for accommodation throughout your walk. Volcanoes National Park is the premier destination for gorilla trekking for individuals seeking accommodations in ultra-luxurious lodges that meet worldwide standards, in contrast to Bwindi. These lodges provide exceptional luxury and service, with some being regarded as among the finest in Africa and the country, such as Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park. For individuals seeking economical accommodations, Bwindi is the optimal choice, offering a variety of options priced between $30 and $100, depending on the selected package.

 

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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has a greater number of gorilla families available for trekking compared to Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi has 16 habituated gorilla family groups, resulting in 128 gorilla permits accessible daily for hiking. Volcanoes National Park hosts 12 gorilla families, resulting in 96 gorilla permits accessible daily for gorilla trekking. This renders the acquisition of gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi more adaptable than in Volcanoes National Park, particularly during peak season months.

Regarding the optimal gorilla trekking experience, it is a fact that both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park harbor mountain gorillas, and there is minimal distinction in the experience garnered upon completion of your walk. The likelihood of observing gorillas at Volcanoes National area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 98%, ensuring that a visit to either area will afford the opportunity to witness these magnificent apes in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi offers the opportunity for an extended interaction with mountain gorillas through the Gorilla habituation experience, exclusively available in Bwindi Forest. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person, allowing for a four-hour encounter with semi-habituated mountain gorillas under the supervision of trackers and researchers, in contrast to the one-hour duration of standard trekking.

 

Regarding price, observing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is far less expensive than in Volcanoes National Park. The discrepancy in prices primarily arises from differing policies between Uganda and Rwanda. Rwanda aims to establish itself as a luxury destination, whilst Uganda seeks to position itself as a cheap option. Is the experience and duration spent with gorillas unchanged? One could choose to reserve Uganda’s gorilla habituation experience for USD 1500, allowing for up to four hours with mountain gorillas, rather than spending the same amount in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for merely one hour. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park

The Gorilla permit in Uganda cost $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for residents, and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan), allowing for a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

 

The Gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $500 per person for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan), allowing for a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

The distance required to observe gorillas in Volcanoes National Park compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park varies according on the specific gorilla family assigned to you on the day of trekking in either national park. In both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla families are assigned based on the interests and physical fitness of each member. If you desire a shorter walk, you must notify the park authorities on the day of the trek to be assigned accordingly. If you desire a medium or extended excursion, then you proceed similarly. It is important to recognize that although efforts will be made to provide you with a family that necessitates shorter trips, the behavior of the gorillas may influence the experience; for instance, if the gorillas choose to relocate while you are searching for them, you may need to traverse a greater distance.

Best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla hiking in Bwindi against Volcanoes National Park. Both parks facilitate gorilla trekking year-round; nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the forest is a tropical rainforest and may experience precipitation at any moment. The optimal months for gorilla tracking are June to August and December to February, as these periods experience minimal rainfall and the forest terrain is less treacherous. Conversely, travelling from March to May and in November may result in increased rain, however certain resorts may offer savings on accommodation during this period.

Essential Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Preparing for a gorilla hike necessitates meticulous planning to guarantee comfort and readiness for diverse weather conditions and landscapes. Below is a compilation of necessities:

Apparel

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: Safeguard your skin against thorny vegetation and bug stings.

Waterproof jacket: Given the unpredictability of the weather, maintaining dryness is crucial.

Durable hiking boots: Confirm they are adequately broken in to prevent blisters.

Gaiters: To prevent mud and insects from entering your boots.

Gardening gloves: These provide protection while traversing the forest.

Hats and sunglasses: For solar protection.

Equipment

Backpack: For transporting your necessities.

Camera and binoculars: To document the experience (check you own additional batteries and memory cards).

Reusable water bottle: Maintaining hydration is essential.

Walking sticks: Certain lodges offer these, though you may prefer to bring your own.

Utilize a poncho or rain cover for your backpack to ensure your equipment remains dry.

Personal Belongings

Insect repellent: To safeguard against mosquitoes and other insects.

Sunscreen: Elevated SPF for solar protection.

First aid kit: Comprising adhesive bandages, antiseptic towelettes, and any prescribed drugs.

High-energy snacks such as nuts and energy bars.

Hand sanitizer and moist towelettes: For sanitation purposes.

What are the advantages of booking a Gorilla trek with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Rwanda gorilla trek  specializes in creating bespoke safaris. The team is exceptionally diligent and reliable. Your inquiries will be addressed within 30 minutes by our staff of expert tour consultants. These advisors will create a trip itinerary for you, address all your inquiries, and ensure that all your services are reserved in advance to prevent any problems. There are several Mountain Gorilla Safari Packages available for Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including the 2-day Gorilla Fly-in Safari, the 3-day Gorilla Fly-in Safari, and the 4-day Gorilla Fly-in Safari, depending on your preference. Please reach out to us regarding Gorilla trekking in Bwindi compared to Volcanoes National Park.