Comparing gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest and Volcanoes National park is essential when choosing where to go for gorilla trekking. Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks are the two leading gorilla safari destinations in Africa and the whole world. It’s obvious that if a traveler does not trek gorillas in Bwindi, then his/her next option is Volcanoes National Park. On some occasions, travelers have tried to compare gorilla trekking experiences between Volcanoes and Bwindi Forest National Parks. Gorilla Trek Africa brings you detailed comparisons between gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and Bwindi Forest National Parks
Location and getting there
The two gorilla national parks vary in locations; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda while Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda. Volcanoes Park is located 106.3 kilometers from Kigali International airport, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Kigali International airport while Bwindi is located 462.5 kilometers from Entebbe international airport that takes roughly 9 hours drive. If you are trekking Uganda gorillas starting from Kigali Rwanda, the drive from Kigali to Bwindi is roughly 4 hours via Katuna border in Kabale or Cyanika border in Kisoro district.
Mountain gorilla numbers
When comparing the number of mountain gorillas in each national park, Bwindi Forest is home to the highest population of gorillas compared to Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi forest has 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking while Volcanoes National Park currently has 9 gorilla groups. The gorilla families in Bwindi are scattered in four sectors, which are Buhoma, Ruhjia, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Bwindi gorilla groups include Mubare, Kyaguliro, Mishaya, Habiyanja, Kyaguliro, Bweza, Nshongi, katwe, Christmas, Bushaho, Bitukura and Rushegura among others. On the other hand, the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Bwengye, Ugenda, Titus and Hirwa gorilla family which is currently living in Mgahinga gorilla National Park Uganda.
Gorilla permit costs
When it comes to gorilla permit prices, Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National parks are totally different. A single gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 paid by all travelers despite one’s nationality. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Each day, 136 gorilla families are available in Bwindi Forest while 70 gorilla permits are available in Volcanoes National Park. The issuing of gorilla permits in both countries is based on a first come first serve basis.
How to book for gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest & Volcanoes Park
Booking for Bwindi gorilla permits through Uganda Wildlife Authority while gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park are booked through Rwanda Development Board. Booking in both national parks is recommended at least 6 months prior due to a high demand for gorilla tours in Uganda and Rwanda. Alternatively, you can book a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda through Gorilla Trek Africa, the number one gorilla safari company.
Vegetation cover and altitude
The vegetation cover in Volcanoes National Park mainly comprises of bamboos. Swamps, marshes, thickets, alpine forests, and meadows cover the other part of Volcanoes Park. On the other hand, Bwindi Forest National Park is an impenetrable forest comprised of virgin forests, mahogany trees, and the Mubwindi forest. 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.
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.
