Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes vs. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes vs. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure but can’t decide between Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you’re in the right place. Both parks offer incredible encounters with mountain gorillas, but there are a few key differences that might help you choose. Based on our expertise, here’s a comparison to guide you in making the best choice for your gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla Trekking Experience: Volcanoes National Park vs Bwindi

When it comes to the core experience, there’s no significant difference between trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi. Both parks offer the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, with a 98% success rate in spotting these incredible creatures. The main factors to consider lie in the trekking environment, accessibility, accommodation, and price.

Vegetation and Scenery

Volcanoes National Park is characterized by its bamboo forests, situated on the Virunga Mountains. This type of vegetation is less dense compared to Bwindi, which can make it easier to spot gorillas and capture clear photos. Bwindi, on the other hand, is a tropical rainforest with lush greenery and a variety of trees and plants, making the trekking experience feel more immersive in nature. However, the dense vegetation in Bwindi can make photographing gorillas a bit more challenging.

Accessibility

Volcanoes National Park is more accessible for travelers, especially those flying into Kigali, Rwanda. It’s only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it possible to trek gorillas in just one day. Bwindi, in contrast, is more remote. If you’re traveling from Entebbe, the drive to Bwindi can take 9-10 hours, but there’s now a more convenient option—traveling from Kigali to Bwindi, which reduces the drive time to 4-5 hours. This option has become so popular that even Rwandan tour operators are offering gorilla tours in Uganda to take advantage of the lower permit prices.

Lodging Options

Both parks offer a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. However, Volcanoes National Park is known for its ultra-luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge, offering world-class services and facilities. If you’re looking for an opulent stay, Volcanoes is the best choice. Bwindi, on the other hand, offers a wider selection of budget lodges, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per night, making it a more affordable option for travelers on a budget.

Gorilla Families

Bwindi has a larger number of habituated gorilla families, with 16 groups available for trekking, compared to Volcanoes National Park’s 12. This means Bwindi has more daily permits (128) available than Volcanoes (96). If you’re visiting during the peak season, it may be easier to secure a permit in Bwindi.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Bwindi offers a unique opportunity with its Gorilla Habituation Experience. This allows you to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, under the guidance of trackers and researchers. The cost of this experience is $1,500 per person. In contrast, a standard gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park lasts for one hour, and the permit costs the same $1,500.

Affordability

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is much more affordable than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The difference in price comes down to national policy. Rwanda markets itself as a luxury destination, which is reflected in its $1,500 gorilla trekking permit for non-residents. Uganda, on the other hand, offers a more affordable experience, with permits costing $800 for foreign non-residents and $700 for residents. East African citizens can trek gorillas in Bwindi for just $75, compared to $200 in Rwanda.

For travelers looking for value, Uganda’s Gorilla Habituation Experience is particularly attractive. You can spend up to four hours with the gorillas for the same price as a one-hour trek in Volcanoes National Park.

Trekking Distance and Difficulty

The length of your trek in either park depends on which gorilla family you’re assigned to on the day. Both parks accommodate your preferences—whether you want a shorter, easier trek or a longer, more challenging one. Keep in mind, however, that gorillas are wild animals, and their movement can affect the duration of the trek, regardless of the starting distance.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Both Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park are open for gorilla trekking year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months of June to August and December to February. These months have the least rainfall, making the trails less slippery. If you travel during the wetter months (March to May and November), you may encounter heavier rains, but you’ll also find fewer tourists and potential discounts on accommodation.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in tailor-made safaris that fit your preferences. Our dedicated team of professional tour consultants is here to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish, responding to queries within 30 minutes and handling all the logistics for you. We offer a variety of packages, including 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day gorilla fly-in safaris. Whatever your choice, you can trust us to create a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, whether in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.

Feel free to contact us to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure!