Gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs Mgahinga National Park: The only two national parks in Uganda where gorilla trekking is permitted are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. More than half, or half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, live here. Gorilla trekking is also possible in Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo‘s Virunga National Park.
If you’re interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda but are having trouble deciding between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, we’ve included a comparison based on our experience to help you make your decision.
The whole fact is that mountain gorillas can be found in both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and the experience you get at the end of your trip is essentially the same. To decide where to reserve and travel for your gorilla trekking, you can compare Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park based on a variety of factors, such as the following:
Regarding vegetation and the trekking experience, mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park are found in the Virunga/hills, where bamboo is the predominant vegetation. In contrast, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are found in a dense, impenetrable tropical rain forest that is home to a variety of trees and plants. Since the gorillas in Mgahinga National Park are located in a dense forest, it is thought that the vegetation makes it easier to observe them and obtain sharp pictures. This is in contrast to Bwindi.
Accessibility-wise, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi are both reachable by air or road. To reach Mgahinga National Park by road, you would travel eight to nine hours from Kampala/Entebbe via Kabale town and then on to Bwindi or Kisoro. It is also feasible to go from Kigali to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, which would take four to five hours. With this, you arrive in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa (which enables you to travel to both countries simultaneously), and then go on an inexpensive gorilla trek in Uganda.
There are budget, mid-range, and upscale lodges in both national parks where you can stay while trekking. If you want to stay in ultra-luxurious lodges that are on par with those in Bwindi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the ideal place to undertake gorilla trekking. These lodges provide excellent and opulent services; some, such Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge, are regarded as some of the best in Africa and the entire nation.
More gorilla families are available for hiking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park than in Mgahinga National Park. Due to the fact that Bwindi is home to 19 habituated gorilla family groups, 152 gorilla permits are available daily for gorilla trekking. Since there is only one gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park, there are only eight gorilla permits available daily for gorilla trekking there. Because of this, obtaining gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi is more flexible than in Mgahinga National Park, particularly during the busiest times of the year.
Whether you have to go a shorter or longer distance to view gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park depends on which gorilla family you are assigned to on the day of your trek. Gorilla families are assigned in both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park based on each individual’s level of interest and physical fitness. For instance, if you would prefer a shorter walk, you will need to notify the park officials on the day of the trek in order to be assigned to such a family. You follow the same procedure if you desire a medium-length or longer excursion. It should be mentioned that although they will attempt to provide you with a family that needs shorter travels, the experience may be impacted by the gorillas’ behavior. For instance, if the gorillas decide to go farther as you search for them, you will have to travel an even greater distance.
In comparison to Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is also nearer to other national parks. It is possible to combine your unforgettable gorilla trek with an additional adventure in other parks because it only takes two hours to drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for big game wildlife viewing and four hours to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Although gorilla trekking is available year-round in both parks, it’s vital to remember that the jungle is a tropical rain forest, meaning rain can fall at any time. Because they receive the least amount of rainfall and the forest is less slick, June through August and December through February are the greatest times of year to track gorillas. However, if you happen to travel between March and May and November, when there is a greater likelihood of rainfall, you may be able to receive lodging discounts from some lodges.
Why choose Budget Gorilla Trekking to organize your gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs. Mgahinga National Park?
Low-cost gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda are available through Budget Gorilla Trekking. To give you the best and most memorable African safari experience, we combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that support local communities, conserve wildlife, and preserve biodiversity. These safaris include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruise excursions, and cultural encounters. Popular and fantastic African safari destinations include Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. For information on gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs. Mgahinga National Park, please get in touch with us.