Gorilla Trekking Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park, Mountain gorilla trekking is a renowned tourism activity conducted exclusively in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Much of this activity occurs in Uganda and Rwanda due to the persistent instabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, rendering the route inadvisable for safety reasons.

In Uganda, mountain gorillas inhabit two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, but in Rwanda, they are exclusively located in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking mountain gorillas in national parks presents tourists with the issue of selecting the optimal option for a gorilla safari in Africa. The following knowledge is essential for understanding gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National Parks

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible via four distinct entry sites, corresponding to the four regions of the park. Regardless of the entry point selected, the journey to Bwindi National Park encompasses a distance of 480 km and requires approximately 8 to 10 hours of driving from Entebbe International Airport. This renders the journey arduous, although it provides the opportunity to explore additional tourist attractions, such as the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. There is an opportunity to utilize the chartered flights operating from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airstrip via Kajjasi airfield. The flying duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, optimizing time for travelers with limited stays on their gorilla safari.

Conversely, Volcanoes National Park is located approximately 120 km from Kigali International Airport, requiring a 3-hour trip from the capital of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park has become a preferred destination for tourists because to its accessibility, allowing for same-day hiking upon arrival in the country, contingent upon possessing a gorilla trekking permit.

Furthermore, the Rwanda route provides a more direct access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park compared to the route from Entebbe International Airport. The elevated pricing of gorilla permits lead many tourists to utilize the Kigali route to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, approximately a four-hour drive away. However, same-day trekking is not feasible due to the border crossing, complicating the gorilla safari experience in Africa.

The expense of gorilla permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park

The gorilla permits granted are valid for a specific date and provide access to a single gorilla family for a duration of one hour in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Should you choose to visit the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the cost of gorilla tickets is USD 800.

Conversely, the price of gorilla permits in Rwanda is far more than that in Uganda, amounting to USD 1500. This has led numerous people to choose gorilla trekking in Uganda due to these costs. Accessing Volcanoes National Park is more straightforward than accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides gorilla habituation, allowing a four-hour experience with the gorillas for USD 1500, equivalent to the cost of one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Additional attractions in Uganda and Rwanda

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guarantees a comprehensive African safari, including excursions to various national parks such as Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi, among others. Conversely, visiting Volcanoes National Park complicates the coordination of excursions to neighboring parks such as Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park.

Furthermore, gorilla and chimpanzee habituation can be conducted in Uganda, unlike in Rwanda. Uganda boasts 10 national parks, offering a diverse array of experiences, while Rwanda has only 3 national parks to explore.

Comparison of Accommodation in Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi vs. Volcanoes National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park offer superior accommodation options in proximity to and within the parks, encompassing luxury, midrange, and budget hotels. Your experience with gorilla trekking will depend on your chosen destination. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will have several hotel options to choose from.

Accommodation Facilities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Forest Camp: is situated in Buhoma, approximately 500 meters from the park gate. The camp provides breakfast and lunch, served from an open area. Travelers participating in gorilla trekking consistently choose this camp due to its proximity to the starting location. In this location, guests can observe many bird species and encounter monkeys from the forests that frequently traverse the area.

Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge is a luxury lodge situated in the secluded Nkuringo region of southeastern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. At the resort, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking vista of the Virunga Massif mountains and the tropical rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge features a restaurant and bar, lounge, sufficient parking, a reading area, and amenities including a spacious sitting room, plush couches, and restrooms equipped with showers, among others.

Mahogany Springs Camp: A luxury housing facility near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mahogany Springs Camp boasts an expansive panoramic terrace overlooking the river and forest, as well as a restaurant, bar, and a double-sided fireplace. The lodge offers exceptional hotel service, a private balcony, and expansive accommodations.

Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge: is a premium lodging establishment including naturally constructed huts located in the Ruhija region. The Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge offers amenities such as en-suite bathrooms with toilets and showers, hot water bottles, storage cabinets, and parking facilities, among others.
Additionally, other establishments to consider in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Travelers Motel Butogota, Buhoma Community Bandas and Campsite, Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite, and Buhoma Homestead, among others.

Accommodation facilities at Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge: This opulent lodge is situated in the Musanze area, ensconced inside a grove of eucalyptus trees. This lodge offers spacious accommodations in Jack Hannah’s Cottage, providing a magnificent view of the slopes of the volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. The establishment possesses highly skilled personnel, and the customer services are exemplary.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: This opulent lodge is situated in the Musanze area, in proximity to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. The lodge features more than eight cottages, each offering a magnificent perspective of the volcanoes’ undulating hills. The lodge includes a protected balcony for leisure and dining. The lodge features both a bar and a restaurant.

Garden Place Hotel: Situated in Ruhengeri, it provides elegant accommodations for both leisure and business guests. The hotel is conveniently located approximately 30 minutes by car from the airport. The hotel comprises twenty-eight rooms equipped with contemporary bathrooms that provide ample water and pressure. There is a restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines, and the quality is authentic.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is situated adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in the northern region of Rwanda. The Lodge provides thirty cabins constructed from stone and thatch. The primary lodge features a restaurant offering complimentary meals and a bar.

Additional excellent lodges for guests to consider include Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Bambou Gorilla Village, and Kinigi Guest House.

Conclusion on Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi vs. Volcanoes National Park

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is a captivating activity that provides exhilarating and adventurous moments throughout your safari in Africa. Whether you choose Uganda or Rwanda, you will undoubtedly maximize your holiday experience. The funds allocated for gorilla permits contribute to the conservation of national parks and the enhancement of the lives of endangered mountain gorillas in Africa.