Choosing Between Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park

Choosing Between Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park — Are you torn between Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for your gorilla trekking adventure? Let’s compare the two to help you make an informed decision based on our expertise. Choosing Between Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park 

Vegetation and Trekking Experience:

Volcanoes National Park is characterized by Virunga hills with predominantly bamboo vegetation, offering relatively clear views of mountain gorillas. In contrast, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park boasts a tropical rainforest environment with diverse flora. While gorillas in Volcanoes National Park may be easier to spot due to the vegetation, Bwindi provides a more immersive experience in a dense forest setting.

Accessibility:

Volcanoes National Park holds an advantage in terms of accessibility, being just a 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Gorillas here can be reached with a short drive, making day trips feasible. Bwindi, although historically challenging to access, now offers more convenient routes via Kigali, reducing travel time to 4-5 hours. This makes trekking in Bwindi more accessible, even enticing Rwanda-based tour operators to promote it.

Lodging Options:

Both parks offer a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury lodges. Volcanoes National Park particularly shines in luxury offerings, with lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge providing world-class amenities. Bwindi, on the other hand, caters well to budget travelers with numerous affordable options ranging from $30 to $100 per night.

Gorilla Families:

Bwindi boasts a larger number of habituated gorilla families open for trekking compared to Volcanoes National Park. With 16 habituated gorilla groups, Bwindi offers 128 gorilla permits daily, providing more flexibility, especially during peak seasons. Volcanoes National Park, with 12 gorilla families, offers 96 permits daily, making it slightly more competitive to secure permits during peak times.

Overall Trekking Experience:

Both parks offer equally exceptional gorilla trekking experiences, with a high likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The chance of seeing gorillas in either park is around 98%. However, Bwindi provides an additional option for an extended encounter through Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique opportunity allows for a 4-hour encounter with semi-habituated gorillas, providing a deeper understanding of their behavior.