Comparison between Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Parks
It is crucial to compare gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Park while selecting a destination for this activity. Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks are the premier gorilla safari sites in Africa and globally. If a traveler does not trek gorillas in Bwindi, their subsequent alternative is Volcanoes National Park. Occasionally, people have attempted to compare gorilla trekking experiences between Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Forest National Park. Gorilla Trek Africa provides comprehensive comparisons of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Forest National Park.
Destination and access
The two gorilla national parks differ in their locations; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda, whereas Volcanoes National Park is found in northern Rwanda. Volcanoes Park is situated 106.3 kilometers from Kigali International Airport, requiring a 2 hour and 30 minute trip, whilst Bwindi is located 462.5 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport, necessitating around a 9 hour travel. The journey from Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi for gorilla trekking in Uganda takes around four hours, utilizing either the Katuna border in Kabale or the Cyanika border in Kisoro region.
Population of mountain gorillas
In the comparison of mountain gorilla populations across national parks, Bwindi Forest harbors a greater number of gorillas than Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi Forest hosts 17 gorilla families acclimatized for hiking, whilst Volcanoes National Park now accommodates 9 gorilla groups. The gorilla families in Bwindi are distributed over four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. The Bwindi gorilla groups comprise Mubare, Kyaguliro, Mishaya, Habiyanja, Bweza, Nshongi, Katwe, Christmas, Bushaho, Bitukura, and Rushegura, among others. The habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park include Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Bwengye, Ugenda, Titus, and Hirwa, the latter of which currently resides in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.
Costs of gorilla permits
The cost for gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Parks are notably different. The cost of a single gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500, applicable to all passengers regardless of nationality. In Uganda, a gorilla permit is priced at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Daily, 136 gorilla families inhabit Bwindi Forest, whereas 70 gorilla permits are issued in Volcanoes National Park. The allocation of gorilla permits in both countries operates on a first-come, first-served principle.
Procedure for acquiring gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla permits for Bwindi are obtained via the Uganda Wildlife Authority, whilst those for Volcanoes National Park are secured through the Rwanda Development Board. It is advisable to make reservations for both national parks at least six months in advance because to the significant demand for gorilla trips in Uganda and Rwanda. Alternatively, you may procure a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda via Gorilla Trek Africa, the premier gorilla safari organization.
Vegetative coverage and elevation
The flora in Volcanoes National Park predominantly consists of bamboo species. Swamps, marshes, thickets, alpine forests, and meadows comprise the remaining portion of Volcanoes Park. Bwindi Forest National Park is an impenetrable forest consisting of pristine woodlands, mahogany trees, and the Mubwindi forest. Bwindi Forest is situated at a higher elevation than Volcanoes National Park. Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is less arduous than in the high Bwindi Forest. Gorillas in Bwindi, particularly in the Nkuringo district, are difficult to access; yet, the experience of encountering them in person is invaluable.
An analysis of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park provides optimal guidance on selecting a gorilla place to visit. Each national park offers a unique and extraordinary gorilla encounter that is worthwhile.
