Mgahinga gorilla trekking compared to Volcanoes -Mgahinga gorilla permits – Volcanoes gorilla permits – Gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali
Mgahinga gorilla trekking compared to Volcanoes – Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park compared to Volcanoes National Park. Both Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are located within the Volcanoes mountain ranges, they are home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the beautiful extinct volcanic mountains great for hiking and adventure. In the great Virunga mountain ranges Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is made up of 3 extinct volcanoes which include Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo whereas Virunga National Park encompasses two active volcanoes, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira.
Both volcanoes and Mgahinga are good destination for gorilla safari. However economically you should consider going to Mgahinga over Volcanoes as it will enable you to save over 50 % of your gorilla safari budget.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park compared to Volcanoes National Park, the whole truth is that both parks have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek given the fact the vegetation in both parks is the same. However, There are many things you can base on to compare gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with that in Volcanoes National Park for you to choose where to book and go for your gorilla trekking and these include the following;
In terms of accessibility, Both Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park can be accessed through Kigali which is the easier and short accessible route for both parks. This is indeed very true and no one can run away from it. People used to avoid gorilla trekking in Mgahinga because of the 10 hours’ drive from Entebbe International Airport to Mgahinga but now we arrange tours to Mgahinga via Kigali which then becomes 4-5 hours’ drive only. With this, you land in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa (which allows you to visit both countries at ago) and then trek gorillas in Bwindi. However, you will need to cross borders to access both parks.
In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing gorillas in both Parks are 98% so which ever park you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment.
In terms of Vegetation and trekking experience, The habitat of the Mountain gorillas in both Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park are in the Virunga/hills with mainly bamboo as the main vegetation, this makes it easy to trek through and better viewing of the gorillas because of the kind of vegetation giving you an opportunity to take clear photographs and encounter experience.
In terms of Lodges, Both National Parks have Budget, Mid-Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. Volcanoes National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in luxury lodges compared to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These lodges offer great and luxury services some are ranked among the best in Africa and the country at large for example Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, and One & Only Gorilla Forest Lodge among others.
In terms of Gorilla families, Volcanoes National Park has more gorilla families open for trekking than Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Volcanoes National Park has more than 12 gorilla families with over 96 permits available every day compared to one gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park with 8 permits only available for gorilla trekking.
In terms of affordability, it is much cheaper to see gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda than in Volcanoes Gorilla National Park in Rwanda. This issue of price difference is basically out of policy difference between these two countries Uganda and Rwanda. Rwanda is trying to promote its gorilla tourism to attract more travelers after a long turmoil in the region. The experience and duration spent with gorillas is still the same? A gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park costs $1500 per person per trek. This gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
The Gorilla permit in Mgahinga Costs $800 Per person per trek for the Foreign Non Residents, $700 Per person for Foreign Residents and $80 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In terms of distance to see Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park, The issue of walking longer or short distance depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you on the day of trekking at one of the national parks. In both parks gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individual. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such a family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will need to move a longer distance still.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park is possible all year round. The best months to track gorillas in these parks include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.
Why book your gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park with Great Adventure Safaris?
Great Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour and safari consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan, answer all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. There some Mountain Gorilla safari Packages to Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi impenetrable National Park and these include; the 3 days Mgahinga Gorilla safari, 4 Day Gorilla safari in Rwanda, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us about Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park compared to Volcanoes National Park.