North vs South for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. – Comparing gorilla trekking in Ruhija, Buhoma and Rushaga, Nkuringo – Gorilla permits bookings – Gorilla trekking in Uganda
North vs South for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, it should be noted that the park is divided into two parts, the southern and northern parts. The southern part is made up of Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla trekking sectors and the northern part is made up of Ruhija and Buhoma gorilla trekking sectors. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the only 4 national parks home to endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The park is also home to one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths, and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas.
North vs South for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest.
When it comes to gorilla trekking whichever part of the Bwindi you choose to do your gorilla trekking, you will be able to see the mountain gorillas but there are many other things you can base on to Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern parts of Bwindi. Where best to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi, include the following;
In terms of accessibility, the northern part by road to Bwindi is closer compared to the southern part. The northern part of Bwindi can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the signposted Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to your booked lodge for your stay during your gorilla trek at either Ruhija or Buhoma. The southern part of Bwindi can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro Highway. By Air, both parts have close airstrips nearby, Kihihi Airstrip that can be used to access the northern part of Bwindi, and Kisoro Airstrip that can be used to access the southern part of Bwindi, the drive time is approximately 1 to 2 hours. However, it is slightly cheaper to fly to Kihihi compared to flying to Kisoro, also the flight schedules are many and flexible for Kihihi compared to Kisoro because of the weather conditions in Kisoro.
In terms of Lodges, both the northern and southern parts have Budget, Mid-Range, and Upmarket (luxury) Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. The northern part of Bwindi is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in luxury lodges compared to the southern part of Bwindi. In the northern part of the Buhoma sector, there are popular lodges that are of an international standard that as Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, and Bwindi Lodge. It is also home to a large number of luxury lodge options in Bwindi including the only 2 lodges located within the Bwindi Forest that is Gorilla Forest Camp and Buhoma Lodge. These lodges offer great and luxury services so far the best in Bwindi and the country at large.
In terms of Gorilla families, the southern part of Bwindi has more gorilla trekking families and gorilla permits compared to the Northern part of Bwindi. This makes the southern part of Bwindi have many gorilla permits available daily that is 56 permits for gorilla trekking compared to the northern part of Bwindi.
In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that both the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. The chances of seeing gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi are 98% so whichever part of the park you visit you will be able to see these great primates in their natural environment. What only makes the southern part of Bwindi unique is the option to spend 4 hours much time with the mountain gorillas through the gorilla habituation experience which is only done between Rushaga and Nkuringo. Also, Nkuringo is steeper and more strenuous than other sectors of the park making it great for adventurers and hikers.
In terms of distance walked to see gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi! The issue of walking longer or short distances depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you. In both the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individuals. 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 still need to move further to follow them.
