Volcanoes VS Bwindi for gorilla trekking -Compare Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda – Gorilla permit prices in Rwanda and Uganda.
Volcanoes VS Bwindi for gorilla trekking – Are you planning and interested in going for gorilla trekking and you are finding it hard to choose where to go between Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest vs Volcanoes National Park here below is the comparison based on our expertise to help you choose and decide where to go for gorilla trekking experience. The whole truth is that both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 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. However, there are many things you can base on to compare Gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes for you to choose where to book and go for your gorilla trekking and these include the following;
In terms of Vegetation and trekking experience
The mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park live in a tropical rain forest with a wide variety of trees and flora, in contrast to their bamboo-dominated habitat in Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga/hills. Given the kind of vegetation or foliage in the forest of Volcanoes National Park it is considered that Gorillas are easier to observe, making it easy to snap clear images in comparison to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which is a thick forest.
In terms of accessibility
When deciding between Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, choose the former. Gorillas can be observed with ease in a short amount of time, and the travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park just takes a few hours. There’s simply no denying the truth of this statement. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi was formerly avoided by many since the journey from Entebbe International Airport took 9-10 hours. However, we can now offer excursions to Bwindi that depart from Kigali, reducing the travel time to just 4-5 hours. The East African Tourist Visa (which covers both countries at once) makes it possible to fly into Kigali and then travel on to Uganda for a cheap gorilla trekking experience. Even Rwandan travel agencies are promoting Bwindi instead of Rwanda as a tourist destination.
In terms of Lodges
While hiking in either park, you can stay at one of several lodges ranging in price from cheap to luxurious. If you’re looking for high-end accommodations on par with those found in other international destinations, Volcanoes National Park is your best bet for gorilla trekking. Some of these lodges, including Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park, are regarded as some of the greatest in Africa and the country. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, on the other hand, is the greatest option for people on a tighter budget, as it has a wide variety of lodges to select from, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per night, depending on the package you choose.
In terms of Gorilla families/groups
There are more gorilla families available for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park than there are in Volcanoes National Park. Due to the high number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi (there are 22), 176 gorilla permits are issued daily. Due to the fact that there are 12 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, only 96 gorilla permits are issued per day. This makes Bwindi a more convenient option for gorilla trekking than Volcanoes National Park, particularly during the busiest months of the year.
In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience
The truth is that your end-of-the-trek experience is not very different whether you visit Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, both of which are home to mountain gorillas. You have a 98% chance of seeing gorillas in either Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so it doesn’t matter which park you choose to visit. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person and allows you to spend 4 hours encountering the semi-habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers, as opposed to the standard 1 hour spent trekking with them. This experience is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
In terms of affordability
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a significantly more affordable option for viewing gorillas than Volcanoes National Park. Uganda and Rwanda have different policies, which is the primary cause of the pricing discrepancy. Uganda is trying to pitch itself as a cheap vacation spot, while Rwanda wants to attract wealthy tourists. Is time spent with gorillas still the same in terms of both experience and duration? For the same USD$1500, you can spend up to four hours in Uganda with the mountain gorillas during a gorilla habituation experience, rather than spending the day in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
A one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park costs $800 per person for Foreign Non Residents, $700 per person for Foreign Residents, and $80 per citizen of East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan).
An hour-long encounter with the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda costs $1500 for Non Resident Foreigners, $500 for Foreigners who are permanent residents of the country, and $200 for citizens of East African countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan.
In terms of distance to see gorillas
The length of your hike will vary depending on which gorilla family you are assigned to visit in one of the national parks. A gorilla’s placement in a family in either Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is determined by the individual’s level of interest and fitness. If you wish to request a shorter excursion, for instance, the park rangers need to know that you want one on the day that you begin your hike. The same applies for a hike of moderate or greater length. While they will do their best to pair you with a family that takes fewer steps, the actions of the gorillas themselves can alter your experience. If the gorillas decide to move further away from you as you search for them, for instance, you will have to walk even further.
Best time for gorilla trekking
Which is better, gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs Volcanoes? While gorilla trekking is possible in both parks year-round, visitors should be aware that the tropical rain forest they are visiting is subject to rain at any time. Low rainfall and less slick forest conditions make June through August and December through February the optimum times to go gorilla tracking. However, some lodges offer discounts if you happen to travel between March and May or November, when there is a larger risk of rainfall.
Why book your Gorilla trek in with Great Adventure Safaris?
Great Adventure Safaris is proud to offer individualized safari packages. It’s staffed by hardworking, reliable people. Our expert tour consultants will respond to your questions within 30 minutes. These professionals will assist you in organizing your trip, answering any questions you may have, and reserving any necessary services in advance. You can choose from a variety of Mountain Gorilla Safari Packages, including the 2-day Gorilla Fly-in Safari, 3-day Gorilla Fly-in Safari, and 4-day Gorilla Fly-in Safari to either Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Feel free to get in touch with us about gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park vs Volcanoes National Park.