Difference Between Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla trekking; Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but choosing between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be challenging. Both parks offer the rare opportunity to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but they differ in terrain, accessibility, gorilla families, and the overall trekking experience. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide.
1. Location and Accessibility
The difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla trekking starts with their locations.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in southwestern Uganda, covering over 321 square kilometers. It has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, covering 33 square kilometers in southwestern Uganda, near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Accessibility:
- Bwindi: Can be accessed from Kampala via an 8-10 hour drive or by a domestic flight to Kisoro airstrips.
- Mgahinga: Best accessed via Kisoro, a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala or a 1-hour flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip.
2. Gorilla Families and Trekking Experience
A major difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla trekking is the number of gorilla families available.
- Bwindi: Home to over 20 habituated gorilla families, spread across four trekking sectors. This makes it easier to secure permits and increases the likelihood of seeing gorillas.
- Mgahinga: Has only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, known for its mobility across borders but now relatively stable in Uganda.
Trekking Experience:
- Bwindi: Trekking here involves hiking through dense forests, steep hills, and uneven terrain, making it physically demanding but rewarding. Treks can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on gorilla locations.
- Mgahinga: The trek is generally easier due to open bamboo forests and the volcanic terrain, offering clearer views and shorter trekking durations of about 2 to 5 hours.
3. Landscape and Scenery
The difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla trekking is also visible in the landscape.
- Bwindi: Features dense rainforests, thick undergrowth, and rugged terrain, offering a true jungle experience.
- Mgahinga: Lies within the Virunga Mountains, providing scenic volcanic peaks, bamboo forests, and open terrain, making it easier to spot other wildlife.
4. Other Wildlife and Attractions
Both parks offer additional attractions beyond gorilla trekking.
- Bwindi: Home to over 350 bird species, 120 mammal species, and various primates like colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
- Mgahinga: Hosts golden monkeys, making it the only place in Uganda where visitors can trek both gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is also part of the Virunga Volcanoes, featuring hikes up Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.
5. Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability and Cost
A key difference between Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla trekking is the availability of trekking permits.
- Bwindi: Has more permits due to multiple sectors and families, increasing the chances of securing a permit.
- Mgahinga: With only one gorilla family, permits are limited, making booking in advance essential.
Cost:
Both parks charge the same permit fee: $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 for residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.
6. Best Park for Gorilla Trekking?
Choosing between Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla trekking depends on your preferences:
- Choose Bwindi if you want a higher chance of seeing gorillas, a dense rainforest experience, and multiple trekking options.
- Choose Mgahinga if you prefer shorter treks, scenic volcanic landscapes, and the opportunity to see golden monkeys.
Both Bwindi and Mgahinga offer unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. Whether you choose the dense forests of Bwindi or the open volcano slopes of Mgahinga, the experience of meeting mountain gorillas face-to-face is truly magical. Plan your trek based on your fitness level, scenery preference, and permit availability to make the most of your safari experience.
Would you like to book a gorilla trekking experience, Contact us today for expert guidance on planning your adventure.
