Do you want to compare gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and that of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? This piece of writing is meant for you. By the time you read to the bottom of the page, you will have had an insight into the differences between mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You will also know the similarities between tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda is a popular safari destination for gorilla trekking in Africa and the world at large. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to half of the world’s total mountain gorilla population. Several tourists and trekkers have been visiting the parks over the past decades. This makes the question of which one is better than the other in the gorilla trekking experience remains a challenge. Planning a Uganda gorilla trekking safari to Uganda might be a challenging task especially, to first-time travelers. If you are one of them, worry no more. The comparison between gorilla trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks will ease the task.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Vs Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Comparing size and location
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda in the district of Kanungu. The park covers an area of approximately 331 square kilometers. The park is divided into four sectors namely; the Ruhija sector, the Rushaga sector, the Nkuringo sector, and the Buhoma sector. Each of these sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a reliable destination for gorilla trekking and birding safaris in Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda about an 8-hour drive from Kampala and Entebbe International Airport. The park covers an area of approximately 33.7 square kilometers. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an extension of the Virunga massif.
The Virunga massif is a chain of Volcanic Mountains running from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda. The park is an extension of Virunga National Park in Congo and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is closer to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This makes it a favorable gorilla trekking safari destination from Rwanda and Congo. For instance, travelers from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda can easily connect to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Comparing Gorilla groups
Mgahinga National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family named Nyakagezi gorilla family. The Nyakagezi gorilla family tends to cross borders. It has sometimes been seen in the areas of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 18 habituated gorilla groups or gorilla families. All these gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are available for trekking. In the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, travelers can take on gorilla habituation safaris. The park is a reliable gorilla trekking destination and most of the travelers look up to it for an exceptional gorilla adventure in Uganda. Some of the gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include;
Mukiza Gorilla family
Mubare Gorilla family
Habiyanja Gorilla family
Bweza Gorilla family
Binyindo Gorilla family
Katwe Gorilla family
Kutu Gorilla family
Kahungye Gorilla family
Kyaguriro Gorilla family
Mucunguzi Gorilla family
Bitukura Gorilla family
Oruzogo Gorilla family
Nkuringo Gorilla family
Bushaho gorilla family
Christmas Gorilla family
Mishaya Gorilla family
Bikingi Gorilla family
Comparing terrain and accessibility
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a rugged terrain comprising steep slopes and impenetrable thick rainforest hence the name. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is somewhat challenging and requires a certain level of physical fitness and experience.
On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has gentle slopes comprising gentle slopes, bamboo and volcanic landscapes. The forests in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are not as thick and impenetrable as those of Bwindi. This makes gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park an easy venture.
Comparing gorilla trekking permits
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park goes for USD 800 per person per day. Permits can be booked online or physically from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Tourists usually book through an authorized tour operator in Uganda. It is important to book your gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
Comparing time spent with the gorillas
During your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, travelers are given one hour to spend in the presence of the gorilla family. The whole trekking activity takes 1 to 8 hours including the one hour spent in the presence of the gorillas. Meeting gorillas depends on where the gorillas spent the previous night and how fast trekkers can walk. With the help of expert gorilla trekking guides in both parks, spotting a gorilla family is a sure deal in both national parks.
Comparing other activities done in the parks
Other gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer a wide range of safari activities. These include; golden monkey trekking, birding safaris, guided nature walks, hiking adventures, and community or cultural tours, to mention but a few.
Lastly, both parks offer a wide range of accommodation facilities so that tourists can enjoy a comfortable stay on their gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda. The lodges are strategically located to provide scenic views of the parks and the neighboring communities. The lodges are also built in an eco-friendly manner which gives travelers a chance to feel the wilderness in the comfort of their rooms.
