Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Virunga and Volcanoes National Park
Trekking to see the majestic and endangered mountain gorillas is one of the most thrilling safari experiences you can undertake. These incredible creatures are native to only three African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Notably mountain gorillas are not kept in captivity and prefer to inhabit dense rainforest and mountainous slopes. Their natural habitats include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks is one of the once in a lifetime experience that attracts many tourists to do during their visit to Africa. Despite the high costs, time and discomfort from booking to doing the hike through the forest to look for these endangered apes watching gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks is one of the best wildlife experiences every traveler would do on his/her safari.
With these three remarkable locations hosting mountain gorillas, travelers often find themselves uncertain about which destination to choose. To assist in your decision, here is a comparison of gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorilla Population, number of Gorilla Permits and trekking time
Among the three gorilla trekking destinations, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boast the largest populations of mountain gorillas, with approximately 450 individuals residing across the four sectors or region such as Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija and Nkuringo sector. This represents nearly half of the World’s population of these Giant Apes. Regarding habituated gorilla families, Bwindi remains the leading location, offering around 21 fully habituated families that are accessible for trekking. Consequently, about 168 gorilla permits are available daily at this park.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can vary quite a bit terms of time and difficulty because the gorillas are always moving around in the forest. This means that each trek can be different depending on where the gorillas are that day. It’s important to be ready for changing weather, as conditions can shift quickly. The ground can be steep and there might not always be clear trails to follow. Some trek might only last for 1 hour, while other could take a full day, sometimes stretching to 8 hours pr more, especially in hot and high-altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.
Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately 300 mountain gorillas, making its the location with the second-highest number of these primates in their natural environment. currently, over 12 gorilla groups have been habituated for trekking all year round. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park last about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are with only 8 visitors that are allowed to visit a habituated gorilla group each day, 96 gorilla permits are issued every day and booking has to be done several months before the intended trekking date.
Virunga National Park supports around 200 mountain gorillas, which is the lowest among the three destinations mentioned. Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park typically takes between 30 minutes and 7 hours, including the time spent with the gorillas. The actual trekking time can vary from 1 to 2.5 hours each way, depending on the gorilla group’s location and the terrain. Consequently, there are about eight fully habituated gorilla groups, and 64 permits are available each day.
Gorilla Permit prices
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Virunga and Volcanoes National Park : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
If you’re planning to go Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, it’s is important to know the permits costs. For Foreign Non-Residents, the permit costs USD 800 per person per trek. East African Residents can purchase a permit for USD 700, while East African Citizens pay USD 300 With this permit, you’ll get the chance to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas once you find them during your trek.
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Virunga and Volcanoes National Park : Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
The cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park varies depending on the visitor’s residency status. For foreign non-residents, it’s cost $1500 Per person, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African. This permit allows you to spend an hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Getting gorilla permits in Rwanda can be done directly by booking them through Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator in Rwanda
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Virunga and Volcanoes National Park : Virunga National Park
Gorilla tracking permits in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person, while East African residents and Congo Citizens pay $200 and $20 respectively during the busy seasons, which run from mid-December to mid-March and June to October. During the quitter month, which are from mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December the permit price drops to $200. These permits are issued by Institute Congolais la Conservation de la Nature although travelers can boom through trusted Tour Operators like Maranatha Tours and Travel.
What is the best time for Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed at any time of the year; however, the most favorable periods are during the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September. During these times, access to the parks tends to be easier, and visibility of the gorillas improves due to reduced tall vegetation, making it an ideal time for a memorable experience.
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park?
Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks, you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots, binoculars, insect repellent, long sleeved shirt and trouser, hiking shoes, camera and extra batteries, light rain jacket, energy snacks and drinking water, waterproof backpack, hat and sunscreen, rain jacket, sweater, and a wide brimmed hat, among other things.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Virunga and Volcanoes National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Elephant Whispers Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
