Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga: Which Offers the Best Experience?
Uganda stands out as one of the best places for gorilla trekking. More than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in its forests. Travelers can trek gorillas in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each park offers a unique experience, and choosing the best one depends on different factors.
This guide compares gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga. It covers terrain, accessibility, gorilla families, costs, and other activities. If you plan a gorilla safari in Uganda, this information will help you make the right decision.
- Bwindi and Mgahinga: An Overview
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Location: Southwestern Uganda
- Size: 331 square kilometers
- Altitude: Ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level
- Gorilla Population: Over 459 mountain gorillas
- Number of Gorilla Families: Over 20 habituated groups
- UNESCO Status: Recognized as a World Heritage Site
Bwindi’s thick jungle, rolling hills, and misty atmosphere create a dramatic setting for gorilla trekking. Visitors trek through rugged trails and dense vegetation to find gorillas. The park’s size allows multiple trekking sectors, offering different levels of difficulty and experience.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Location: Southwestern Uganda, bordering Rwanda and DR Congo
- Size: 33.7 square kilometers
- Altitude: Ranges from 2,227 to 4,127 meters above sea level
- Gorilla Population: One habituated gorilla family (Nyakagezi group)
- Part of Virunga Conservation Area: Connected to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo
Mgahinga sits in the Virunga Mountains, where volcanic peaks dominate the landscape. The park offers breathtaking views and an open forest that makes tracking gorillas easier. It has only one habituated gorilla family, making each trek more exclusive.
- Gorilla Trekking Experience: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga
Trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi offers diverse trekking experiences across four trekking sectors:
- Buhoma: Easier hikes with high chances of spotting gorillas quickly
- Ruhija: Higher altitude, making it more challenging but scenic
- Rushaga: More gorilla families, offering flexibility in trekking options
- Nkuringo: Steep terrain, requiring more endurance but rewarding views
Trekking in Bwindi involves navigating dense rainforest and steep trails. The terrain can be rough, and thick undergrowth sometimes makes hiking slow. Trekking groups follow expert guides who track gorillas based on fresh signs like dung, broken vegetation, and vocalizations.
Hikes last 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. The moment trekkers reach gorillas, they spend one hour observing them. The chance of spotting gorillas remains very high due to the park’s large population.
Trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga’s Nyakagezi Gorilla Family stays within a small range, making tracking easier. Hikes cover less dense forest and shorter distances compared to Bwindi. The Virunga Mountains create a stunning backdrop, with open trails leading through bamboo forests and montane vegetation.
Treks take 2 to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement. The fewer tourists visiting Mgahinga make the experience quieter and more intimate. Hikers enjoy clear views of the gorillas due to the park’s open terrain.
- Gorilla Families: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga
Bwindi Gorilla Families
Bwindi has over 20 habituated gorilla families across its four trekking sectors. Each family has a dominant silverback, females, juveniles, and playful infants. Trekkers get assigned a gorilla family based on fitness levels and availability.
Mgahinga Gorilla Family
Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla group, the Nyakagezi Family. This group features multiple silverbacks that live peacefully together, a rare occurrence in gorilla families. The smaller visitor numbers ensure an exclusive encounter with these gorillas.
- Accessibility and Transportation
Getting to Bwindi
- By Road:
- 8-10 hours from Kampala or Entebbe
- 3-4 hours from Kigali, Rwanda, via the Cyanika or Katuna border
- By Air:
- Flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 1-2 hour drive
Getting to Mgahinga
- By Road:
- 8-9 hours from Kampala
- 3-4 hours from Kigali, Rwanda, making it an excellent option for those flying into Rwanda
- By Air:
- Flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 45-minute drive
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost
Both Bwindi and Mgahinga have the same permit prices:
- $800 per person (Foreign Non-Residents)
- $700 per person (Foreign Residents)
- UGX 300,000 (East African Citizens)
Permits should be booked months in advance, especially for Bwindi, where demand remains high.
- Other Activities Besides Gorilla Trekking
Activities in Bwindi
- Batwa Cultural Experience: Interact with the Batwa pygmies, the region’s original forest dwellers
- Bird Watching: Over 350 bird species thrive in Bwindi’s forest
- Nature Walks: Explore trails leading to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints
Activities in Mgahinga
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Mgahinga is Uganda’s only park where golden monkey trekking happens
- Volcano Hiking: Trek any of the three Virunga Volcanoes:
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m) – A hike that lets you stand in three countries at once (Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo)
- Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – Features a scenic bamboo forest
- Mount Muhabura (4,127m) – Offers stunning panoramic views
- Which Park Should You Choose?
| Feature | Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Mgahinga Gorilla NP |
| Number of Gorilla Families | 20+ families | 1 family (Nyakagezi) |
| Trekking Difficulty | Hard (steep and dense forest) | Moderate (open terrain) |
| Trekking Duration | 2-6 hours | 2-5 hours |
| Scenery | Rainforest | Volcanic landscape |
| Crowds | Many tourists | Fewer tourists |
| Other Activities | Birding, nature walks, Batwa culture | Golden monkey trekking, volcano hikes |
| Best For | Travelers wanting many trekking options | Visitors preferring a quieter, exclusive trek |
Final Verdict:
- Choose Bwindi if you prefer more trekking options and multiple gorilla families.
- Choose Mgahinga if you enjoy quieter treks, a volcanic landscape, and golden monkey trekking.
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure Today
Uganda offers unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in both Bwindi and Mgahinga. Each park has something special, from Bwindi’s thick jungles to Mgahinga’s breathtaking volcanoes. Book your gorilla permit early and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
