
How to check the availability of Gorilla trekking Permits in Rwanda
November 23, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions on Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
November 25, 2021Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Bwindi. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park the park is divided into two parts, the southern and northern parts. The southern part is made up of Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla trekking gates and the northern part is made up of Ruhija and Buhoma gorilla trekking gates. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the only 4 national parks home to endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The park is also home to one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas.
Difference between Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Sectors of Bwindi
When it comes to gorilla trekking whichever part of the Bwindi you choose to do our gorilla trekking you will be able to see the mountain gorillas but there are many other things you can base on to Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Bwindi. Where best to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi, include the following;
In terms of accessibility, the northern part by road to Bwindi is closer compared to the southern part. The northern part of Bwindi can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the signposted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to your booked lodge for your stay during your gorilla trek at either Ruhija or Buhoma. The southern part of Bwindi can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro Highway. By Air both parts have no close airstrips nearby, Kihihi Airstrip that can be used to access the northern part of Bwindi and Kisoro Airstrip that can be used to access the southern part of Bwindi the drive time is approximately 1 to 2 hours. However, it is slightly cheaper to fly to Kihihi compared to flying to Kisoro as well the flight schedules are many and flexible for Kihihi compared to Kisoro because of the weather conditions in Kisoro.
In terms of Lodges, Both the northern and southern part has Budget, Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. The northern part of Bwindi is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in luxury lodges compared to the southern part of Bwindi. In the northern part at Buhoma sector there are popular lodges which are on an international standard that is Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge and Bwindi Lodge. It is also home to a large number of luxury lodge options in Bwindi including the only 2 lodges located within the Bwindi Forest that is Gorilla Forest Camp and Buhoma Lodge. These lodges offer great and luxury services so far the best in Bwindi and the country at large.
In terms of Gorilla families, the southern part of Bwindi has more gorilla trekking families and gorilla permits compared to the Northern part of Bwindi. This makes the southern part of Bwindi have many gorilla permits available daily that is 56 permits for gorilla trekking compared to the northern part of Bwindi.
In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that both the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi are 98% so whichever part of the park you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. What only makes the southern part of Bwindi unique is you the option to spend 4 hours much time with the mountain gorillas through gorilla habituation experience which is only done between Rushaga and Nkuringo. Also Nkuringo is steeper and strenuous than other sectors of the park making it great for adventurers and hikers.
In terms of distance walked to see gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi? The issue of walking longer or short distances depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you. In both the southern part of Bwindi and the northern part of Bwindi gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individuals. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will still need to move further to follow them.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi
The bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation. Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Bwindi
Why book your gorilla trek in Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris?
Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It has a very diligent and trustworthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer all your questions, and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Southern and Northern Bwindi There are some Mountain Gorilla Safari Packages and these include; 3-day Gorilla Fly-in safari, 3-day Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari, 5 Day Gorilla, and Game safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us.