Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga – Which Is Right for You?

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and there are only two national parks where you can track them: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, but each has its own unique features that may make one a better fit for your adventure.

If you’re planning a gorilla trek in Uganda and wondering whether to go with Bwindi or Mgahinga, this guide by Trek Africa Expeditions breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

Overall Experience: What’s the Trekking Like?

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are home to habituated mountain gorilla families, and the overall trekking experience is deeply rewarding in either park. That said, a few differences in terrain, vegetation, and logistics can influence your decision.

Vegetation and Scenery

Mgahinga National Park is part of the Virunga Volcanoes and features scenic hills covered in bamboo forests. This open vegetation often makes it easier to spot and photograph gorillas. Treks here tend to be slightly more open and scenic, offering panoramic views of the volcanoes.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, as the name suggests, is a dense tropical rainforest teeming with plant life. The terrain is rugged, with thick vegetation, which sometimes makes sightings more challenging—but also incredibly immersive. The atmosphere here is primal and wild, offering a deeper forest trekking experience.

Accessibility: Getting There

Both parks can be accessed by road or air from Entebbe or Kampala, with an 8–9 hour drive to reach either Bwindi or Mgahinga. However, if you’re flying into Kigali, Rwanda, the journey becomes much easier. You can cross into Uganda and reach either park in about 4–5 hours by car. With an East African Tourist Visa, you can explore both Rwanda and Uganda on the same trip, which adds flexibility and affordability.

Accommodation Options

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a wider range of accommodation, including some of Uganda’s most luxurious safari lodges. From eco-luxury options like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Buhoma Lodge, to mid-range and budget lodges, there’s something for every traveler.

Mgahinga also has budget, mid-range, and a few luxury options, but the selection is more limited compared to Bwindi. If you’re seeking top-end comfort and amenities, Bwindi may be a better fit.

Number of Gorilla Families and Permits

One of the biggest differences between the two parks is the number of gorilla families available for trekking.

• Bwindi has 19 habituated gorilla groups, spread across four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo). This means there are 152 trekking permits available daily, offering more flexibility, especially during peak seasons.

• Mgahinga is home to just one habituated family, the Nyakagezi group. Only 8 permits are issued per day, so availability is limited, but the small group size often means a more intimate experience.

Trekking Distance and Difficulty

Both parks allocate gorilla families based on your fitness level and preferences. If you request a shorter trek, park rangers will do their best to assign a nearby group. However, gorilla movements are unpredictable, and your actual trekking time may vary.

Bwindi has a reputation for more strenuous hikes due to its thick forest and hilly terrain, while Mgahinga’s bamboo forests generally offer slightly easier treks. Still, physical exertion is part of the adventure in both parks.

Location Advantages

Bwindi has the advantage of proximity to other major attractions. Within a 2-hour drive, you can reach Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic game drives, and in about 4 hours, you can visit Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking. This makes it easy to combine your gorilla trek with other wildlife experiences in Uganda.

Mgahinga, while equally stunning, is more remote and less connected to other major parks. However, it’s ideal for travelers focused solely on gorillas or those looking to combine trekking with volcano hiking.

When to Go: Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi and Mgahinga is possible year-round, but the dry seasons offer the best conditions:

• June to August and December to February are the driest months, making trails less slippery and increasing your chances of a clear day for photography.

• The wet seasons (March to May and November) can make trekking more challenging, but they also come with perks like discounted lodge rates and fewer tourists on the trails.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize personalized gorilla trekking safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly trek or a luxurious wildlife journey, we craft experiences that go beyond just seeing gorillas. Our trips support conservation, empower local communities, and include a variety of activities like:

• Chimpanzee trekking

• Big Five game drives

• Boat cruises

• Volcano hikes

• Cultural encounters

• Wildlife safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia

Let us help you plan the ultimate African safari, tailored to your interests and travel style.

Final Thoughts: Bwindi or Mgahinga?

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, and you can’t go wrong with either. If you’re looking for more permit availability, luxury accommodations, and easy access to other national parks, Bwindi is the better option. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate trek with stunning volcanic scenery, Mgahinga could be the perfect fit.

Need help choosing the right park for your gorilla trekking adventure? Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime journey.