Volcanoes Trekking vs. Mgahinga Gorilla Experiences

Volcanoes Trekking vs Mgahinga – Gorilla trekking is one of the top wildlife experiences in Africa, and Volcanoes and Mgahinga are the main destinations for this activity.

While both parks offer close encounters with gorillas, there are differences in the trekking experience, permits, and accessibility.

Volcanoes National Park is in northwestern Rwanda and is the only park in the country with mountain gorillas. The park has 12 gorilla families available for trekking each day, with only 8 visitors allowed per family and a maximum of one hour with the gorillas.

One of the main advantages of visiting Volcanoes National Park is its easy access from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, with only a two-hour drive to the park headquarters. The roads from Kigali are well maintained, ensuring safe and convenient travel.

Rwanda focuses on luxury tourism, so tourists can expect high-quality accommodation, well-trained guides, and good service.

Trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves moderate to challenging trails, so visitors need to be physically fit to enjoy the experience.

Some tourists may find the gorillas after an hour, while others may take several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.

Tourists should also be ready for changing weather and should pack the right gear for the trek.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost about USD 1500 per person per trek, making them the most expensive in East Africa.

Mgahinga, on the other hand, is a small national park in southwestern Uganda near the town of Kisoro. The park is home to one gorilla family called Nyakagezi.

Compared to Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga is about an 8 to 10-hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, which makes it harder to access.

However, travelers with a higher budget can take a flight from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip. The roads are in poor condition compared to Rwanda, making the trip challenging, but the journey is adventurous as the roads pass through hills.

Mgahinga offers both mid-range and budget-friendly lodges, making it more affordable than Rwanda. Treks in Mgahinga are often easier due to shorter trails and a less steep landscape.

The park also has fewer crowds since there is only one gorilla family, but permits are limited to eight per day, so booking in advance is important.

Gorilla permits in Uganda are cheaper, costing about USD 800 per person per trek.

In summary, tourists looking for a luxurious and easily accessible trip can choose Volcanoes National Park, while those seeking a more adventurous trip with fewer crowds and a budget-friendly safari can choose Mgahinga.

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