Virungas vs Bwindi: Where to Track Gorillas in 2025

Article from the series: Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo

If you’re not a huge fan of crowds, wrestling through dense bushes or sweaty hikes, you may find that the Virunga volcanoes offer a more enjoyable gorilla tracking experience than the better-known Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is Uganda’s go-to spot for seeing gorillas, but the Virungas — linking DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda — deserve a top spot in your plans.

The main difference is the setting. In Bwindi you’ll often find yourself deep in the thick of the rainforest, while in the Virungas gorillas are more likely to be found in the open, making it much easier to snap a good photo. Plus, the mix of vegetation zones on the volcanoes is an attraction in its own right.

On the Ugandan side, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three dormant volcanoes. Just across the border, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protects two more. In DR Congo, it’s called Virunga National Park but sadly temporarily closed due to rebel activity. All in all, in 2025 your options are Rwanda or Uganda, both totally safe.

Volcanoes National Park is where the high-end travellers tend to go. It’s remarkably easy to reach — just a two-hour paved drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. If the permit price works for you (USD 1,500 for foreign visitors, USD 500 for African residents), the convenience is hard to beat.

Mgahinga (USD 800 for foreigners, USD 500 for African residents) often flies under the radar, mostly because there’s only one habituated gorilla group, meaning just eight permits are available each day. Some still believe it’s hit-or-miss, but that reputation is outdated. The gorillas have been reliably present for years, and they’re not going anywhere.

If you’re travelling on a budget, Mgahinga has another big advantage over Bwindi: it’s close to the town of Kisoro, with many affordable hotels. You can get there by bus, then take a car or motorbike for the final 45-minute stretch.

Whether you go for the polished ease of Volcanoes National Park or the hidden little gem of Mgahinga, tracking gorillas in the Virungas is one of those rare bucket list experiences that truly lives up to the hype. And if you’re still craving the jungle, you can always visit Bwindi for a little nature walk …

photo by Marcus Westberg