Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is an unforgettable experience that every traveler will cherish.
This incredible activity leads you through the lush Afromontane forests as you search for the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Once you spot them, you have a full hour to observe and appreciate these incredible creatures.
Located in the picturesque southwestern part of Uganda, specifically in the Kisoro district, Mgahinga National Park spans 33.7 square kilometers and is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Established in 1991 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, this park plays a crucial role in protecting these magnificent animals.
Mgahinga National Park is one of the two national parks in Uganda where you can encounter these endangered mountain gorillas, with the other being the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, also situated in the southwest of Uganda.
While Mgahinga National Park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including 76 mammal species and 180 types of birds, the highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the gorilla trekking experience. The Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family, the only habituated group in the park, offers a unique opportunity for up to eight tourists to trek alongside them each day.
This guide is here to assist travelers planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park.
Related read: Complete Guide to Experiencing a Mountain Gorilla-Tracking Safari in Uganda
Here’s an overview:
What is the Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Mgahinga National Park?
Every visitor needs to obtain a gorilla permit to spend time with mountain gorillas in the beautiful Afromontane forests of Mgahinga National Park.
These permits, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, grant tourists the incredible opportunity to come face-to-face with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Each permit includes a specific trekking date, so it’s essential for visitors to plan their encounter for the designated day.
The cost of a single gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga National Park varies:
- $800 for foreign non-residents
- $700 for foreign residents
- $500 for visitors from the Rest of Africa
- UGX300,000 for citizens of East African member states
Due to the limited number of permits available in Mgahinga National Park, those wishing to trek with the Nyakagezi gorilla group must make reservations well in advance.
Related read: How Much Does a Uganda Safari Cost?
How Do You Book a Permit To Go on a Gorilla Trek in Mgahinga National Park?
Booking a gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga National Park is a breeze with a reputable local tour operator approved by the Uganda Tourism Board.
Once travelers share their preferred dates with the tour operator, a customized itinerary is put together. The trekking dates are then selected, and if permits are available for those dates, the tour operator handles the booking with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to secure the safari.
Upon safari confirmation, the tour operator visits the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservations office to purchase the necessary gorilla permits based on the number of participants interested in the trek.
Travelers keen on viewing their gorilla trekking permits can always request a digital copy from the tour operators.
When Do You Buy Gorilla Trekking Permits for Mgahinga National Park?
Travelers planning to explore Mgahinga National Park should make sure to purchase their gorilla trekking permits well in advance.
Booking these permits 3 to 4 months or even earlier before the trekking date is highly recommended, as they tend to sell out quickly due to limited availability.
Related read: Golden Monkey and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
How Many Gorilla Trekking Permits Are Available in Mgahinga National Park a Day?
Right now, there’s just one gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park called the Nyakagezi family.
You can trek to see the Nyakagezi family with a maximum of 8 people per day. This means the Uganda Wildlife Authority only sells 8 gorilla trekking permits for Mgahinga National Park daily.
When To Go Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Travelers have the incredible opportunity to experience gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park throughout the year, immersing themselves in the beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural environment.
Dry season
For the optimal experience, consider planning your visit during the drier months of June to September and December to February when the park shines with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine.
Exploring during the dry season offers advantages such as easier trekking trails, providing a smooth journey through the lush jungle. The shorter, more scattered vegetation within Mgahinga’s forests allows for unobstructed views and excellent photography opportunities of the mountain gorillas.
Additionally, the roads leading to Mgahinga are in top condition when rainfall is scarce.
Rainy season
Even during the rainy season from March to May and October to November, tourists can still enjoy Mgahinga National Park, especially those seeking budget-friendly accommodation options.
While rainfall is more prevalent and sunshine may be limited, this period offers discounted lodge prices for savvy travelers.
Travelers venturing out for gorilla trekking from March to May and October to November should be prepared for muddy and slippery trekking trails.
The tall vegetation during these seasons may slightly obscure views of the mountain gorillas, and the roads to Mgahinga National Park may be challenging to navigate due to heavy rains. However, it will be a bit more adventurous, and it will remain an experience that you will never forget.
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The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga National Park
Trekking to see the Nyakagezi gorilla family is a daily adventure in Mgahinga National Park, usually kicking off in the morning hours.
The fun begins around 8 am at the park headquarters, where all us eager trekkers gather for a briefing from the friendly park rangers. They fill us in on the dos and don’ts of the activity, getting us all set for the day ahead.
After the briefing, we’re paired up with armed ranger guides who lead us through the lush jungle in search of the majestic mountain gorillas. We hop into a short drive from the briefing spot to the trek’s starting point, where helpful porters offer their services at a very reasonable cost for any extra gear we might have.
As we set off on our hike, we’re handed sturdy hiking sticks to help us navigate the sometimes slippery trails in the mountainous terrain of Mgahinga National Park. The trek itself takes us through various vegetation types, lasting anywhere from 2 to 5 hours as we explore the slopes of the mountains in search of our gorilla friends.
While we wander through the jungle on the lookout for the mountain gorillas, we’re treated to glimpses of other park residents like elephants, bushpigs, giant forest hogs, buffaloes, leopards, bushbucks, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
After some dedicated searching, we finally come face to face with the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Our armed ranger guides allow us a full hour in their presence, giving us the chance to observe their behaviors up close.
We witness everything from nesting and breastfeeding to mating, hunting, and playful antics.
Once our time with the gorillas comes to an end, we begin our trek back out of the jungle. Along the way, we keep our eyes peeled for more park wildlife, primates, birds, and the lush vegetation surrounding us.
And when we reach the starting point, our trusty driver guides are there, ready to whisk us off to our next exciting destination.
Related read: How Fit Should You Be for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
What To Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga National Park
You’ll want to be prepared with a few essentials for an epic gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park.
Must-have items for your gorilla trekking packing list
- waterproof hiking boots
- comfy long-sleeved shirts
- durable pants
- trusty gardening gloves
- gaiters
- a handy backpack
- cozy cotton socks
- stylish sunglasses
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- a camera for those Instagram-worthy shots
- binoculars for wildlife spotting
- a trusty hiking stick
- a reusable water bottle
- and some tasty energy-packed snacks to keep you going strong throughout the day.
Related read: Tips for Planning a Safari in Uganda
Getting to Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park in the Kisoro district can be reached either by road or air transport. The choice of transportation depends on the traveler’s preferences or budget.
Air transport is a popular option for those seeking luxury or avoiding long journeys, while budget-conscious travelers often opt for road transport.
By air
Air transport from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a short additional journey of less than 2 hours to reach the park.
By road
Alternatively, by road, the quickest route to Mgahinga National Park is from Kigali, crossing into Kisoro via the Kyanika border.
Starting from Entebbe, a common starting point for safaris in Uganda, reaching Mgahinga National Park typically takes 9 to 10 hours by road.
Travelers should be prepared for the long journey, passing through Kampala, Mpigi, Masaka, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale, and finally reaching Kisoro where the park is situated.
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