Flying to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Flying to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: A Quick and Scenic Journey

A flying safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is perfect for those looking to save time and enjoy the convenience of air travel instead of enduring the long 8-9 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. By flying, you can cut your travel time to just 2 hours, giving you more time to explore this stunning park. Once you arrive, you’ll have the chance to experience incredible activities, including mountain gorilla trekking, the Batwa cultural trail, and hiking the park’s three extinct volcanoes.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a prime destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda, offering an intimate encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. It’s also a dream for adventurers, with towering volcanoes to climb and rich biodiversity to discover.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be Uganda’s smallest national park, but it offers a wealth of experiences. Situated on the border with Rwanda, it forms part of the greater Virunga Range alongside Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.

The park features three impressive extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Mgahinga is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species, reptiles, and other forest mammals, making it a top spot for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers alike.

Cost of a Flying Safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The cost of a flying safari to Mgahinga depends on the type of trip you prefer—whether it’s luxury, mid-range, or budget. The biggest expense will be the gorilla trekking permit, which costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for East African residents, and USD 75 for East African citizens.

Here’s a breakdown of additional costs:

• Accommodation: Ranges from budget options at USD 100, mid-range at USD 200, to luxury stays costing between USD 300-700 per night.
• Transport: Includes return flights, which cost around USD 542.

The most popular itinerary is a 3-Day Fly-in Gorilla Trekking Safari:

• For Solo Travelers: USD 2,300
• For 2 People Sharing: USD 1,790 per person
• For 3 People Sharing: USD 1,770 per person
• For 4 People Sharing: USD 1,750 per person

These prices include the gorilla tracking permit, accommodation (budget category), transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle, return flights, an English-speaking driver/guide, and drinking water. Exclusions are tips, visas, international flights, and alcoholic drinks. Contact us to help you plan and book your flying safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an unforgettable experience.

How to Book a Flying Safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Booking your flying safari to Mgahinga is easy. Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, share them with us and we’ll check the availability of gorilla tracking permits and flights for your chosen route. If both are available, we’ll send you a confirmation and an invoice for the necessary payments. Once your payment is processed, we’ll secure your permits and flights, confirming your booking for an incredible adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Activities on a Flying Safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique destination, offering visitors the chance to encounter two rare primates: the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. With its stunning volcanic peaks and rich biodiversity, a visit to this park promises thrilling adventures and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga

Gorilla trekking is one of the main highlights of visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Every day at 7:00 AM, trekkers gather for a briefing before setting off through the dense Gahinga forest in search of mountain gorillas. The park is home to the Nyakagezi family, the only habituated group of gorillas here. As only 8 permits are available each day, it’s recommended to book your gorilla tracking permit 2-3 months in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkey tracking is another unique experience that Mgahinga offers, as it’s the only place in Uganda where you can see these endangered primates in the wild. Like gorilla tracking, this activity begins in the morning after a briefing, followed by a guided trek through the forest. Golden monkey tracking permits are generally available and can be purchased on arrival at the park headquarters.

Golden Monkey Habituation

For those wanting an even more immersive experience, the golden monkey habituation program allows visitors to spend extended time with semi-habituated golden monkeys. This half-day activity involves helping researchers get these monkeys accustomed to human presence. Like the tracking permits, habituation permits can also be acquired at the park headquarters.

Bird Watching

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 127 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. The park offers a fantastic opportunity to spot rare birds in their natural habitat, making it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda.

Wildlife Viewing

Mgahinga is home to 76 species of mammals, including buffaloes, elephants, bush pigs, leopards, and golden cats. While many of these animals are nocturnal and harder to spot due to the park’s rugged terrain, you may still encounter signs of wildlife during your trek, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of some of these elusive creatures.

Batwa Cultural Trail

For a cultural experience, the Batwa Cultural Trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Batwa people, the indigenous inhabitants of the forest. Guided by a Batwa elder, you’ll learn about their traditional way of life, their survival skills, and their deep connection to the forest. The trail ends with a visit to the Garama Cave, once the home of the Batwa king, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dance performance.

Where to Stay During a Flying Safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

When flying to Mgahinga, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, including:

• Gahinga Lodge
• Lake Chahafi Resort
• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
• Kisoro Travelers’ Inn

These lodges provide comfortable stays close to the park, allowing easy access to activities.

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The best time to book a flying safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the dry seasons, which run from January to February and June to early September. These months offer better travel conditions and make wildlife viewing easier, as the vegetation is less dense, improving your chances of spotting gorillas and golden monkeys.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• By Road: Mgahinga can be accessed via an 8-9 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll travel through Kabale and Kisoro towns, continuing on to your lodge near the park. Alternatively, the park is a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda, making it an easier option for travelers flying into Kigali International Airport.
• By Air: For a faster and more convenient option, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to the park. Domestic airlines like Aerolink and Fly Uganda offer scheduled and chartered flights. From the airstrip, your tour operator can arrange a transfer to your lodge.

Why Book Your Flying Safari with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures specializes in organizing exceptional flying safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and beyond. With extensive experience in Uganda and Rwanda, we are highly rated on TripAdvisor for our attention to detail and eco-conscious approach. Our safaris combine thrilling gorilla trekking experiences with conservation-friendly adventures like Big Five safaris, chimpanzee trekking, hiking, and cultural encounters.

By choosing Excursia Adventures, you not only enjoy a seamless and unforgettable safari experience but also support efforts to preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and uplift local communities. We also offer safaris in top African destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Contact us today to plan your flying safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and experience the best of African wildlife!