What Is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park?

What Is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park?

Planning a family gorilla tour to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda? Wondering about the age limit for gorilla trekking? Whether you’re curious about the minimum or maximum age, we’ve got all the details to help you plan your adventure.

Mgahinga National Park, located in Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda, is part of the Virunga mountain range, shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. While Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, it offers an incredible gorilla trekking experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

According to Uganda Wildlife Authority policy, the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is 15 years. Anyone under the age of 15 is considered a minor and is not permitted to trek the gorillas. This restriction is in place for several important reasons:

• Safety of the Gorillas: Children can sometimes be unpredictable, potentially causing disturbances that may provoke gorillas. For example, children might make loud noises or run, which could cause gorillas to act aggressively.
• Health Concerns: Gorillas share over 98% of the same DNA as humans, which means diseases such as colds or the flu can easily be transmitted from humans to gorillas. Since children are more prone to communicable illnesses, it is important to protect these endangered creatures.
• Physical Challenges: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga involves hiking through hilly and often slippery terrain, which might be too difficult for young children to handle.

If you’re planning a family safari, children under 15 can still enjoy a trip to Mgahinga. While they cannot trek with the gorillas, they can stay at the lodge or join nature walks or community visits with the guide.

Do Children Under 15 Pay for Gorilla Permits?

Yes, children aged 15 pay the same price for a gorilla trekking permit as adults. However, most children traveling with their families are grouped with their parents during the trek for easier management.

To ensure compliance with the age restriction, the Uganda Wildlife Authority reviews the passport of each trekkers before issuing permits. If a child is found to be under the required age, they will not be allowed to trek, even if a permit has been secured.

Maximum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

There is no maximum age for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Older visitors can still participate in the trek as long as they are physically able to travel to the park. For those who may have mobility challenges, there are options to assist:

• Porters: You can hire a porter who will help carry your bag and provide assistance during the hike. This makes the trek easier, especially on challenging terrain.
• Sedan Chairs: For those with limited mobility, sedan chairs are available. These are carried by porters and provide an alternative way to access the gorillas. The cost for a sedan chair service is around $300 per person.

We’ve had visitors in their 70s and even 80s successfully complete their gorilla trekking adventures with the help of porters or sedan chairs.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park: A Unique Adventure

Mgahinga National Park is one of Uganda’s hidden gems for gorilla tourism, offering an unforgettable experience with the rare mountain gorillas. These incredible creatures, known to share 99% of their DNA with humans, provide an intimate look at their behavior, how they move, feed, and interact. With only one habituated gorilla family—the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family—available for trekking, your experience will be both personal and extraordinary. Only eight visitors are allowed to visit this family each day, with one hour dedicated to observing them.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga National Park

A valid gorilla trekking permit is required to visit the gorillas in Mgahinga. Permits cost:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

Once you’ve secured your permit, you’ll head to the Park Headquarters for a briefing on the trekking guidelines. Then, accompanied by experienced guides and park rangers, you’ll embark on a trek through dense rainforests and up steep mountain slopes. The adventure is truly rewarding, as you’ll get to spend time—within 5 to 7 meters—of the mountain gorillas, observing their natural behaviors and activities.

After your one-hour gorilla viewing, you’ll return to the starting point and receive a certificate for completing your trek. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with lasting memories of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

How to Get to Mgahinga National Park

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is relatively easy, and you have several options:

• From Kigali (Rwanda): Mgahinga is just a 4-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The drive takes you through the Chanika Border between Rwanda and Uganda, offering scenic views along the way.
• From Entebbe/Kampala (Uganda): If you’re traveling from Uganda, the drive takes about 9-10 hours through the Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro highway.
• By Air: You can also fly directly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, which is about a 2-hour flight. Aero Link Uganda and other airlines offer regular flights.

Whether you fly or drive, the journey is scenic and rewarding, setting the stage for an incredible gorilla trekking experience.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park

While staying inside the park isn’t possible, there are several excellent accommodation options near Mgahinga, ranging from budget to luxury:

• Luxury: Gahinga Lodge offers a high-end experience with stunning views of the forest and surrounding mountains.
• Mid-Range: Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Mulehe Lodge offer comfortable stays at more affordable prices.
• Budget: For those on a budget, there are several lodges and camps near Kisoro Town, just a short 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

If you’d like to explore more of Uganda’s gorilla habitats, some travelers opt to stay in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is about a 1-hour drive from Mgahinga.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating memorable, tailor-made experiences. Our team is passionate about Uganda’s wildlife and has years of experience in organizing gorilla safaris across Uganda and East Africa. With our personalized service and attention to detail, we ensure that your trek to Mgahinga National Park will be an unforgettable adventure.

Check out our highly-rated reviews on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, where past guests share their positive experiences with us. Contact us for discounted packages or to design your own custom trip, and get ready for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience.

Reach out to us for more information about your trip to Mgahinga National Park and the age limit for gorilla trekking. Let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!