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Exclusive Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Looking to begin your adventure in Mgahinga National Park? Excursia Adventures offers exclusive gorilla trekking experiences in this stunning park. Situated in the heart of the Virunga volcanic mountain chain, which spans Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, Mgahinga is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its lush forests. As Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga is bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
The park is home to three stunning volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura—all part of the Virunga Mountains. Along with mountain gorillas, the park is also known for its population of Golden Monkeys. The diverse ecosystem features tropical rainforests, lowland evergreen forests, seasonal forests, montane rainforests, and bamboo forests, creating a unique experience for visitors.
What to Do in Mgahinga National Park
With so much to explore, spending a couple of nights near Mgahinga is ideal to enjoy the variety of activities the park offers.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any visit to Mgahinga National Park. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas share 99% of our DNA, making them fascinating to watch as they interact, feed, and live their daily lives.
Mgahinga’s Nyakagezi Gorilla Family is the only habituated group available for trekking. A gorilla permit is required, with prices as follows:
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- 300,000 UGX for East African citizens
The trek begins with a briefing at the Park Headquarters on the rules for tracking gorillas. Experienced guides and park rangers will then lead you through dense rainforests and steep mountain slopes to the gorillas. When you find them, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures up close (within 7-10 meters). Afterward, you’ll return to the starting point where you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your successful gorilla trek.
Golden Monkey Trekking
In addition to gorilla trekking, Mgahinga National Park also offers an exciting Golden Monkey trekking experience. These rare primates are found only in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, making this trek a unique opportunity to see them in their natural environment.
Golden Monkey trekking is available for a permit fee of USD 100. The trek begins early in the morning with a briefing at the Park Headquarters before heading into the forest with guides and rangers. Once you locate the monkeys, you’ll be allowed to spend an hour observing them. This activity is a must for wildlife enthusiasts looking for something beyond gorillas.
Volcano Climbing and Hiking
Mgahinga National Park is also home to three of the Virunga Mountains, offering excellent opportunities for volcano climbing and hiking. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose to hike one of the following volcanoes:
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) – This challenging 8-hour round trip offers stunning views from the summit.
- Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – A slightly easier 6-hour hike, with a crater swamp at the summit.
- Mount Muhabura (4,127m) – The highest peak in the park, requiring an 8-hour hike to reach the top, offering incredible views of the Virunga Mountains, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and even the Rwenzori Mountains.
During the hikes, you may encounter various wildlife, including Forest Elephants, primates, and, with a bit of luck, even gorillas.
Batwa Cultural Experience in Mgahinga National Park
A Batwa Cultural Experience is one of the most enriching activities you can enjoy in Mgahinga National Park. Once the traditional home of the Batwa Pygmies, this park offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history and culture of this fascinating community.
The Batwa were once forest dwellers, living alongside the park’s endangered primates. However, as part of conservation efforts to protect the wildlife, they were relocated from the park. Now, they share their unique heritage with visitors through cultural encounters that include storytelling, dancing, and demonstrations of their traditional way of life.
During your visit, the Batwa will take you on a guided trail through the forest, where they will show you how they lived in the wild. You’ll witness traditional hunting techniques, fruit gathering, honey collection, and rituals. It’s a chance to experience firsthand how these people once thrived in the forest and to appreciate their deep connection with the environment.
These cultural trails not only offer an unforgettable experience but also help support the local community. The fees paid for the tours directly benefit the Batwa and other nearby communities, with donations for women’s and children’s groups warmly welcomed. Additionally, buying souvenirs from the Batwa helps sustain their livelihoods.
Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park
For bird lovers, Mgahinga National Park offers excellent opportunities for bird watching. The park is home to around 79 bird species, including several that are endemic to the East Congo Montane region, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Some of the species you might spot include the Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Brown-crowned Tchagra, and Bronze Sunbird. The park is also home to the Rwenzori Batis, Black-headed Waxbill, Chubb’s Cisticola, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Doherty’s Bush-shrike, among others. These birds can be found in the forest’s dense vegetation and at the forest edges.
Bird watching tours typically take place in the gorge between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga, as well as along the forest edges. The birding trail is about a four-hour walk, with expert guides helping you identify bird sounds and species along the way.
Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park
To make the most of your visit to Mgahinga, it’s best to stay at least one or two nights in or near the park. Several accommodations are available, offering a variety of options ranging from budget to luxury.
- Gahinga Lodge – A luxury option with incredible views of the park and mountains.
- Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge – Both offer midrange and budget-friendly options.
- For those who prefer a more urban experience, Kisoro town is just a 30-minute drive from the park and has additional hotels and lodges.
These accommodations are ideally situated on the outskirts of the park, offering guests scenic views of the surrounding forest and mountain ranges.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Excursia Adventures?
When it comes to exclusive gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, Excursia Adventures is your trusted partner. We offer tailored packages and discounted deals for a personalized experience in this unique destination.
Our expertise in organizing authentic and eco-friendly safaris is backed by a team of passionate Ugandans, combining youthful energy with years of experience. As a company, we are highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from travelers who have already experienced our top-notch services.
Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, cultural encounters, or exploring the park’s natural beauty, Excursia Adventures is here to help you plan your perfect adventure.
Get in touch today to start your exclusive gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga National Park!
