How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

If you’re planning a trip to Mgahinga National Park, you might be wondering how to book gorilla trekking in this stunning park. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Volcanoes, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is renowned for its mountain gorilla safaris. Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The park is home to three volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura—as well as the endangered mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys.

The park’s diverse ecosystem, including lowland equatorial rainforests, montane rainforests, and bamboo forests, makes it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

What to Do in Mgahinga National Park?

Mgahinga National Park offers a variety of exciting activities that make it worth a visit. Whether you’re spending one or two nights in the area, you’ll find plenty to do. Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy:

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any trip to Mgahinga National Park. This unforgettable experience allows you to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat as they feed, move, and interact. With 99% DNA similarity to humans, these magnificent creatures are truly awe-inspiring.

In Mgahinga, there is only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, available for trekking year-round. During your trek, you’ll be part of a small group, with only 8 visitors allowed per day. You’ll have the chance to spend one hour with the gorillas for photography and observation.

To book a gorilla trekking experience, you’ll need to secure a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The costs are as follows:

• USD $800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD $700 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 (about USD $65) for East African citizens

On the day of the trek, you’ll begin with a briefing at the Park Headquarters about trekking regulations and safety. Afterward, experienced park guides and rangers will accompany you on your hike through dense rainforest and steep slopes. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have the chance to observe them up close, within 5-7 meters. After your hour-long encounter, you’ll return to the starting point to receive a certificate commemorating your successful trek.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Another exciting activity in Mgahinga is golden monkey trekking. These rare primates, known for their golden fur, are also found in Mgahinga National Park. There are two habituated golden monkey groups available for trekking in the park, making this a unique opportunity.

A golden monkey trekking permit costs USD $100 and includes an informative briefing before heading into the forest. You’ll trek through the rainforest until you spot the golden monkeys, then spend an hour observing their playful behavior. Golden monkeys are only found in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Volcano Climbing and Hiking

Mgahinga National Park is also home to three of the six Virunga Volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike one of these peaks.

• Mount Sabyinyo: Standing at 3,669 meters, it offers an 8-hour round-trip hike, featuring steep ridges up to the summit.
• Mount Gahinga: At 3,474 meters, this smaller volcano takes about 6 hours to ascend and descend, offering stunning views from the top.
• Mount Muhabura: The highest peak in Mgahinga at 4,127 meters, this 12 km round-trip trek takes about 8 hours and rewards climbers with panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

While hiking, you may also spot various primates, forest elephants, and diverse bird species. If you’re lucky, you might even see the mountain gorillas along the way!

Batwa Cultural Experience in Mgahinga National Park

One of the most unique and enriching experiences in Mgahinga National Park is the Batwa Cultural Encounter. The Batwa, an indigenous group of Pygmies, once called the forests of Mgahinga home. However, they were relocated as part of conservation efforts to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and other primates in the park.

The Batwa Cultural Experience offers you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and lifestyle of these fascinating people. Led by Batwa guides, you’ll embark on a trail through the forest where they demonstrate their traditional way of life, which includes hunting, fruit gathering, honey collection, and performing ancient rituals. You’ll also get to learn about their traditional food, dances, and songs—providing you with an authentic glimpse into their rich culture.

These trails not only showcase the Batwa’s cultural heritage but also help support the local community. A portion of the fees from the cultural encounters goes directly to funding initiatives that improve the livelihoods of the Batwa and surrounding communities. Donations to local women and children’s groups are welcomed, and purchasing souvenirs also contributes to supporting the community.

Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park

For bird enthusiasts, Mgahinga National Park is a paradise. The park is home to about 79 bird species, many of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Some of the birds you can spot during your visit include the Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Regal Sunbird, and Rwenzori Batis, among many others.

Birding in Mgahinga is best enjoyed along the gorge between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga, as well as in the forest edge. With the help of expert guides, you’ll take a 4-hour bird-watching walk, listening to the sounds of the forest and spotting rare bird species hidden in the tangled vegetation. Birdwatching here is not just a peaceful activity—it’s an immersive experience that brings you closer to the incredible biodiversity of the park.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park?

To fully enjoy the activities and beauty of Mgahinga National Park, it’s recommended to stay for at least one or two nights. There are a range of accommodation options near the park, offering stunning views of the forest and the surrounding mountain ranges. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious retreat, you’ll find something to suit your needs.

• Gahinga Lodge: A luxury lodge offering comfort and spectacular views of the volcanoes and the park.
• Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge: These options provide both mid-range and budget accommodations, perfect for a range of travelers.
• You can also stay in nearby Kisoro town, which is just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, offering additional hotel choices.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize authentic and unforgettable experiences in Mgahinga National Park. Our team, a mix of passionate young staff and seasoned managers, brings a unique energy and expertise to every tour we organize. We are dedicated to providing personalized and eco-friendly safari packages that allow you to connect deeply with Uganda’s natural and cultural wonders.

We offer a variety of tailor-made trips and discounted packages for gorilla trekking and other activities in Mgahinga National Park. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the high ratings and positive reviews on TripAdvisor, where past travelers share their unforgettable experiences with us.

Ready to book your Gorilla Trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park? Excursia Adventures is here to help you plan the journey of a lifetime. Contact us today!