Cost of a Gorilla Trip to Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park: Trip Costs & Planning Guide

Cost of a Gorilla Trip to Mgahinga National Park — Are you planning a 3 day gorilla trip to Mgahinga National Park? Wondering about the costs involved? Trek Africa Gorillas is here to help you organize an unforgettable one-day gorilla trek in this stunning park. The approximate cost for a three-day trip includes vehicle hire, fuel, driver-guide allowances, gorilla permits and accommodation.

Discovering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in the heart of the Virunga Mountain chain, Mgahinga National Park is bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As Uganda’s smallest national park, it is renowned for its incredible mountain gorilla safaris. The park is home to three majestic volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhabura, which are part of the six Virunga Mountains.

In addition to the endangered mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is also famous for its Golden Monkeys. The park’s lush tropical rainforest features a mix of lowland equatorial evergreen forests, tropical seasonal forests, montane rainforests and mountain bamboo, creating a rich and diverse habitat for its wildlife.

What to Expect: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is a unique experience that allows you to observe these rare mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Watching these magnificent creatures, who share 99% of their DNA with humans, is truly awe-inspiring. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family, known as the Nyakagezi family, which is available for trekking each day.

Only eight visitors are allowed to visit the Nyakagezi family per day for a one-hour viewing. Your day will begin early at the park headquarters, where you’ll receive a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of trekking. After that, you’ll be grouped and assigned to a gorilla family before setting off on your adventure.

Gorilla Permit Prices in Mgahinga National Park

To embark on your one-day gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park, you’ll need a valid gorilla permit, which you can secure from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The cost for the permit is as follows:

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

On the day of your trek, you will drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on the regulations to follow while in the forest. Experienced guides and park rangers will accompany you as you trek through the dense rainforest on the mountain slopes.

The journey through thick foliage and steep climbs is well worth it, culminating in a lifetime experience of viewing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You’ll have the opportunity to get within 5 to 7 meters of these magnificent animals, witnessing their daily activities and interactions. After one hour of viewing the gorillas, you’ll return to the starting point to receive a certificate commemorating your successful gorilla trek.

How Much Does Transportation to Mgahinga Cost?

When planning your trip to Mgahinga National Park, it’s essential to consider transportation costs, which cover vehicle hire, driver-guide fees and fuel for the entire round trip. Vehicle hire typically ranges from USD 100 to USD 250 per day, depending on the type of vehicle you choose. For a three-day trip, you can expect to pay around USD 290 for the gorilla return journey.

To visit Mgahinga National Park, you will also need to secure a Uganda visa, which costs USD 30 and can be obtained at Entebbe International Airport or at any border point entering Uganda. The park is easily accessible by road, just a 45-minute drive from Kisoro Town.

For your comfort, we use 4×4 vehicles equipped with air conditioning and provide drinking water as part of our all-inclusive packages, ensuring a pleasant road trip to Mgahinga National Park. Don’t forget, you’ll also need a gorilla trekking permit for entry into the park.

Accommodation Options and Prices in Mgahinga

Mgahinga National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Most lodges are situated on the outskirts of the forest, providing stunning views of the landscape and nearby mountains. Options range from budget to luxury:

• Gahinga Lodge: A luxury option priced around USD 400 per person per night.
• Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge: Mid-range options that typically cost USD 100 per person per night.

For more budget-friendly accommodations, you can find hotels in Kisoro Town, with rates starting as low as USD 50 for a room. Kisoro is only a 30-minute drive to the park headquarters. Some travelers also choose to stay in lodges or camps in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is about a one-hour drive from Mgahinga National Park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your 3-Day Gorilla Tour?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we provide exceptional gorilla experiences in Mgahinga National Park and throughout Uganda and East Africa. Contact us for our discounted packages and tailor-made trips designed to meet your needs.

Our strength lies in our dedicated team, which includes a mix of energetic young staff and experienced managers who are passionate about creating authentic experiences for our clients. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, where you can read reviews from travelers who have journeyed with us.

Ready to explore Mgahinga National Park? Contact us today to learn more about the costs and details of your gorilla trip!