Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: A Life-Changing Experience

Are you dreaming of visiting Uganda to see the majestic mountain gorillas? A visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking should definitely be at the top of your list. Situated in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is part of the Virunga Mountain range, which is renowned for its incredible mountain gorilla safaris.

Why Choose Mgahinga National Park for Gorilla Trekking?

Although it is Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorillas. It borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the DRC and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, offering a unique trekking experience.

The park features three volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhabura, all part of the Virunga volcanic range. The park’s diverse ecosystem includes rainforests, bamboo forests and montane forests, making it a haven for wildlife like the Golden Monkeys, in addition to the famous gorillas.

What to Expect During Your Gorilla Trek

Mgahinga is home to just one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, which is available for trekking. Due to its popularity and limited availability, it’s essential to book your trek in advance through a trusted tour operator, as only 8 permits are issued per day for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga takes place in the morning, starting with a briefing at the park headquarters. After that, you’ll head out with experienced guides and park rangers to search for the mountain gorillas. The trek itself allows you to see the gorillas in their natural environment, observing them in their daily activities—feeding, moving and interacting with each other. Since gorillas share 99% of human DNA, it’s an awe-inspiring experience.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits

Permits are required for a successful one-day trek and prices are as follows:

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

Your trek includes a briefing on park regulations and safety procedures, followed by a guided journey through dense foliage and steep terrain. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour observing them closely before returning to the park headquarters to receive your certificate of completion.

Transportation Costs to Mgahinga National Park

The cost of transportation includes vehicle hire, fuel and a driver-guide for your round trip. Prices for vehicle hire range from $100 to $250 per day, depending on the type of vehicle you choose. For a three-day trip, the total transportation cost will be approximately $290.

Additionally, you’ll need to secure a Uganda visa, which costs $30. Mgahinga National Park is easily accessible from Kisoro town, just a 45-minute drive away. We provide comfortable 4×4 vehicles with air conditioning and drinking water, making your journey to the park enjoyable.

Where to Stay Near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There are several accommodation options around Mgahinga National Park, catering to a range of budgets. Most lodges offer beautiful views of the park’s forests and mountains.

• Gahinga Lodge (Luxury): Starting at USD 400 per person per night
• Lake Chahafi Lodge & Lake Muhele Lodge (Mid-Range/Budget): Starting at USD 100 per person per night
• Kisoro Town Hotels: Starting at USD 50 per night, just a 30-minute drive to the park

Alternatively, some travelers opt to stay in lodges or camps in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Rushaga sector, which is only an hour’s drive from Mgahinga.

Other Activities to Enjoy in Mgahinga National Park

• Batwa Cultural Trail Experience: Take a guided walk with the Batwa people, learning about their traditional forest life and experiencing cultural dances and fire-making techniques. Cost: $80 per person.
• Nature Walk in Gahinga Forest: After your gorilla trek, enjoy a guided walk through Mgahinga’s forest to learn about the area’s flora and fauna.
• Village Walk around Kisoro: Explore the local communities of Kisoro, learn about the Bafumbira and Bakiga tribes and experience traditional dances and local cuisine.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: An exciting activity unique to Mgahinga, where you trek to observe the endangered Golden Monkeys in their natural habitat.
• Golden Monkey Habituation: Spend extended time with semi-habituated Golden Monkeys as part of their habituation process.
• Birding: Mgahinga is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 127 bird species, including Albertine endemics.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas offers exceptional gorilla trekking experiences in Mgahinga National Park and beyond. With a dedicated team of passionate and experienced staff, we specialize in creating tailor-made safari packages that suit your preferences. Our trips are highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, where you can read about the experiences of previous travelers.

Let Trek Africa Gorillas help you plan your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park. Contact us today to learn more about our discounted packages and custom trips.