Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Fort Portal

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Fort Portal

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park, starting from Fort Portal? With Excursia Adventures, this journey is easily arranged. Fort Portal, now recognized as a city since July 2020, is renowned for its beauty and proximity to a range of stunning destinations, including Semuliki National Park, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Located in Uganda’s western Kabarole District within the Toro Kingdom, Fort Portal is about 6-7 hours by road from Mgahinga National Park.

Nestled in the Virunga Mountain range bordering Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park yet rich in biodiversity. This unique park is home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and features three striking volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. The lush, diverse ecosystem includes tropical rainforest, mountain bamboo, and lowland equatorial evergreen forest, making Mgahinga a true treasure of the region.

Activities in Mgahinga National Park from Fort Portal

Mgahinga National Park offers a variety of activities for an enriching safari experience. For a complete exploration, plan for one or two nights nearby to fully enjoy what the park has to offer.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is a bucket-list adventure, and visiting from Fort Portal makes it all the more exciting. This immersive experience lets you watch these rare mountain gorillas as they move, forage, and socialize. Mgahinga’s habituated Nyakagezi gorilla family is open to trekking, with only eight visitors allowed daily for one hour of observation and photography.

A gorilla trekking permit, which must be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. On the day of your trek, you’ll gather at the Park Headquarters for a briefing before embarking with knowledgeable guides and rangers into the forested mountain slopes. While the hike can be challenging, the reward is unmatched: encountering gorillas in their natural habitat at close range, observing their daily lives, and understanding the magic of this endangered species. After the trek, participants receive a certificate—a wonderful memento of this unforgettable experience.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is another must-do activity in Mgahinga National Park. These rare and colorful primates, found only in Uganda’s Mgahinga and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, are a highlight of the area. Two habituated communities of golden monkeys are open for trekking here, and a permit, priced at USD 100 per person, can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Trekking begins early, with a briefing at 7:00 a.m. at the park headquarters. Guided by park rangers, visitors then head into the forest until they locate the golden monkeys, with one hour allotted for observation. Watching these vibrant primates, known for their playful nature and distinctive golden coats, is a unique experience and makes Mgahinga a distinct destination for primate enthusiasts.

With its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, Mgahinga National Park is a true gem for travelers beginning their journey from Fort Portal. Excursia Adventures can help make this journey seamless, offering unforgettable experiences with Uganda’s most captivating wildlife.

Volcano Hiking in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is home to three stunning volcanoes in the Virunga mountain range: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura, each offering unique hiking experiences suited to various fitness levels. Mount Sabyinyo stands at 3,669 meters and features a steep, ridge-based hike that takes approximately eight hours round trip. For those seeking a shorter hike, Mount Gahinga, the smallest at 3,474 meters, takes about six hours to complete and has a swamp-filled crater at its peak, surrounded by giant lobelia. The tallest of the three, Mount Muhabura, rises to 4,127 meters and requires around eight hours for a 12 km round trip, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. Along these trails, hikers can encounter diverse tree species, birdlife, forest elephants, and—if lucky—even primates like gorillas.

Batwa Cultural Experience

An enriching activity in Mgahinga National Park is the Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa, also known as the forest people, were the original inhabitants of the Mgahinga forest before being relocated to aid gorilla conservation efforts. This cultural encounter provides insight into the Batwa’s unique heritage, from their music and dance to their traditional forest-based lifestyle. During the trail, Batwa guides will demonstrate survival techniques like hunting, fruit gathering, honey collection, and performing rituals. These tours not only preserve Batwa heritage but also support local livelihoods, with all fees and any additional donations directly benefiting the surrounding communities.

Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park

Bird watchers will find Mgahinga National Park a fantastic destination, with 79 recorded species, some endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Key species include the Dusky Turtle Dove, Kivu Ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, and Regal Sunbird, among many others that thrive in the park’s dense vegetation. Birding excursions, which last about four hours, take place in the gorge between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga as well as along the forest edge, guided by experts who help spot and identify both the birds and their calls.

Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park

Spending at least one or two nights near Mgahinga National Park is recommended to fully experience all it has to offer. Accommodations here range from budget to luxury lodges, many with scenic views of the forest and mountain ranges. Options include the luxury Gahinga Lodge, the midrange Lake Chahafi Lodge, and the budget-friendly Lake Muhele Lodge. Alternatively, you can stay in Kisoro town, located just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga with Excursia Adventures

Excursia Adventures offers expert-guided, memorable gorilla trekking experiences from Fort Portal to Mgahinga National Park. With a blend of passionate local expertise and a young, dynamic team, we create tailored and affordable packages for an authentic safari adventure. Excursia Adventures is highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read firsthand accounts from other travelers who’ve explored Uganda’s treasures with us. Contact us for discounted packages and bespoke trips designed to make your Mgahinga journey unforgettable.