Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Kabale Town

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Kabale Town

Are you planning to kick off your gorilla trekking adventure from Kabale Town? Look no further! Trek Africa Expeditions makes it easy to embark on an unforgettable journey to Mgahinga National Park right from Kabale. Whether you’re in town for a conference, seminar, or visiting friends and family, you can easily take a two to three-day break to explore this stunning national park. Kabale, located in southwestern Uganda, is a central hub for accessing top attractions like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and, of course, Mgahinga National Park. The park is only about a two-hour drive from Kabale Town, making it a convenient starting point for your gorilla trekking experience.

Exploring Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is part of the majestic Virunga mountain chain, shared by Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. It is Uganda’s smallest national park, yet it boasts incredible biodiversity, including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park features three stunning volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. Each of these volcanic peaks adds to the park’s unique landscape, which includes tropical rainforests, montane forests, and mountain bamboo.

Visiting Mgahinga National Park is truly rewarding, offering a range of activities and sights that are well worth your time, especially when starting your journey from Kabale.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

The short drive from Kabale to Mgahinga National Park sets the stage for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to observe the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With 99% of their DNA shared with humans, these incredible creatures are a joy to watch as they move, feed, and socialize.

Mgahinga National Park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is the only habituated group available for trekking. Each day, a limited number of eight visitors can spend one hour with the gorillas. To ensure a successful trek, it’s essential to secure a valid gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The costs are as follows: USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.

On the day of your trek, you will begin with a briefing at the Park Headquarters, where experienced guides and park rangers will explain the rules to follow while in the forest. The trek through dense rainforest and steep terrain is an adventure in itself, culminating in the extraordinary experience of viewing the mountain gorillas up close—within 5 to 7 meters! You will be immersed in their daily lives for one hour before heading back to the starting point, where you’ll receive a certificate marking your successful trek. It’s an amazing way to spend your day!

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, Mgahinga National Park offers another exciting activity: golden monkey trekking. These rare primates are unique to the region, and Uganda is fortunate to have them residing in Mgahinga. Golden monkey trekking is a standout experience, making this park a special destination.

There are two habituated communities of golden monkeys that visitors can trek to, with permits costing USD 100 according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariff. The trek typically starts early in the morning at 7:00 AM, beginning with a briefing at the park headquarters about the dos and don’ts in the forest. Afterward, you’ll set off into the lush forest with knowledgeable guides and rangers until you find the golden monkeys. You’ll have one hour to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment. Beyond Uganda, the golden monkeys can only be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, making this trek a unique opportunity to witness these extraordinary animals.

Volcano Climbing and Hiking

If you’re looking to explore the majestic landscapes of Mgahinga National Park, mountain climbing and hiking are must-do activities that start from Kabale Town. The park is home to three of the six peaks in the Virunga mountain range: Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, and Mountain Muhabura. Each offers a unique hiking experience, allowing you to choose based on your fitness level and adventure preference.

Mountain Sabyinyo stands at 3,669 meters and offers a challenging eight-hour round trip, taking you along a steep ridge to the summit. Mountain Gahinga, the smallest at 3,474 meters, can be ascended in about six hours and features a stunning swamp-filled crater adorned with giant lobelia. For those seeking the highest peak, Mountain Muhavura reaches 4,127 meters and takes approximately eight hours to complete the 12-kilometer round trip. On a clear day, the breathtaking views from the summit include the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the stunning peaks of the Rwenzori Mountain range. Hiking in Mgahinga also provides a chance to encounter diverse tree species, spot various birdlife, and, if you’re lucky, even glimpse forest elephants, primates, and gorillas during your trek.

Batwa Cultural Experience

One of the most enriching experiences in Mgahinga National Park is the opportunity to engage with the Batwa Pygmies, the original inhabitants of the forest. Although the Batwa were relocated to protect the endangered wildlife, the cultural encounter allows visitors to immerse themselves in their unique heritage. During this cultural experience, you’ll be introduced to their traditional way of life, music, dance, and culinary practices.

Guided by the Batwa, you’ll venture into the forest to witness traditional activities such as hunting, fruit gathering, honey collection, and rituals. These trails not only celebrate the Batwa culture but also contribute to the livelihoods of the local communities, as fees support various community initiatives. Donations to children’s and women’s groups are always appreciated, and purchasing handmade souvenirs directly supports their craftsmanship.

Bird Watching

Mgahinga National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting around 79 recorded bird species, many of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Keep your eyes peeled for species like the Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-Chat, Kivu-Ground Thrush, and Olive Thrush, among others. Birding excursions typically take place along the gorge between Mountain Sabyinyo and Mountain Gahinga, as well as at the forest edge. The birding trail spans about four hours, with knowledgeable guides helping you identify different species and their calls.

Getting to Mgahinga National Park from Kabale Town

Traveling from Kabale Town to Mgahinga National Park is a scenic journey. You can start your drive from your hotel or nearby Lake Bunyonyi and head towards Kisoro Town. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque views of the Gahinga ranges and the stunning twin lakes. The drive takes approximately two hours, depending on your destination, whether it’s directly to the park or a nearby lodge. We utilize comfortable and spacious 4×4 safari vehicles to ensure a smooth journey.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park

When planning your visit to Mgahinga National Park, consider spending at least one night to fully immerse yourself in the activities available. The park offers a range of accommodation options, mostly situated on the outskirts, providing beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Options range from budget to luxury, including:

• Gahinga Lodge: A luxury hotel offering top-notch amenities.
• Lake Chahafi Lodge: A mid-range option perfect for families or groups.
• Lake Muhele Lodge: Suitable for both budget and mid-range travelers.

You can also choose to stay in Kisoro Town, which is just a 30-minute drive to the park headquarters.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in crafting unforgettable safari experiences, including gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Kabale Town and across Uganda and East Africa. We invite you to contact us for our discounted packages and tailor-made trips. With numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor, you can trust us to provide the exceptional service and adventures that you deserve. Start your journey with us today!