Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro

If you’re considering a gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park, starting from Kisoro Town is a fantastic option. With Excursia Adventures, you can easily embark on this journey. Whether you’re flying into Kisoro or already visiting, reaching the park is straightforward and quick. Located in Southwestern Uganda, Kisoro Town is just about a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, making it an ideal starting point for your gorilla safari.

Mgahinga National Park is part of the renowned Virunga volcanic mountain chain that stretches across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Despite being Uganda’s smallest national park, it boasts incredible biodiversity and is bordered by the famous Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. The park features three majestic volcanoes: Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhabura. It’s a lush tropical rainforest that is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the delightful golden monkeys.

Activities in Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro Town

Mgahinga National Park is a treasure trove of activities waiting for you. The short drive from Kisoro Town (about 30-40 minutes) makes it easy to access various adventures, with gorilla trekking being the standout experience.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Embarking on a gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park is undoubtedly the highlight of your safari. This unforgettable experience allows you to observe these rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing their fascinating behaviors and social interactions. Known for sharing 99% of their DNA with humans, these incredible creatures are a sight to behold.

The park has one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, available for trekking. Each day, only eight visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas, ensuring a personal and intimate experience.

To participate in a gorilla trek, you’ll need a valid gorilla permit, which can be secured from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permit 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 on the guidelines and regulations. Experienced guides and park rangers will then lead you through the dense rainforest and up the mountain slopes. This journey, while physically demanding, is rewarding as you get the chance to be within 5 to 7 meters of these magnificent animals. After an hour of observing them in their natural habitat, you’ll return to receive a certificate commemorating your successful trek—a truly amazing way to spend your day!

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, Mgahinga National Park offers another unique experience: golden monkey trekking. These rare primates are a delight to see, and Uganda is fortunate to have them residing in this park.

Golden monkey trekking is one of the park’s primary attractions, making it a distinct destination. There are two communities of golden monkeys that have been habituated for trekking. A golden monkey trekking permit costs USD 100, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff.

Your golden monkey trek will begin early in the morning at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters. After learning about the dos and don’ts while in the forest, you’ll set off with park guides and rangers to locate these charming monkeys. You’ll have one hour to observe them, making it a fantastic addition to your adventure in Mgahinga National Park.

Volcano Climbing and Hiking

Mgahinga National Park is home to three stunning peaks of the Virunga mountain chain: Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, and Mountain Muhavura. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose which mountain to climb and enjoy an unforgettable hiking experience.

• Mountain Sabyinyo: Standing at 3,669 meters, this challenging hike typically takes about eight hours for a round trip. The trek follows a steep ridge leading to the peak, offering breathtaking views along the way.
• Mountain Gahinga: At 3,474 meters, Gahinga is the smallest of the three peaks and takes around six hours to ascend and descend. The summit features a unique swamp-filled crater adorned with giant lobelia.
• Mountain Muhavura: As the highest peak at 4,127 meters, Muhavura offers a rewarding adventure. The 12-kilometer round trip takes approximately eight hours. On a clear day, hikers are treated to spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the stunning Rwenzori Mountains.

During your volcano hiking experience, keep an eye out for various tree species, vibrant birds, forest elephants, and, if you’re lucky, even gorillas in Mgahinga National Park.

Batwa Cultural Experience

One of the highlights of visiting Mgahinga National Park is the Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa Pygmies, who once lived in the forest, were relocated as part of conservation efforts for the endangered primates in the area. This cultural encounter offers a unique glimpse into their rich traditions and way of life.

As you embark on a trail led by the Batwa, you’ll witness traditional forest activities such as hunting, fruit gathering, and honey collection. They’ll also share their cultural practices and rituals. These trails not only celebrate the Batwa’s heritage but also support local communities, as fees from the encounters contribute to their livelihoods. Additionally, donations to children’s and women’s groups, as well as purchasing souvenirs, are greatly appreciated.

Bird Watching

Birdwatching in Mgahinga National Park is a delight for nature enthusiasts, with around 79 bird species recorded in the area, many of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Some of the bird species you might spot include the Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, and the stunning Regal Sunbird.

Birding excursions typically take place in the gorge between Mountain Sabyinyo and Mountain Gahinga, as well as along the forest edge. These guided birding trails last about four hours, where guides will help you identify the sounds and sights of the diverse avian population.

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

Excursia Adventures provides exceptional safari experiences, including gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park starting from Kisoro Town. We offer tailored packages that cater to your specific interests and preferences. Our company is highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from travelers who have shared their experiences with us. Contact us today for discounted packages and custom trips to make your Ugandan adventure unforgettable!