Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Lake Mburo National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Lake Mburo National Park

Are you considering an adventure that combines the stunning landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park with the thrill of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park? You’re in for a treat! Known for its breathtaking wildlife experiences, Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, boasting an impressive variety of wildlife, including 69 mammal species and 332 bird species. It’s the only park in Uganda that features impalas and the only western park where you can see zebras, giraffes, and elands.

The Journey from Lake Mburo to Mgahinga

The drive from Lake Mburo National Park to Mgahinga National Park typically takes about 7 to 8 hours, providing ample opportunities to stop along the way. You’ll have the chance to capture photographs at the Equator, enjoy some birdwatching, visit cultural sites, and engage with local communities before arriving at Mgahinga.

Discovering Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is part of the famous Virunga mountain chain, which includes national parks in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. While it is the smallest national park in Uganda, it is rich in biodiversity, featuring three volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. The park is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and the charming golden monkeys. Its tropical rainforests, lowland equatorial evergreen forests, and bamboo groves create a unique habitat for these incredible species.

Activities in Mgahinga National Park

Your visit to Mgahinga will be well worth it, as the park offers numerous activities that will enhance your experience. We recommend spending one or two nights near Mgahinga to make the most of your visit.

Gorilla Trekking

The highlight of your trip will undoubtedly be gorilla trekking. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Nyakagezi gorilla family, the park’s only habituated group, welcomes visitors for daily treks. Each trek permits only eight guests for a one-hour viewing session, providing an intimate experience with these gentle giants.

To ensure a successful trek, you’ll need to secure a valid gorilla permit through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which 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 begin at the Park Headquarters, where you’ll receive a briefing on the guidelines for interacting with the gorillas. Accompanied by experienced guides and park rangers, you will trek through dense rainforests, navigating steep climbs. The reward? A close encounter with mountain gorillas, with opportunities to observe them just 5 to 7 meters away while sharing in their daily activities. After your trek, you’ll return to the starting point and receive a certificate commemorating your adventure.

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, Mgahinga offers the unique opportunity to go golden monkey trekking. These rare primates are another highlight of the park, with only two habituated communities available for trekking. The golden monkey trekking permit costs USD 100, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s tariff.

Your trek will begin early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters about the proper conduct while in the forest. After that, you’ll set off with park guides and rangers to locate the golden monkeys, enjoying an hour of close-up viewing. These enchanting creatures are found in only a few locations in East Africa, making this trek a truly special experience.

Volcano Climbing and Hiking

Mgahinga National Park is home to three of the six stunning peaks of the Virunga mountain range: Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, and Mountain Muhabura. Each mountain offers a unique climbing experience, allowing you to choose based on your fitness level and adventure preference.

Mountain Sabyinyo, standing at 3,669 meters, features a steep ridge that takes about eight hours to complete the round trip. Mountain Gahinga is the smallest of the three at 3,474 meters and typically requires around six hours to ascend and descend, culminating in a swamp-filled crater adorned with giant lobelias. For those seeking a more challenging climb, Mountain Muhabura is the highest peak at 4,127 meters, with a 12-kilometer round trip that usually takes around eight hours. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day. As you hike, keep an eye out for diverse tree species, birds, forest elephants, and even gorillas if you’re lucky!

Batwa Cultural Experience

A visit to Mgahinga National Park wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the rich culture of the Batwa Pygmies. Historically, the Batwa lived in the forests of Mgahinga, but were relocated as part of conservation efforts to protect endangered primates. Engaging in a Batwa cultural encounter offers a fascinating insight into their unique traditions, dances, and traditional ways of life.

Guided by members of the Batwa community, you’ll venture into the forest where they will demonstrate their traditional activities such as hunting, fruit gathering, and honey collection, along with sharing rituals and stories. These experiences not only celebrate Batwa culture but also support local livelihoods through fees that contribute to community development. Your support, whether through donations or by purchasing souvenirs, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families.

Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park

For bird enthusiasts, Mgahinga National Park is a hidden gem, boasting around 79 recorded bird species, many of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Some birds you might spot include the Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Bronze Sunbird, and many more. Birdwatching takes place primarily in the gorge between Mountain Sabyinyo and Mountain Gahinga, as well as along the forest edges. With a guided birding trail that lasts about four hours, you’ll have the chance to learn about the various bird species and their calls, enhancing your appreciation of the area’s biodiversity.

Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park

To fully enjoy the activities in Mgahinga, it’s best to spend more than one night in the area. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget to luxury lodges located on the outskirts of the forest with stunning views of the mountains. Gahinga Lodge is a luxurious choice, while Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge cater to mid-range and budget travelers. For those who prefer more urban amenities, hotels in Kisoro town are just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Us

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, starting from Lake Mburo National Park. We offer discounted packages and tailor-made trips to suit your needs. Our team comprises energetic young staff and seasoned managers, all of whom share a deep passion for showcasing the beauty of Uganda. We are proud to have received excellent ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, reflecting the positive experiences of our travelers.

Contact us today to start planning your incredible journey to Mgahinga National Park!