Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Mbarara

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Mbarara

Are you looking to embark on a memorable safari adventure? Starting your gorilla trekking experience from Mbarara Town to Mgahinga National Park is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. To make the most of your visit, plan for a minimum of three days. The drive from Mbarara to Mgahinga takes about 5-6 hours, covering approximately 227.8 kilometers via the Kabale-Mbarara and Kabale-Kisoro roads. Mbarara, the largest city in the Western Region of Uganda, is situated around 290 kilometers southwest of Kampala and serves as a key administrative and commercial hub for Mbarara District.

Explore Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is a gem of the Virunga mountain range, shared by Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. As the smallest national park in Uganda, it is bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DRC. The park is home to three majestic volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura, all part of the renowned Virunga Mountains. In addition to the iconic mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is also known for its population of golden monkeys, set amidst lush tropical rainforests, montane forests, and bamboo groves.

What to Do in Mgahinga National Park from Mbarara

Your visit to Mgahinga National Park will be filled with exciting activities and breathtaking sights. It’s advisable to spend at least one or two nights near the park to fully enjoy everything it has to offer. Here are some highlights:

Gorilla Trekking

The highlight of your safari will undoubtedly be gorilla trekking. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to observe rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, engaging in their daily activities. With 99% of their DNA shared with humans, these magnificent creatures offer a fascinating glimpse into the wild.

Mgahinga National Park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is fully habituated for trekking. Each day, only eight visitors are permitted to visit this family for one hour, ensuring a personal and intimate experience. To participate, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, priced at 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’ll start at the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and regulations. Experienced guides and park rangers will accompany you as you navigate through dense rainforest and ascend the mountain slopes. The trek is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering you a chance to be within 5 to 7 meters of these gentle giants, witnessing their everyday life. After your trek, you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your adventure—a perfect memento of your day spent with mountain gorillas.

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, don’t miss the chance to experience golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. These rare primates are a highlight of the park and are unique to this region, making your visit even more special. The park has two habituated communities of golden monkeys, which you can track during your visit.

Golden monkey trekking permits cost USD 100, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s tariff. Your trek will begin early in the morning at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters. Guided by knowledgeable park rangers, you’ll embark on a journey through the forest to find these playful monkeys. Once located, you’ll have one hour to observe and enjoy their lively antics. Remember, the golden monkeys can only be found in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, making this a rare opportunity to see them up close.

Volcano Climbing and Hiking

Mgahinga National Park is home to three stunning peaks of the Virunga mountain range: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhavura. Each mountain offers a unique climbing experience tailored to various fitness levels.

• Mount Sabyinyo stands at 3,669 meters and features a challenging round trip that takes about eight hours. The trail includes a steep ridge leading up to the summit, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views.
• Mount Gahinga, the smallest of the three at 3,474 meters, can be climbed in around six hours. The summit is crowned with a swamp-filled crater surrounded by giant lobelia, providing a unique landscape.
• Mount Muhavura is the highest peak, reaching 4,127 meters. This trek covers a 12-kilometer round trip and takes approximately eight hours. On clear days, hikers at the top are treated to spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

While hiking, you’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse tree species, birds, and, if you’re fortunate, even Forest Elephants and the elusive mountain gorillas.

Batwa Cultural Experience

A visit to Mgahinga National Park wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in the Batwa cultural experience. Historically, the Batwa Pygmies lived in these forests until their relocation as part of conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered primates.

Engaging with the Batwa allows you to learn about their unique culture, traditional dances, and culinary practices as they share insights into their forest lifestyle. Guided trails take you deep into the forest, where the Batwa demonstrate their traditional skills such as hunting, fruit gathering, honey collection, and ritual performances. These cultural encounters not only enrich your understanding but also support the local community, as a portion of the fees goes towards local initiatives. Contributions to children’s education and women’s groups, as well as purchasing souvenirs, are greatly appreciated.

Bird Watching

Bird enthusiasts will find Mgahinga National Park a delightful haven, with approximately 79 bird species recorded, many of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful species such as the Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, and several types of sunbirds, including the regal sunbird and the blue-headed sunbird.

Bird watching takes place primarily in the gorge between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga, as well as along the forest edge. The birding trail offers a scenic four-hour walk, where knowledgeable guides will assist you in identifying various bird calls and spotting elusive species among the dense vegetation.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Mbarara Town, it’s advisable to spend at least one night near the park to enjoy all the activities available. The area offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets. Most lodges are located on the outskirts of the forest, providing stunning views of both the lush terrain and the mountain ranges.

Your options include:

• Gahinga Lodge: A luxury hotel offering exceptional amenities.
• Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge: Both cater to mid-range and budget travelers.
• Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Kisoro Town, just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Mbarara Town with Us?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating unforgettable Uganda safari experiences, including gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park from Mbarara Town. Our customized packages cater to your interests and needs.

Feel free to reach out for discounted packages and tailor-made trips that ensure your adventure is both enjoyable and affordable. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor, allowing you to see reviews and experiences shared by previous travelers who have journeyed with us. Discover the wonders of Uganda with Trek Africa Expeditions and make your dream safari a reality!