How to Book Gorilla Trekking for Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga

How to Book Gorilla Trekking for Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga National Park

Are you dreaming of a trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and wondering how to book a gorilla trekking experience with the famous Nyakagezi Gorilla Family? Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest national park, is nestled in the heart of the Virunga volcanic mountains, shared by Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. The park is renowned for its mountain gorilla safaris and breathtaking landscapes, with three towering volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. It is a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and offers an array of wildlife experiences.

What to Do in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is a hidden gem with plenty of exciting activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Spend one or two nights near the park to explore all it has to offer, including the following:

Gorilla Trekking for Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is undoubtedly the highlight of your safari. The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family is the only habituated gorilla group available for trekking in this park, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The trek itself is an unforgettable experience—watching these gentle giants feed, interact, and move through the dense forest is truly mesmerizing.

To book your trek, you’ll need a gorilla permit secured through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Here are the permit fees:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• 300,000 UGX for East African Citizens

Once your permit is confirmed, you’ll be briefed on the trekking guidelines at the park headquarters. Then, you’ll set off into the lush rainforest, accompanied by experienced guides and park rangers. The journey can be challenging with steep climbs and thick foliage, but the reward of seeing the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family up close makes it all worth it. You’ll be allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas, maintaining a safe distance of about 5-7 meters. Afterward, you’ll return to the starting point and receive a certificate to commemorate your successful gorilla trek.

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is another exciting activity in Mgahinga National Park. The golden monkeys are rare primates found in only a few places in the world, with Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda being the primary habitats.

The park has two communities of habituated golden monkeys, and trekking permits cost USD 100. The trek starts early with a briefing at the park headquarters, where you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of forest trekking. After the briefing, you’ll venture into the forest with park rangers, searching for these playful primates. Once you find them, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph the golden monkeys in their natural environment.

Volcano Climbing/Hiking

Mgahinga National Park is home to three of the Virunga Mountains, each offering a unique hiking experience:

• Mount Sabyinyo: At 3,669 meters, it’s the highest of the three and requires an 8-hour round trip.
• Mount Gahinga: The smallest, at 3,474 meters, takes about 6 hours to climb and descend.
• Mount Muhabura: The highest peak at 4,127 meters, this 12 km round trip takes approximately 8 hours.

Hiking one of these volcanoes offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day. The trek also allows you to spot diverse flora and fauna, including various tree species, birds, forest elephants, and if you’re lucky, even gorillas.

Batwa Cultural Experience in Mgahinga National Park

One of the most memorable experiences in Mgahinga National Park is the Batwa Cultural Encounter. Historically, the Batwa Pygmies lived in the forest but were relocated as part of conservation efforts to protect the endangered primates. This unique cultural experience offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Batwa’s traditional way of life.

During the encounter, you’ll be guided by the Batwa people themselves as they lead you into the forest. Here, they demonstrate their age-old skills, such as hunting, fruit gathering, honey collection, and performing sacred rituals. The Batwa will also share their rich cultural heritage, including their traditional dances, songs, and food.

These Batwa cultural trails not only allow you to appreciate their customs but also contribute to the wellbeing of local communities. Fees from the tours help support the livelihoods of nearby villages, and donations to women’s and children’s groups are always appreciated. You can also buy local souvenirs, further supporting the community and its sustainable development.

Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 79 bird species, including several that are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Among the species you may spot are the Dusky Turtle Dove, Kivu Ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and the elusive Doherty’s Bush-Shrike.

Birding in the park takes place along trails such as the gorge between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga or the forest edge, where a variety of birds can be found. The bird watching trail takes about 4 hours, and local guides will assist in identifying the bird sounds and species along the way, making it a fantastic experience for both novice and expert birdwatchers.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park

To fully enjoy the activities and experiences in Mgahinga National Park, it’s recommended to spend more than one night near the park. There are several accommodation options in and around the park, catering to a range of budgets. Most of the lodges offer stunning views of the forest and surrounding mountains.

Luxury options include Gahinga Lodge, which offers an upscale experience. For mid-range and budget travelers, Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge are great choices. Alternatively, you can stay in Kisoro Town, just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, where there are additional hotel options.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking for the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is your go-to partner for unforgettable experiences in Mgahinga National Park. We offer fantastic, discounted packages and tailor-made trips to the park, ensuring that your trip is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.

Our team is a perfect blend of young, energetic staff and experienced, passionate managers and directors, all of whom are Ugandans dedicated to providing you with authentic, life-changing experiences. We are proud to be highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from other travelers who have had remarkable journeys with us.

Let Trek Africa Expedition handle all the details of your trip, including securing your gorilla trekking permits for the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. Contact us today to plan your next adventure!