Is it Possible to Trek the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group in Mgahinga Alone?

Is it Possible to Trek the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group in Mgahinga Alone?

Mgahinga National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park, is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group, one of the most fascinating gorilla families in the region. This group, made up of over 10 members and 4 dominant silverbacks, has a rich history of movement across borders, occasionally heading to Rwanda or Congo, which led to some uncertainty for tourists planning to visit.

In the past, some visitors hesitated to purchase permits for Mgahinga due to the unpredictable nature of the gorilla group’s movements. However, that has all changed. The Nyakagezi group now spends the majority of its time within Mgahinga National Park, making it a reliable and exciting destination for gorilla trekkers. Yes, it is absolutely possible to trek the Nyakagezi gorilla group exclusively and privately by blocking and purchasing all permits for a specific day.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Home of the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group

Located on the border of Uganda and Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The park is famous for its stunning volcanic landscape, which is made up of three extinct volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.

In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is also home to golden monkeys, as well as a variety of birds, reptiles and forest mammals. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

How to Trek the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group Alone

If you’re planning to trek the Nyakagezi gorilla group alone, you’ll be happy to know that it’s entirely possible with Trek Africa Gorillas. By securing all the available permits for the day, you can enjoy a private trek with no other tourists, just you and your guide, giving you an intimate encounter with the gorillas.

To make this happen, you’ll need to block all 8 permits for the group, which are available daily. You can secure your permits by paying a deposit of 30%, 70% or 100% of the total cost upfront.

Each gorilla permit in Uganda costs:

• $800 USD per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 USD per person for foreign residents
• 300,000 UGX for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan)

Once you block all the available permits, you’ll be able to trek with just your group and a professional guide, ensuring a private and exclusive experience.

Step-by-Step: How to Book an Exclusive Nyakagezi Gorilla Trek

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you’ve set your travel dates, reach out to us via email. We’ll check the availability of trekking permits for the Nyakagezi gorilla group with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
2. Permit Availability: After confirming that the permits are available for your chosen dates, we’ll notify you. At this point, we’ll send you an invoice for the total cost of the permits.
3. Payment and Confirmation: Once you make the payment and we’ve received it, we’ll immediately proceed to purchase your permits. We’ll then send you scanned copies of your permits, ensuring your exclusive trek with the Nyakagezi gorilla group is confirmed.

Important Tips for Planning Your Private Gorilla Trek

Book Your Permits in Advance

Nyakagezi gorilla group has 8 permits available each day. If you’re looking to trek exclusively, you’ll need to block all of these permits so no other tourists can join your trek. We recommend securing your permits at least 3 to 4 months before your planned trip, especially during the high season when permits sell out quickly.

Travel Preparation

After securing your permits, you’ll want to ensure that your travel arrangements to Mgahinga are comfortable. We recommend traveling in a 4×4 vehicle for a smooth journey. If you’re looking for an extra touch of luxury, consider a helicopter transfer from Kigali for a faster and more scenic route to the park.

Booking Process

Once your travel dates are confirmed, reach out to us. We’ll check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After confirming availability, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once your payment is processed, we’ll immediately secure your permits and send you confirmation.

Best Time of Year to Trek Nyakagezi Gorillas

The ideal time to trek the Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June and early September. During this period, the roads are easier to navigate and the vegetation is less dense, offering better views of the gorillas. This also makes for a more comfortable trek.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located on the border between Uganda and Rwanda and you can easily access it by both road and air.

By Road:

• From Entebbe/Kampala: It’s about an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala. You’ll pass through Kabale and continue to Kisoro, where you can then drive to your lodge near the park.
• From Kigali (Rwanda): The park is just 2-3 hours by road from Kigali, making it convenient if you’re coming from Rwanda.

By Air:

• You can also fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip. Several scheduled and chartered flights are operated by domestic airlines like AeroLink and Fly Uganda. Once you land, arrange for a transfer to your lodge near the park.

Where to Stay Near Mgahinga for Your Gorilla Trek

There are several comfortable and charming lodging options near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

• Gahinga Lodge
• Lake Chahafi Resort
• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
• Kisoro Travelers’ Inn

These options offer a range of experiences to suit different preferences, ensuring a restful stay before or after your trek.

Why Book Your Exclusive Nyakagezi Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we create tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences. Our dedicated team is passionate about providing a seamless and memorable adventure for our clients. We answer all your queries promptly (within 20 minutes) and work with you to create a customized travel plan.

With us, you can expect:

• Expert advice and a well-planned itinerary
• Professional safari guides who cater to your language preferences
• Advanced booking of all permits to ensure your trip goes smoothly

Ready for an unforgettable exclusive trek with the Nyakagezi gorilla group? Contact us today and let Trek Africa Gorillas make your dream trip a reality.