Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located on Uganda’s border with Rwanda, is a remarkable destination for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas. Home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group, Mgahinga offers a unique, intimate experience with its one habituated gorilla family, which consists of 11 members open for tracking. This park, Uganda’s smallest, is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which spans into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. Visitors here are also rewarded with sightings of golden monkeys, a variety of bird species, and the breathtaking backdrop of three extinct volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo.

Are you ready to embark on a gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? Excursia Adventures provides guided treks to meet the Nyakagezi group, either solo or with a travel group. A gorilla permit is required to trek here, costing USD $800 for foreign non-residents, USD $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. This permit allows an unforgettable one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Key Considerations for Your Gorilla Trek in Mgahinga

1. Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Mgahinga offers only 8 gorilla permits each day, so it’s crucial to secure your spot well in advance. Reservations can be made by paying either 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost upfront. We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months before your planned trek date, especially during the high season when permits often sell out quickly. Contact us for assistance with permit booking to ensure you don’t miss the chance to trek in Mgahinga.

2. Choose and Reserve Your Accommodation Early

Selecting and reserving your accommodation is essential for a smooth and comfortable experience. Mgahinga offers luxurious options such as Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Lake Chahafi Resort. Budget-friendly options include camping facilities, which are perfect for adventurous travelers.

3. Travel Comfortably to Mgahinga

For a comfortable journey to Mgahinga, a 4×4 Land Cruiser is recommended for navigating the area’s rugged roads. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to Mgahinga. This option significantly reduces travel time, as it’s just a 2-hour drive from the airstrip to Mgahinga lodges, compared to the 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Planning what to wear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here’s what to bring for your trek:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater or Jacket: Temperatures in the park can drop, so wearing layers will keep you warm.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Durable trousers are essential, as they protect you from rough vegetation and insect bites.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof boots provide grip and keep your feet dry on the rugged, often muddy trails.
• Hat and Sunglasses: These are optional but can help protect against sun exposure, especially in the dry season.
• Camera with Extra Batteries: Photography is a wonderful way to capture the memory, but remember to turn off the flash when near the gorillas.
• Binoculars: Helpful for spotting the incredible bird species and other wildlife that inhabit Mgahinga’s dense forest.
• Gardening Gloves: These provide extra grip and protect your hands if you need to hold onto branches or vegetation.
• Raincoat: The rainforest climate means rain is often unpredictable, so packing a raincoat is essential.
• Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects common in forested areas.
• Sunscreen: Optional but useful for protecting your skin from sunburn, particularly during the dry season.
• Neutral-Colored Clothing: Avoid bright colors, as they can scare off wildlife. It’s also best to skip black and blue clothing, which attracts tsetse flies; opt for neutral shades instead.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Road:
From Entebbe or Kampala, it’s about an 8-9 hour drive through Kabale town, continuing to Kisoro town, then onto your lodge near the park. For those coming from Kigali, Rwanda, the drive is shorter—roughly 2-3 hours, making it a convenient option.

By Air:
Scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield make reaching Mgahinga easy. Domestic airlines like Aerolink and Fly Uganda operate these flights. You can arrange for a transfer from Kisoro Airstrip to your lodge through your tour operator.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Gorilla Trek in Mgahinga

Excursia Adventures stands out for its expertise, local knowledge, and commitment to providing exceptional gorilla trekking experiences. As a Ugandan-owned tour company, we have a deep understanding of the region and are highly rated on TripAdvisor. Our website offers up-to-date, reliable information to help you plan every aspect of your trek. When you book with us, you’re supported by a professional team passionate about sharing Uganda’s unique wildlife and landscapes. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.