Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park takes you to one of Uganda’s top gorilla destinations, famous for its exceptional gorilla trekking experience, and this has attracted visitors from different parts of the world. It is Uganda’s smallest national park that offers visitors a rewarding experience of the unique mountain gorillas and scenic and breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes, among others.
The park spans an area of about 33 square kilometres and rests at a high altitude of 4,127 m in the Kisoro district, the southwestern corner of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and Congo. This park was established in 1991 to support, protect, and conserve the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Mgahinga National Park is among the remaining destinations in the world that harbor the endangered mountain gorillas.
The park offers stunning scenery with three extinct volcanoes, including Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhavura, all extending from the park. The park’s dense forests offer shelter and room for foraging for these gorillas with sufficient food and several other park animal species.
Despite being located in Uganda, the park can easily be accessed from Rwanda, taking 3 hours from Kigali along the Kyanika border, and about 8-10 hours from Kampala using road transport. The park can also easily be accessed by air, either by using a scheduled flight or a chartered flight from Kampala, starting from Kajjansi or Entebbe International Airport, taking about an hour.
The park is home to over 80 mountain gorilla populations, with only one habituated gorilla family, known as the Nyakagezi family, open for visitors for trekking. Previously, the Nyakagezi family used to move to Rwanda and Congo, but currently, it has been in Uganda for more than three years. Gorilla tours to Mgahinga offer visitors a rewarding experience due to the limited number of gorillas that attract fewer visitors; hence, the Nyakagezi family is free from congestion.
What is the Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
A total of 8 gorilla trekking permits are issued per day. Therefore, visitors are always advised to book their trekking permits in advance to avoid last-minute delays. Uganda’s gorilla permits cost $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa, and UGX300,000 for citizens of East Africa.
What is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga?
Following gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, gorilla safaris are always done all year round. However, the convenient time to visit gorillas in Mgahinga is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. During the dry season, the roads heading to the park are always dry and free from mud, with short vegetation that offers clear views of wildlife species.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park starts with a visitor briefing at the Ntebeko Centre that helps to sensitise visitors about the rules and regulations and the expectations.
How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take?
The trekking in Mgahinga National Park takes less than three hours compared to the time taken while trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is because the Nyakagezi family lives and operates within a very small range, making them easier to see. However, tracking mountain gorillas may get a little challenging, especially depending on the location of a given family on the tracking day, like the Nyakagezi family in Mgahinga.
Sometimes, if these gentle giants move towards or next to the volcanoes within the park, traversing through the mountain slopes can get a little tiresome. Those who are physically unfit might need to read more about gorilla trekking for the aged. Visitors will spend a maximum of an hour with the allocated gorilla family, studying its behaviour as they take photos and observe the family dynamics. Below is one of the best itineraries crafted to suit clients’ interests, with some of the park activities, including primate trekking and cultural visits.
8-Day Uganda-Rwanda Primate and Cultural Safari
Day 1: Arrival
Following gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, arrival may be either through Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport or in Kigali, which is closer to Kampala. You will be welcomed by our safari guide, who will brief you about the safari and the activities to do throughout your safari. Transfer to your hotel in Kigali.
Overnight at The Retreat (dinner, breakfast)
Day 2: Transfer to Mount Gahinga
Set off for Mount Gahinga Lodge and cross the border into Uganda. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails on the terrace with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, or warm yourself inside by the cosy fire.
Driving time is approximately 4 to 5 hours
Please book flights arriving no later than 10 am
Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (lunch, dinner).
Day 3: Morning Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
After enjoying an early breakfast, we set off for gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment.
After a climb of between one and three hours, the moment you find the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged one. You will spend one hour in the company of the majestic and gentle mountain gorillas before returning to the lodge in time for a late lunch. Gorilla trekking requires stamina and can sometimes take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
Relax after your day’s tracking experience and enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the famous Rungu massage at Gahinga Spa and Sauna. Visit the Batwa Vocational Center and see how the community is earning a sustainable income through craft making.
Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
Following gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, after enjoying an early breakfast, we set off to track the rare golden monkeys through the bamboo forests of the mountains. The monkeys travel in large groups and are as energetic as they are photogenic, often seen playing in the high branches or foraging on the ground for bamboo shoots.
Later in the afternoon, hike the Gisozi caldera and enjoy sundowners over magical views of the Kisoro valley, with Lake Mutanda in the distance.
Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 5: Batwa Community Encounter
After breakfast, visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. Visit their new village and community centre and participate in the Batwa Heritage Tour to gain insight into their traditional life as hunter-gatherers in the forest.
Return to the lodge, and after lunch, drive across the border into Rwanda. The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched on the top of a hill with panoramic views of the chain of volcanoes and Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo. From the terrace, you can take in the sunset over the lakes and enjoy an exhilarating performance from the colourful Intore Dance troupe that showcases the unique Rwandese culture.
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and a fireside chat in the Virunga Map Room with a vet from the Gorilla Doctors and learn about their daily work looking after the health of the mountain gorillas.
Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 6: Transfer to Parc National des Volcans for Gorilla Trekking
Following gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, wake up early and have breakfast before setting off for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Hike through the enchanting bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. After a climb of between one and three hours, you will spend one hour in the company of the majestic and gentle mountain gorillas before returning to the lodge in time for a late lunch.
Some gorilla families can be more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
Visit the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund on the way back to Virunga Lodge.
Relax after your day’s tracking experience and enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the famous Rungu massage at Virunga Spa and Sauna
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 7: Visit The Grave of Dian Fossey and the Gorilla Cemetery
After enjoying an early breakfast, trek to the grave of pioneer primatologist Dian Fossey and visit the gorilla cemetery, the final resting place of some of her favorite gorillas.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Day 8: Kigali City Tour
Following gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, leave Virunga Lodge and drive to Kigali, and time permitting, enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving testimony to this country’s past that it has courageously overcome (guests to pay/donate entrance fees directly). Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight. Driving time is approximately 3 hours.
