Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park; Gorilla trekking is a fascinating and extraordinary activity in Mgahinga gorilla national park and it involves moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated gorilla families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district and covers a total area of 33.7 square kilometers which makes it the smallest national park in Uganda. The national park is a home of different wildlife species including primates like the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, animals like bush pigs, buffaloes and variety of bird species.
Gorilla trekking experience
Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home of one habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi and gorilla trekking starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will allocated an experienced park guide and start trekking in the jungle. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorilla family is located because the gorillas like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primates, animals, birds, plant and tree species among others. Once the mountain gorillas are located, you will be able to spend one hour with them in their environment which gives you a chance to watch them carry out their daily activities, learn about their behaviors and habits, take pictures and record the moments.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga gorilla national park
A gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit
A gorilla trekking permit in the park can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a government body by contacting the head offices by email or telephone calls. You can also book a gorilla trekking permit through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When booking through a tour company you will contact us with the dates when you want to visit the mountain gorillas. We will later check for permit availability and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the gorilla trekking permit on your behalf.
Gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga gorilla national park should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date especially during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February because there are only 8 gorilla trekking permits available in the national park daily due to the fact that the national park is a home of one habituated gorilla family. Therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments you are advised to book in advance.
When to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the national park receives less rainfall therefore gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
How to get to Mgahinga gorilla national park
The park is located in southwestern part of Uganda and can be accessed by road and air transport means.
Road transport means
When using road transport means, you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe international airport via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive in a 4 WD safari vehicle.
The national park can also be accessed from Kigali Rwanda where you will fly to Kigali international airport and then drive to Mgahinga gorilla national park through Cyanika border in Kisoro which takes about 3 to 4 hours’ drive.
Air transport means
Mgahinga gorilla national park can also be accessed by air transport where by you will book domestic schedule or charter flights with Aero link Uganda from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park has a number of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Mount Gahinga lodge, Mucha Hotel, Lake Mutanda lodge, Lake Mulehe lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Kisoro Travelers lodge, Muhabura Motel, Mubano Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel among others.
Gorilla trekking in the park is an adventurous activity that can be combined with wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo national park. For more information about gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable gorilla trekking packages.