Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best safari activities that can be done on a Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga involves trekkers or travelers taking a walk in the thickets of this small park in search of the gentle giants – mountain gorillas. A typical gorilla trekking tour or gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga allows travelers to get a one-on-one encounter with these apes. This fosters conservation efforts and supports the tourism industry in Uganda. If you are planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should not be missed on your list.
In this article, we delve into answering the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about gorilla trekking safaris or gorilla tours in Mgahinga National Park. For those looking forward to a Uganda safari, this article is yours to read.
Where is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. The park is in the district of Kisoro at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers. Additionally, the park stands at an altitude of 4,127 meters above sea level. Travelers seeking a more challenging gorilla trekking experience fancy Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The terrain is somehow rougher than that of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. More so, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the vast Virunga Conservation Area. This conservation area comprises other parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park.
How is Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park done?
Gorilla trekking or mountain gorilla tracking tours in Mgahinga National Park involve travelers walking on foot in search of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking usually starts with an early breakfast at the accommodation facilities. Once the breakfast is done, travelers report to the park headquarters for a briefing session. The briefing is meant purposely to equip trekkers with knowledge of the gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Mgahinga National Park. Each gorilla family is tracked by a maximum of 8 travelers per day. As of 2024, there is only one habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This family is known as the Busingye gorilla group. The Busingye gorilla family is transboundary. It is fond of crossing to Rwanda and Congo.
Once the briefing is done (about 7:30 am), mountain gorilla trekking begins. Trekkers are led by experienced guides or park rangers. These guides take time to locate where a gorilla family spent the previous night. Once you meet the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour in their presence. This is the perfect moment for photography during your Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
Other than mountain gorilla trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a wide range of activities. These include; birding tours, golden monkey trekking tours, guided nature walks, hiking adventures, community tours, and many more. Any of these activities can easily be combined with gorilla trekking tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Is It Safe to do mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Yes, trekking mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is safe. We have not had any cases of attacks or any other security-related case about this park before. Every gorilla trekking session in Mgahinga National Park is done in the company of an experienced and armed ranger. This is an assurance of a safe and secure gorilla trekking experience in this park.
However, like any other safari destination, it is important to mind your safety first while embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Endeavor to follow the safety guidelines while trekking the gorillas of Mgahinga Park.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
A gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs USD 800 per person per trek. This price is for foreign non-residents. However, this price does not include other safari expenses like transport and accommodation. For an overall price, talk to a travel specialist now and plan your safari.
How do I book a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Booking mountain gorilla trekking permits in Uganda or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can only be done through a reputable tour company in Uganda. The company can be contacted in any way and tell them about your travel dates. The company will ask for some documents like a passport and a deposit has to be made. Once the money is deposited into the company’s account, they will go ahead with securing or booking your gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
It is important to note that, unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park has one mountain gorilla family. This family is restricted to only 8 members per day. This implies that sometimes permits get over, especially in high season. This is why it is recommended that you book your gorilla trekking permits in advance.
What is the best to do gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an all-year-round activity. The park can be visited any time of the year including weekends and public holidays. However, trekking through the forests becomes easier during the dry season. This season runs from June September and December to February. During this time, the terrain is slippery and vegetation is not thick. The wet season is also good for budget travelers since accommodation facilities give discounts.
How to access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
The park can be accessed through Rwanda from Kigali International Airport. It takes 2 hours to drive from the airport to the park. Alternatively, the park can be accessed from Kampala / Entebbe International Airport. The park can be accessed by air from either Kihihi Airfield or Kisoro Airstrip. From here, you drive for about 30 minutes.
Now that you have learned about gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, book your gorilla tour now and create everlasting memories.
