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Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, offers a unique and memorable experience. Here are some details about Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
1. Location:
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2. Gorillas:
- The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is habituated for tourism.
3. Permits:
- A gorilla trekking permit is required to go Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and this costs $800 For foreign Nonresidents, $700 for Foreign residents, $500 For the Rest of Africa Citizens, and Uganda shillings 300,000 for East African Citizens Per Person per trek. It’s advisable to book these permits well in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris.
4. Best Time to Visit:
- The best time for trekking is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. However, the park is open year-round.
5. Trekking Experience:
- The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.
- Expect to hike through dense forest, bamboo stands, and possibly steep terrain. The experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
- Once you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them.
6. What to Bring pack for Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Waterproof jacket (rain is possible anytime)
- Garden gloves to protect your hands
- A hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A camera with a zoom lens (flash photography is not allowed)
7. Accommodation:
- Options range from budget lodges to luxury accommodations near the park. Some popular choices include Mount Gahinga Lodge for luxury option, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge for Mid-range option and Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp for budget option.
9. Getting There:
- By road: Mgahinga is approximately 8-10 hours by road from Kampala or Entebbe.
- By air: Domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, which is about an hour’s drive from the park.
- By road, you can as well get here from Kigali and it is just 2 to 3 hours drive.
Here is the itinerary for 3 Day Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park From Kigali.
Day 1: Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Morning:
- Depart from Kigali early in the morning.
- Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (approximately 4-5 hours).
- Enjoy the scenic drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda and the beautiful landscapes of Uganda.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive at the park and check into your lodge.
- Have lunch at the lodge.
- Optional: Take a short nature walk or visit the local Batwa community for a cultural experience.
- Evening:
- Dinner at the lodge.
- Rest and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Early Morning:
- Have an early breakfast at the lodge.
- Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and guidelines.
- Morning:
- Start the gorilla trek with experienced guides and trackers.
- Trek through the forest in search of the gorilla family. The trek can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
- Midday/Afternoon:
- Spend an hour with the gorillas, observing and taking photos.
- Trek back to the park headquarters.
- Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Evening:
- Dinner at the lodge.
- Relax and enjoy the lodge amenities or share stories of your gorilla trekking experience.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
- Early Morning:
- Have an early breakfast at the lodge.
- Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking.
- Morning:
- Start the golden monkey trek with experienced guides.
- Trek through the bamboo forests to find the golden monkeys. This trek is usually shorter and easier than the gorilla trek.
- Late Morning/Midday:
- Spend time observing the golden monkeys, taking photos, and learning about their behavior.
- Return to the lodge to freshen up and have lunch.
- Afternoon:
- Begin your drive back to Kigali.
- Arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Evening:
- Drop off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your onward travel plans.
Tips:
- Make sure to carry your passport, gorilla and monkey permits, and any necessary travel documents.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes and clothing suitable for hiking in a forested area.
- Bring a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- A good camera with a zoom lens is recommended for capturing memories of the gorillas and monkeys.
About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is another unique place in Uganda for the amazing gorilla tourism. Gorilla trekking is visiting the rare mountain gorillas in their natural environment as you view their beauty, the way they move, feed, and live. The gorillas are known to have 99% of the human DNA and are amazing to Watch. Mgahinga National Park has one habituation gorilla family known as Nyakagezi gorilla family available for trekking every day. Only eight visitors are allowed to visit per pay for only one hour of Viewing once you find the gorillas. Gorilla trekking starts early morning at the Park headquarters with briefing on does and don’ts, Later you are grouped and allocated gorilla families to visit and off you start the amazing experience.
Other Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Batwa Cultural Trail Experience
This is done in the Mgahinga Batwa cultural trail. On Batwa cultural trail experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Mgahinga Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and Stone Age including making traditional fire among other activities taking you through the authentic batwa life during the times in the forest. This activity costs $80 per person.
Nature walk in Gahinga Forest
The Nature walk is done in Mgahinga forest it is a very exciting activity to do after gorilla trekking which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest.
Village walk around Kisoro
This walk will take you through Kisoro local communities including visiting local markets and learning the day to day life of the local people in Kisoro. You have an opportunity to engage and learn more about the Bafumbira and Bakiga tribes including enjoying traditional cultural dances, local foods and local arts.
Golden Monkey Trekking and Habituation
Golden Monkey trekking and Habituation is another activity that can be done after gorilla trekking in Mgahinga, this gives you an opportunity to spend much time with the semi habituated Golden monkeys as you participate in activities geared to making them get used to human presence this also starts in the morning with briefing and after you head out with walking through the forest in search for these endangered monkeys. Golden monkey habituation permits are readily available and can be purchased on arrival at the park headquarters.
Birding
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best places for bird watching in Uganda, the park is home to over 127 bird species with various Albertine endemics.
Why book Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris offers amazing gorilla experiences Mgahinga national Park, the rest of Uganda and the East African region as a whole. Contact us here for our discounted packages and also tailor-made trips. Our magic in organizing authentic experience stems from the fact that we have overtime assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor and Trust Pilot to help you learn on the experiences of the other travelers who have traveled with us. Contact us about booking Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.