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How long is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla National park timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest this also determines how long and challenging the gorilla trek will be that day of your trek. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.
How long is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. The distance walked during gorilla trekking in Mgahinga can take upto more than 9 miles that is approximately 3 hours to find the gorillas, this means you will spend approximately 6 hours each way. You will set off for the gorilla trek at 8am and be back by 3pm. However kindly note this is for the normal trek, gorilla trekking sometimes can take the whole day it all depends on the nature that day and the movement of the gorillas on the forest.
About gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park is Uganda’s smallest national park which is boarded by Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda. Mgahinga gorilla national park has the three volcanoes namely Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo and Mountain Muhabura all of which are part of the six Virunga Mountains. Mgahinga National Park harbors the endangered mountain gorilla and the Golden Monkeys. The park is a tropical rain forest comprised of lowland equatorial evergreen forest, tropical seasonal forest, montane rain forests and mountain Bamboo.
How is Mgahinga National Park gorilla treks?
Mgahinga is home to one gorilla family open for gorilla tracking and this is called Nyakagezi gorilla group. Like gorilla tracking in Bwindi you need to book your trek in advance with a trustworthy tour operator to avoid missing out on the only 8 permits that are available for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. The gorilla permits for trekking in Mgahinga cost same like for Bwindi that $700 pp for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East African Resident.
How long is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga only has one session in the morning, this starts in the morning with briefing and after you head out with walking through the forest in search for these endangered mountain gorillas.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
The best time to do a gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
What is the Cost of Transportation to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The cost of transportation is inclusive of vehicle hire for the number of days of safari, Driver guide allowances and fuel for the whole trip. Vehicle hire ranges from USD50-250 per day depending on the kind of vehicle you choose, all our Vehicles are 4X4 because of the nature of roads to the Park. Mgahinga gorilla National Park can easily be accessed from Kigali in Rwanda just four hour drive from to the Park, through the Chanika boarder between Uganda and Rwanda. The drive from Kigali can start from the Airport /hotel with a city tour of Kigali and then cross into Kisoro district in Uganda for Lunch and overnight. You can also access Mgahinga National park from Entebbe/Kampala, where you will drive approximately 9-10 hours’ drive on Kampala-Mbarara- Kisoro highway to the park.
There is also and option of flying from Entebbe international Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip and the flight is about 2 hours into Kisoro Airstrip. The flight fees range from USD300 per Adult one way, there are scheduled flights departing every day with Aerolink Uganda and other flight companies, charter flights are also available. A flying golden monkey safari can be arranged for you to see the amazing monkeys in Mgahinga National Park.
What is the cost of accommodation in Mgahinga National Park?
For 4 day Mgahinga and golden monkey safari, you will need to spend at least 3 nights near Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga National Park has a number of accommodation choices where you can stay while on your visit. Most of the lodges are found in the out skirts of the forest with a clear view of the forest and the mountain ranges. The Lodges range from Budget to Luxury and these include; Gahinga Lodge which is a luxury hotel which ranges from USD400 per person per night, Lake Chahafi Lodge, Lake Mutanda lodge, Lake Muhele Lodge which can serve as for both Midrange and Budget and they range from USD80-150 per person per night. There is also an option of staying in hotels in Kisoro town, the town is just 30 minutes’ drive to the Park headquarters. Some the travelers opt to stay in Lodges/Camps in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as it is about 1 hour drive to Mgahinga National Park.
Why book with us Visiting gorillas and golden monkeys in Mgahinga?
Eco Adventure Safaris offers amazing experiences Mgahinga national Park for golden monkey tracking and gorilla trekking. Contact us 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 to help you learn on the experiences of the other travelers who have traveled with us. Contact us here about how long is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
