
Best Place to see Gorillas in East Africa
July 12, 2023
Fly into Bujumbura and Trek Gorillas in Uganda
July 12, 2023Are you planning to book a gorilla trip to Mgahinga and you would like to know which area is best for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is one of the best places for gorilla trekking in the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountains, which also extends into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the main area for gorilla trekking is the Nyakagezi gorilla group. This group is known for its stability and accessibility for visitors. The Nyakagezi group consists of several members, including the dominant silverback, adult females, juveniles, and infants.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers a unique experience as you trek through the lush rainforest and steep terrain of the Virunga Mountains in search of the gorillas. Along the way, you may also encounter other wildlife species such as golden monkeys and various bird species.
It’s important to note that gorilla trekking permits are required to visit the gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and should be obtained in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized Uganda tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris. These permits are limited in number to ensure the conservation of the gorillas and their habitat, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one Gorilla Family called Nyakagezi because this park shares the boundary with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda so most wild gorillas are found on the side of Rwanda than Uganda making it had to habituate them to create more gorilla families open for tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
which area is best for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga, Mgahinga gorilla national park is among the Virunga volcanic mountain chain of Rwanda, Congo and Uganda famous for Mountain gorilla safaris. 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.
Cost of Safari to see gorillas in 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.
What is the cost of Permits to trek gorillas in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla permits for trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs USD700 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for Foreign Residents, and Uganda shillings 250,000 for East African citizens. One the day of the trek, you will drive to the Park Headquarters for briefing on the regulations to follow while in the forest and with the gorillas, experienced guides and Park rangers will accompany you on the trek into the dense rain forest on the mountain slopes. The journey, through dense foliage and up steep climbs, is abundantly rewarded with the lifetime experience of viewing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will have an opportunity to be within 7-5 meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. You will be allowed one hour of viewing the gorillas and then return to the starting point to receive a certificate for a successful gorilla trek.
What is the cost of transportation to Mgahinga National Park?
The transportation costs include Vehicle hire, driver guide and Fuel for the whole round trip. Vehicle hire ranges USD100-250usd per day considering the kind of vehicle you choose to use, for three day trip, you will need approximately 290USD for the gorilla return trip. To visit Mgahinga national park, you are required to secure Uganda visa at USD30 at Entebbe international Airport or any of the boarder points into Uganda. The park can be accessed by road and its only 45 minute drive from Kisoro town. We use 4×4 vehicles with AC and drinking water for our all-inclusive packages that are very comfortable for your road trip to Mgahinga national park. For entry into the park, you will need to have secured permit for gorilla trek.
What is the cost of accommodation in 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 ranges from USD400 per person per night, Lake Chahafi Lodge, Lake Muhele Lodge which can serve as for both Midrange and Budget range from USD100 Per person per night. There is also an option of staying in hotels in Kisoro town where you can get as low as USD50 for a room, the town is just 30 minutes’ drive to the Park headquarters. Some 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 a Safari to see gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
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 over time 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 safari bookings to help you learn on the experiences of the other travelers who have traveled with us. Contact us about which area is best for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga.