Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda in Kisoro District. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family that offers one of the most unique Uganda gorilla trekking experiences. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest National Park covering a total surface area of 33.9 square kilometers. It was created in 1991 to protect the world’s remaining mountain gorillas that inhabited the area and the natural habitat itself. Mgahinga is part of the three National Parks encompassed in the Virunga Mountain Ranges, besides Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR. Congo’s Virunga National Park. The park offers gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, golden monkey trekking, birding and Batwa cultural trails. Mgahinga ranks as one of Uganda’s most scenic parks to visit. The Park’s natural beauty encompasses three panoramic cone-shaped extinct volcanoes, and a variety of birds, butterflies, mammals, and primates among others.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to over 80 mountain gorillas, with originally one habituated gorilla group for gorilla trekking; the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. The Nyakagezi gorilla family was habituated in 1991 but was opened for gorilla trekking in 1994. The family is comprised of 4 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 2 infants. This group is very fascinating to trek; the group has an exiled silverback living in harmony with the rest of the family. Furthermore, the Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only gorilla group in Uganda with the largest number of silverbacks, which is a rare occurrence.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. At the briefing, visitors will be enlightened about gorilla trekking and the rules and regulations for trekking. Following the briefing, tourists are grouped into 8 and assigned a guide and game ranger to lead them on their gorilla trek. It will take you between 30 minutes to 5 hours to locate the gorilla family depending on their movements and location. Nonetheless, you will have a lot to occupy you ranging from other creatures such as golden monkeys, baboons, and a variety of birds to beautiful flora. And once you locate the gorilla group, you will have one hour with them.
With one habituated gorilla family, only 8 gorilla permits are issued for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga every day. However, with the recent migration of the Hirwa gorilla family from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the number of visitors to Mgahinga has increased. Even the gorilla permits have been increased to 16 permits every day until the gorilla group gets to migrate again.
Uganda gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). If you are planning to go for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you are advised to book your gorilla permit early. Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens.
When planning to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need to be in good physical and mental shape to hike through the steep forested slopes. Prepare for the weather, the journey, and most importantly the gorilla trekking experience. You will need pieces of equipment to help smoothen your gorilla safari and among these include; good hiking boots with a good grip, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a cardigan, and a rain jacket: you will also need a waterproof backpack to pack your snacks and camera during the trek, a good camera and a pair of binoculars, a pair of face masks, insect repellent, a water bottle, a pair of sunglasses and a hat, to mention but a few. During your gorilla trek, you will also need to hire a porter to help carry your backpack for a minimum of $20. You will also require a walking stick which can be acquired either at your lodge or at the park headquarters during a briefing.
Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- To trek mountain gorillas in Mgahinga, one must be 15 years and above.
- Always follow the instructions of your guides as they know more about the gorillas and their natural habitat.
- While with the gorillas, always maintain a distance of at least 7 meters between you and the mountain gorillas.
- Any sick person is not allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
- While in the presence of mountain gorillas, maintain a low tone and avoid unnecessary movements.
- Avoid eye contact with the mountain gorillas as this could threaten them. Always stick in your group.
- Drinking, smoking, or eating near the mountain gorillas is prohibited
- Flash photography is not allowed while trekking mountain gorillas.
- Avoid littering the park during gorilla trekking
- Do not attempt to touch the mountain gorillas. If a gorilla charges at you, try to keep your cool and follow the ranger’s instructions. Do not attempt to run away.
Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Golden Monkey Trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only safari destination in Uganda for golden monkey trekking. The park is home to over 4000 individuals of these incredibly beautiful subspecies of the blue monkey. Uganda’s golden monkeys are considered one of the highly endangered creatures, and yet the most sought-after species of monkeys. Golden monkeys are the most beautiful monkeys in the world, and trekking them in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an adventurous experience.
Hiking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in the Virunga Mountain ranges and it is home to three extinct volcanoes; They offer excellent hiking trails and experiences. The three extinct volcanoes are; Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Mubavura, and each of these offers memorable hiking.
Mount Muhavura; is the highest of the three volcanoes standing at 4,127 meters above sea level. Also known as Muhabura, the volcano ranks the highest of the eight Virunga volcanoes. The volcano offers ecstatic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi National Park, other Virunga ranges, and a crater lake at the summit among others. Hiking up and down this volcano takes a day. However there is an option of spending the night to take in the beauty.
Mount Sabyinyo; is the oldest Volcano range locally known as the “Old man’s teeth”. The volcano stands at 3,669 meters, making it the second-highest volcano in the park. Mount Sabyinyo lies northeast of Lake Kivu and west of Lake Bunyonyi (Africa’s second-deepest lake). The volcano’s summit lies at a point that marks Uganda’s border with Rwanda and DR. Congo. When on the summit, you are in three countries at the same time. Hiking mount Sabyinyo takes about 10 hours depending on your speed. Enjoy the breathtaking views while on this trail.
Mount Gahinga is the smallest of the volcanos and it lies between Mount Muhavura and Mount Sabyinyo. The volcano is elevated at 3,474 meters and takes about 8 hours to hike up and down. Hikes up this wonderful volcano take you through the beautiful scenery of bamboo, and swamps at the summit.
Batwa Cultural Trail
The Batwa cultural trail allows you to visit the Batwa – a tribe of hunter gatherers that lived in the forest. The Batwa cultural trail is led by the Batwa local guides and it is an 8-hour trail that takes you deep inside Mgahinga forest to explore the ancient life of the Batwa. There is an option of a shorter trail. On this trail, tourists are taken to explore the Batwa traditional way of life. Tourists will be given a glimpse into the Batwa ancient homesteads, hunting and gathering skills, folk songs, and drama.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park allow travelers to marvel at the natural wonder of the park up close. There are various trails designed to offer travelers the most captivating nature experiences where you can expect to encounter a variety of birds, forest mammals, and primates, to mention but a few.
Bird-watching
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also a top birding destination in Uganda. It is home to over 180 recorded bird species; with a number of Albertine Rift endemics. Birding in the park is enjoyed throughout the year and birders will be delighted to encounter bird species such as the Archer’s Robin-chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Blue-headed sunbird, Kivu Ground thrush, Speckled Mousebird, Paradise Flycatcher, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Blue-headed coucal, Dusky Turtle dove and Pin-tailed whydah, among many others.
When is the best Time to go for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is possible all year, but the best time to visit the park is during the dry season from June to August and from late December to early February. During this time, the trekking trails are less muddy and slippery, thus easy to navigate during gorilla treks.
However, for those who are looking for fewer crowds, the rainy season (March to May) would be the appropriate time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla, National Park.
Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Mount Gahinga Lodge
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Lake Chahafi Resort
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Kisoro Traveler’s Nest
- Mucha Hotel Kisoro