Exclusive Self Drive Guide To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A guide to gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a remarkable activity that allows travelers to traverse the tropical rainforest in pursuit of habituated gorilla families, with the opportunity to spend one hour in their natural habitat upon discovery. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, within Kisoro District, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. at addition to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking occurs at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to around 80 mountain gorillas, with only one habituated family, known as Nyakagezi, available for daily trekking. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park commences early in the morning at approximately 8:00 AM with a briefing on the rules and regulations to adhere to during the trip. Following the briefing, you will embark on a journey into the jungle accompanied by a seasoned park guide and armed park rangers, which may last from 2 to 6 hours, contingent upon the location of the mountain gorillas, since they frequently relocate in pursuit of food. While trekking, you will encounter various wildlife species, and upon locating the mountain gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour in their natural habitat. During this time, you can observe their behaviors and habits, witness feeding, breastfeeding, and grooming of young gorillas, as well as capture photographs and record memorable moments to share with others upon your return.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is feasible year-round, however the optimal period is during the dry season, specifically in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. In the dry season, reduced rainfall in the national park renders gorilla trekking pathways accessible, facilitating easier trekking compared to the rainy season, when the trails become muddy and slippery, complicating the trekking experience.
Price of a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Procedure for acquiring a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be reserved through a reputable tour operator such as Gorilla Trekking in Africa. You will need to provide your desired date, month, and year for your visit to the mountain gorillas. Upon contacting us, we will verify the availability of permits; if permits are available, you will be required to provide a deposit for the permission. Upon receipt of payment, we will obtain the permit on your behalf and provide you with a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should be reserved 3 to 6 months prior to the trekking date, as they are limited and tend to sell out rapidly, particularly during peak seasons from June to September and December to February. To prevent last-minute disappointments, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Essential items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Travelers embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should prepare by packing various items, including insect repellent, gardening gloves, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a waterproof rain jacket, a warm sweater, a camera with extra batteries, binoculars, a walking stick, long socks, a hat, a backpack, and a face mask, among others.
Accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Numerous lodging options are available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations encompass budget, midrange, and luxury options, including Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Mubano Hotel, Kisoro Travelers Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mt Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, and Ntebeko Homestay, among others.
Directions to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and can be reached via air travel, where visitors may reserve scheduled or charter flights with Aero Link Uganda or Bar Aviation from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a road transfer to the park headquarters. Comprehensive Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be reached by car, traveling from Kampala through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale to the park headquarters, which requires approximately 9 to 10 hours of driving.
Access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also available via Kigali, Rwanda. You will fly into Kigali International Airport and subsequently go to the park headquarters via the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale, which requires an approximate driving time of 3 to 4 hours.
Additional things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides a variety of engaging activities for travelers beyond gorilla trekking, including golden monkey trekking, mountain climbing of the three volcanic peaks—Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga—bird watching, the Batwa trail experience for interaction with the Batwa people who historically inhabited the forest, and guided nature walks, among others.
Gorilla trekking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a remarkable activity that can be complemented by several pursuits in Kibale Forest National Park, including chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation experiences, birdwatching, and nature walks. For further information and package reservations, please contact us at info@4x4carrental.com.