Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park that sits in southwestern Uganda close to the border with Congo and Rwanda, approximately 9 to 10 hours’ drive from Kampala south to access the main destination and one can have a short driving route from Kigali Rwanda through border crossing at Cyanika border for less than 3 to 4 hours. However, the park covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers that are habitat for man’s closest ‘’great mountain gorillas’ ‘which room about the whole forest in search for food. Mgahinga national park is one of the few destinations in the world where the endangered mountain gorillas live and it attracts millions of people from different races of the world to come on Uganda Gorilla Safari. Mgahinga Gorilla national park a place worth a visit that harbors these unique primates and making it one of the leading tourism sites in Uganda.
On one way the other, one may wonder why they should carryout gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla national park. This is because of the secret behind it has a thick rain forest with a wide variety of tree species and gorillas are known to be vegetarians. The park has enough food for them and this is the reason why some gorillas migrate all away from Congo and Rwanda to this remarkable place. Though are not many in numbers, still are easily seen in their nature habitats thus making trekking more easy compared to other parks.
Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga visit is a welcoming atmosphere as an evidence of adventure filled of natural beauty. A day trek through the forest of Mgahinga involves in a professional guide who explains the gorilla’s behaviors along the way it is a life changing experience.
Generally, Gorilla trekking safari starts early in the morning after briefing at the park headquarter about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking experience. Then be grouped in 8 individuals by the park range guide who will allocate you to the gorilla family to trek. This is an activity which can last 2 to 8 hours in search for them depending on their movements in the forest. Please always ensure that you’re physically fit in the body and free from any sickness, carry your packed lunch boxes, hiking rubber shoes, rain jacket, long trouser, hat and long sleeved shirt. Once you locate these giant apes a visitor is expected to use his or her time well while with a gorilla family since you’re given the maximum time to spend with them which is one hour to learn how they feed in the forest, play, swing around on the trees as well as a memorable photograph.
Rules and Regulation of Gorilla Trekking
- Keep a distance of 5 to 6 meters away from gorillas
- Do not smoke
- Stay in the group
How much is Gorilla Trekking Permits
Uganda gorilla permit is sold at USD 700 per person per day as we compare to Rwanda’s charges which is USD1500 and Congo permits are bit cheaper at USD400 each. Moreover, the price for a gorilla permit doesn’t include other expenses on Visas, flight, accommodation, transport and food. For this reason, the total price can go up to USD5000 for the luxury visitors. However, Mgahinga Gorilla trekking permits can be bought inside the park at the park headquarter at Ntebeko.
Best Time to Trek Gorillas at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National park can be visited throughout the year but the best season to enjoy the place for trekking is during two dry seasons when the park is easily reached. During this period of time the thick forest can be penetrable easily because it cannot be slippery as it is in the rainy season. The two dry seasons best for Gorilla trekking safari are; Mid-December to end of February and June to October.
Getting There
By Road
One can access the park by use of a car from Kampala via Kabale to Kisoro. The journey which takes about 9 to 10-hour drive.
By Air
One can use a scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip which is close to the park. This is the quickest means of transport to access the park that takes about 1 hour. Daily scheduled flight can be booked in advance with your local Uganda safari operator.
Accommodation
While at Mgahinga Gorilla national park, one should not worry about where to stay because there are number of lodges suitable for relaxation and overnight. They can be booked in Ntebeko, Kisoro and Lake Mutanda;
Ntebeko Accommodations include; Volcanoes Mount Gahinga safari lodge and Amajambera Iwacu camp.
Kisoro Accommodations where visitors can spend in their nights from include; Kisoro Travelers’s Rest Hotel and River Mucha 7Hotel.
Lake Mutanda Accommodations; Lake Mutanda Chameleon Hill Lodge among others.
Book your gorilla trekking permits in advance by help of tour agent in order not be disturbed on your visit. For more details, contact us Achieve global safaris for help.
