Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali

If you are planning Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga from Kigali, Rwanda, it’s just a 3-4 hour drive away. The journey from Kigali offers scenic views with chances to see wildlife and pass by small villages. You’ll cross the Uganda-Rwanda border at Cyanika to Kisoro District or at Katuna to Kabale District. Once you reach Mgahinga, you’ll check into a nearby lodge or campsite to rest and get ready for the trek, which begins early the next morning.

The trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park begins with a briefing at the park headquarters very early in the morning, where you’ll learn the rules and guidelines for the trek. After this, the park rangers assigns you a group and a gorilla family to track. The trek to find the gorillas usually take between 1 to 4 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located that day. You’ll hike through dense forests, bamboo groves, and sometimes steep trails, but the experienced guides and rangers will make sure you stay safe and have an enjoyable experience.

When you find the gorilla family, you’ll have up to one hour to observe and photograph them. Watching the gorillas interact with each other, feed, and play in their natural habitat is a truly unique experience. You’ll be able to take photos and videos as you get an up-close look at these gentle giants.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which stretches across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although it is Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga is rich in wildlife and vegetation. The park is home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, adding to its charm and diversity. In Mgahinga, there is one habituated gorilla family called the Nyakagezi family. This family is available for trekking every day, but only eight visitors are allowed to visit them each day for just one hour.

The trekking starts early in the morning at the park headquarters, with a briefing on the dos and don’ts. Then you’re grouped and assigned a gorilla family to visit. After this, you’ll start the journey into the forest, which is an incredible adventure itself.

How much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

To trek gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need a valid gorilla trekking permit. The permit can be secured from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and it’s important to book it in advance for your desired trek date. The permit costs are as follows:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800
• Foreign Residents: USD 700
• East African Citizens: 300,000 Ugandan shillings

On the day of your trek, you’ll drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules. Guides and park rangers will then lead you into the rainforest. The trek can be challenging, with dense vegetation and steep slopes, but the reward of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is priceless. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have up to one hour with them, keeping a distance of about 5 to 7 meters. After observing the gorillas, you’ll return to the starting point, where you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your successful trek.

Accommodation Options Near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There are several accommodation options in and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where you can stay during your visit. Most of the lodges are on the outskirts of the forest, giving you great views of the park and the surrounding mountains. The lodges range from budget to luxury, and here are some popular options:

• Gahinga Lodge: This luxury lodge offers comfortable rooms and excellent service. The cost is around USD 400 per person per night.
• Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge: These midrange and budget lodges cost about USD 100 per person per night and offer nice amenities with views of the lakes.
• Hotels in Kisoro Town: Staying in Kisoro town is another option, and it’s only a 30-minute drive from the park. Here, you can find budget-friendly accommodations starting at around USD 50 per night.

Some travelers choose to stay in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is about a one-hour drive to Mgahinga. This can be a good choice if you want to explore multiple gorilla trekking areas or need more lodging options.

How difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga can be quite challenging due to the hilly terrain and the altitude of the area. Mgahinga National Park is home to three volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. During the trek, you may have to hike up these slopes, especially if the gorillas are spending time at higher elevations.

The trail conditions can be difficult, with muddy paths, stinging plants, and biting insects. However, with some preparation, you can manage the trek and fully enjoy the experience. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

• Stay Physically Fit: Since trekking can be strenuous, try to do some physical exercise before your trip to build stamina.
• Wear Comfortable Safari Boots and Clothing: Choose good-quality, waterproof hiking boots and clothing that covers your ankles and arms. Long pants and long sleeves are recommended for protection against plants and insects.
• Hire a Porter: Hiring a porter to help carry your gear can make the trek more comfortable. This allows you to focus on enjoying the experience instead of carrying heavy items.

The ranger guide will set a comfortable pace and will follow the speed of the slowest trekker, so you can take breaks if needed.

The Role of Iconic Africa Safaris

Iconic Africa Safaris is dedicated to creating memorable travel experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and across East Africa. We arrange all the necessary logistics, including transportation from Kigali to Mgahinga, and we ensure that every detail is taken care of so you can fully enjoy your safari experience.

By choosing Iconic Africa Safaris, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your trip is organized by professionals who care about the environment and the local communities. Our partnerships with lodges or hotels to ensure that you have a responsible and sustainable safari experience that benefits the area and its people.