Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park – What to Expect, Cost and Gorilla Permits

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not as famous as gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but it also offers a unique and exciting experience. Located in southwestern Uganda, near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga covers 33.9 km², making it Uganda’s smallest national park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority declared Mgahinga a national park in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.

The park is home to three dormant volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Sabyinyo. These mountains are covered with four types of vegetation: Albertine, montane forests, bamboo forests, and semi-alpine forests. The elevation ranges from 7,000 to 13,000 feet, creating an ideal habitat for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and many bird species. Mgahinga is also one of the original homes of the Batwa pygmies.

Although Mgahinga has various wildlife, it is best known for its mountain gorillas. There is only one habituated gorilla family here, the Nyakagezi group. This group of gorillas mostly stays within Uganda but has been known to move between Rwanda and Congo. Nyakagezi is a popular group among trekkers due to its large size and the fact that trekking to find them is less difficult compared to other places.

Getting to Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is located about 490 km from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The drive takes about nine hours, passing through towns like Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro. Visitors can also fly from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip using chartered flights. Kihihi is a more reliable landing point because Kisoro often experiences fog that can affect air travel.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Mgahinga

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga is the same as Bwindi, priced at $800 for Foreign Non-Residents, $700 for Foreign Residents and UGX300,000 for East Africa Residents. Only eight permits are available per day due to the presence of just one gorilla family, so booking in advance is essential.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi

Uganda is the only country in the world with two mountain gorilla habitats—Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The gorillas in both parks are the same species, and the trekking rules, permit costs, and overall experience are similar. The chances of seeing gorillas in either park are almost 100%.

However, there are some differences between the two parks. Mgahinga is smaller, covering just 33.9 km² compared to Bwindi’s 331 km². Bwindi has 20 habituated gorilla groups spread across four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo), while Mgahinga has only one. This gives Bwindi more variety, but Mgahinga is less crowded, offering a quieter experience.

The landscape also differs. Mgahinga’s terrain consists of bamboo and montane forests, while Bwindi is a tropical rainforest. Mgahinga stands out because it’s the only park in Uganda where you can track both golden monkeys and gorillas.

Activities Beyond Gorilla Trekking

While Mgahinga is best known for gorilla trekking, there are many other activities visitors can enjoy:

Golden Monkey Trekking

Mgahinga is home to a large population of golden monkeys, a rare and colorful species of primate. Tracking these playful creatures costs $60 for Foreign Non-Residents, $50 for Foreign Residents and UGX40,000 for East Africa Residents. This is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see golden monkeys.

Nature Walks

The park’s bamboo and montane forests are home to various wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. Popular walking trails include the Sabinyo trail, Mgahinga Gorge walk, and the border trail.

Batwa Trail Experience

The Batwa Trail offers a cultural experience where visitors can meet the Batwa pygmies, one of Uganda’s indigenous tribes. The Batwa once lived as hunters and gatherers in the forests but have since been displaced. On this trail, guided by the Batwa themselves, visitors explore the forest, learn about their traditional way of life, and visit the sacred Garama caves. The experience concludes with storytelling, music, and dance performances by the Batwa.

Cave Exploration

Mgahinga National Park has several caves that were once home to the Batwa. The most famous are the Garama and Muhavura caves. These long, bat-filled caves offer a fascinating insight into the Batwa’s history and way of life.

Mountain Climbing

Mgahinga’s three volcanoes provide challenging one-day hikes. Mount Muhavura, the tallest, stands at 4,100 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, the Rwenzori Mountains, and Bwindi. Mount Sabinyo, at 13,540 feet, allows climbers to stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo simultaneously. Mount Gahinga is the shortest, taking about seven hours to climb.

Birding

With over 76 bird species, Mgahinga is a great spot for birdwatching. The best birding areas are on the slopes of Mount Gahinga and Sabinyo, where montane and bamboo forests attract species like the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, common cuckoo, and regal sunbird.

Accommodation Options

Visitors to Mgahinga National Park can choose from a range of accommodation options, from budget lodges to luxury facilities:

Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge

This luxury lodge is located near the park offices and offers high-end services with local charm. It’s an excellent choice for visitors seeking comfort during their stay.

Amajambere Iwacu Camp

For budget travelers, this camp offers basic yet comfortable self-contained facilities. It also has dormitories for larger groups.

Chameleon Hill Lodge

This high-end lodge near Lake Mutanda offers stunning views of the forests and the lake, making it a beautiful place to relax after trekking.

Traveler’s Rest Hotel

This mid-range lodge with 12 self-contained rooms is located in Kisoro town. It’s one of the oldest accommodations in the area.

Nkuringo Safari Lodge

Located in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi, this luxury lodge is close to Mgahinga and offers a premium experience for those exploring both parks.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

A high-end lodge near Bwindi, Clouds offers luxurious services and easy access to Mgahinga for visitors who want a top-tier stay.