The Cost Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park in 2024-25

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

If you want to see gorillas in Mgahinga National Park, you need a gorilla trekking permit. The cost of these permits depends on where you come from. For people from other countries, called foreign nonresidents, the permit costs $800. For people from other countries who live in Uganda, called foreign residents, it’s $700. For people from East Africa, like Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania, it’s 300,000 shillings.

When you buy a permit, it covers different things. It helps pay for entering the park, guides to help you, security, taking care of the gorillas, spending an hour with the gorillas, supporting the local community, and getting a certificate after the trek. But it doesn’t include where you stay, paying someone to carry your things, tipping your guide, or any other personal expenses.

Accommodation Costs

Once you have your permit, you need a place to stay. In Mgahinga National Park, there are different types of places to stay: fancy ones, middle-of-the-road ones, and cheaper ones. The kind of place you choose depends on what you can afford and what you like. These places can fill up quickly, especially during the busiest times of the year.

If you can’t find a place in the park, you might stay in Kisoro town, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away from where you start your trek.

Here are some places you might stay in the park: Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Majambere Iwachu, and Community Camp.

Transportation Costs

Getting to Mgahinga National Park can be tricky. The roads in that area can be rough, especially when it rains a lot. So, it’s a good idea to hire a strong vehicle with a driver who knows the way. You also need to think about how much gas you’ll need for the trip. It’s important to fill up your tank before you leave because there might not be any gas stations along the way.

You’ll also need to pay your driver for each day they’re with you. The better they are at their job, the more they might charge. If you want someone who knows a lot about the area and can make your trip more enjoyable, it’s worth paying a bit more.

If you don’t want to drive, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro airstrip. This takes about two hours. But you’ll still need to arrange transportation from the airstrip to where you’re staying. You can also charter a private flight if you prefer.

Other factors considered when costing your gorilla safari package for Mgahinga National Park

Number of People Traveling

If more people join the gorilla safari, the cost per person is less. This is because certain expenses, like fuel, car hire, and driver guide fees, can be shared among the group. However, each person must still pay for their gorilla trekking permit. It’s important to note that children must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla safaris, as they need to be able to handle the conditions in the jungle and follow the rules set by ranger guides.

Number of Days on Safari

The minimum duration for a gorilla safari in Mgahinga National Park is three days. The first day is for arriving at and departing from the park, the second day is dedicated to gorilla trekking, and the third day is for departure after the safari. Costs for amenities and services typically charge per day, so the longer you stay on the safari, the higher the overall cost may be.

Other Activities to Consider

In addition to gorilla trekking, there are several other activities you can enjoy in Mgahinga National Park:

Golden Monkey Safari:

This requires a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Golden monkeys are a unique species known for their larger body size compared to regular monkeys. While they are accustomed to human presence, they remain active and may require you to stay alert during the safari.

Volcano Hiking:

The park features three volcanoes—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhavura—each offering breathtaking views. Guided excursions to these volcanoes can be a rewarding experience.

Birding:

Mgahinga National Park is home to various bird species, including some Albertine rift endemics like Shelley’s Crimsonwing, handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, and Red-faced Woodland Warblers. Birding enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to spot and observe these fascinating birds.

Other Activities in Uganda:

Apart from activities in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda offers a wide range of experiences, including game drives in parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, launch trips, chimpanzee safaris in Kibale National Park, visiting the source of the River Nile, and white water rafting on the River Nile. There’s something for everyone to enjoy amidst Uganda’s natural beauty.