The Number of gorilla families and permits available in Mgahinga National Park
In Mgahinga National Park, there is only one family of mountain gorillas available for gorilla trekking. This family is called Nyakagezi. This park is small, covering about 33.7 square kilometers, but it’s important because it’s home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world. The Nyakagezi gorilla family has sometimes wandered into Rwanda, which has made it tricky to book permits in the past. But now, gorilla permits are available for pre-booking through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Currently, there are 8 gorilla permits available for trekking in Mgahinga National Park. However, this number might change as the gorilla habituation process continues. Gorilla habituation is when a wild gorilla family gets used to having humans around without changing their natural behavior. How long this process takes depends on how quickly or slowly the gorillas adjust.
Gorilla Permit Costs at Mgahinga National Park
To go see gorillas in Mgahinga National Park, you need to get something called a gorilla permit. These permits have different costs depending on where you come from. If you’re from another country and not living in Uganda, it costs $800. If you’re from another country but living in Uganda, it’s a bit cheaper at $700. But if you’re from East Africa, like Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania, it’s 300,000 shillings.
Getting Gorilla Permits with Iconic Africa Safaris
If you need help getting these gorilla permits and organizing your trip, you can reach out to Iconic Africa Safaris. They can sort out the permits and help you with other stuff you might need for your safari.
Best Time to Book a Gorilla Safari at Mgahinga National Park
You might wonder when the best time is to go on a gorilla safari in Mgahinga National Park. Well, you can go pretty much any time of the year, but some times are better than others. The dry season, which falls around June to August and December to January, is the most popular. During this time, the weather is nicer, the trails are easier to walk on, and you’re more likely to see gorillas and other animals.
Why Dry Season is Great for Gorilla Safaris
In the dry season, there’s more sunlight coming through the trees, which makes the trails less muddy and slippery. This means it’s easier for you to walk around and explore. Plus, the gorillas and other animals are more active during this time, so you’re more likely to spot them.
What You Can See During a Gorilla Safari
Apart from gorillas, there are lots of other animals you might see during your safari. There are different kinds of monkeys like colobus, vervet, and blue monkeys. You might also see baboons and other primates. And if you’re into birds, there are plenty of those to spot too.
Booking During Peak Season
During the peak season, which is when lots of people want to go on safaris, it can be hard to get gorilla permits. They often sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you can. That way, you won’t miss out on the chance to see gorillas up close.
Considerations for Low Season Bookings
If you’re looking to save some money or don’t mind fewer crowds, you might consider going during the low season. During this time, it’s easier to find last-minute permits, and some safari companies might offer discounts on their services. So, it could be a good option if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
