The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga National Park – All you need to know

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family lives in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. There are 9 gorillas in this family, and they’re the only ones that people can visit in Mgahinga. Sometimes, though, they go to other countries like Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Congo’s Virunga National Park. But most of the time, they stay in Mgahinga.

People who visit Mgahinga get to see the Nyakagezi gorillas. They go on hikes through the park’s steep slopes to find them. This is called gorilla trekking. During these treks, tourists spend about an hour with the gorillas, watching them closely. They can see the gorillas playing and grooming each other in the forest.

To visit the Nyakagezi gorilla family, tourists need a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They can get these permits through approved tour companies. It’s important to book these permits early so you don’t miss out.

The cost of permits depends on where you’re from. For people who aren’t from East Africa, it’s $800. If you’re a foreign resident, it’s $700. But for East African citizens, it’s 300,000 Ugandan shillings.

History of the Nyakagezi gorilla family

In 1991, a gorilla family called Nyakagezi began getting used to people being around them. This process, called habituation, finished in 1994. After that, tourists were allowed to visit them where they naturally live.

Nyakagezi gorilla family has 9 members. Among them are 4 big male gorillas called silverbacks. The main one is called Mark. There are also 2 female gorillas, some younger gorillas, and babies. The oldest male gorilla in the group is Bugingo.

Bugingo is Mark’s father. Mark is the leader of the Nyakagezi gorilla family now. Other male gorillas in the group are Mathew and Mafia. The females are Nyiramwiza and Nshuti. There are also Nkanda, Mutagamba, and Rukundo in the group.

In Mgahinga National Park, there are over 80 mountain gorillas. They live around the Virunga mountains. When tourists go to see them, they start by getting information at Ntebeko Park Headquarters.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking is a popular activity in Mgahinga National Park. One of the highlights is visiting the Nyakagezi gorilla family. During this adventure, groups of up to 8 tourists, accompanied by ranger guides, venture into the forests of Mgahinga in search of mountain gorillas. Once they find them, tourists get to spend a precious hour observing and enjoying the company of these majestic creatures.

Due to the limited number of gorilla permits issued for Mgahinga National Park, visitors can experience a more intimate encounter with the gorillas. With fewer people around, the experience becomes even more special as tourists explore the forests and steep slopes of the park in search of these incredible animals.

Best Time to Visit Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi gorilla family can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to go is during the dry season. This season typically falls between June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are easier to trek through, making it more enjoyable to search for the gorillas in Mgahinga National Park.

Other Activities to do in Mgahinga National Park

Golden Monkey Trekking

When you visit Mgahinga National Park, you’ll discover there’s more than just gorilla trekking to enjoy. One exciting activity is golden monkey trekking. These playful primates roam freely in the park’s bamboo forests. To experience this adventure, you’ll need a permit, which costs $100 per person, covering park entrance fees.

During the trek, which typically lasts 3 to 4 hours, you’ll follow the movements of the golden monkeys. Once you find them, you’ll have about an hour to observe them up close, capturing memories through videos and photographs.

Batwa Community Tour

Another enriching experience at Mgahinga National Park is the Batwa communitytour. This tour allows you to interact with the Batwa people, who are indigenous to the area. You can join in traditional dances and other activities, gaining insights into their culture. Additionally, the Batwa serve as knowledgeable guides, enhancing your exploration of the park.

Hiking Adventures

For those seeking more active pursuits, Mgahinga National Park offers fantastic hiking opportunities. The park is home to three Virunga mountains: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo.

Mount Gahinga, standing at 3474 meters, Mount Muhabura, at 4127 meters, and Mount Sabyinyo, reaching 3669 meters, provide breathtaking views and thrilling trails to explore. With ranger guides accompanying you, you can embark on half-day or full-day hikes, immersing yourself in the lush forests and diverse landscapes. Along the way, you might even encounter other primates, such as gorillas and golden monkeys, amidst the bamboo forests that blanket the mountains.

How to get to Mgahinga national park

From Kampala: To reach Mgahinga National Park from Kampala, you can take the Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route. It’s a long journey, typically lasting around 9 to 10 hours. But it’s a scenic route that offers a glimpse of Uganda’s countryside along the way.

From Rwanda: Another option is to drive from Rwanda, which is a quicker route, taking about 3 to 4 hours. When crossing from Rwanda to Uganda, you have two border options: the Cyanika border or the Gatuna border. Both are accessible entry points into Uganda.

By Air: For a faster and more convenient option, you can book a flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. There are scheduled flights available, as well as charter flights, which can be arranged through domestic airlines like Aerolink Uganda. This option is particularly useful for tourists who prefer to save time or avoid long road journeys.