Why there is No Gorilla Habituation in Mgahinga National Park

In Mgahinga National Park, there is no Gorilla Habituation Experience because there is only one gorilla family, called the Nyakagezi family. This family is already fully habituated, meaning they are used to being around people. The Nyakagezi family has nine members, including four silverbacks (adult males), two adult females, one juvenile, and two infants. When the family was first introduced to tourists, the dominant silverback was Bugingo, who is around 54 years old. Later, his son Mark became the leader. The family is named after the Nyakagezi area, where they were first found. This area has plenty of food, which attracts gorillas to stay there.

The Nyakagezi family is well-known among tourists because they are lively and unique. Each member of the family has a distinct name. Mark is the current silverback leader. Two other silverbacks are named Mathew and Mafia. Bugingo is the oldest silverback and former leader. There is a juvenile called Nkanda, two infants named Rukundo and Mutagamba, and two adult females, Nshuti and Nyiramwiza. This family is the only habituated group in Mgahinga National Park, making it a special attraction for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Mgahinga National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, sharing borders with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering about 33.7 square kilometers. Despite its small size, Mgahinga is a popular spot for gorilla trekking.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga National Park

The cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga depends on factors like the price of a gorilla permit, transportation, and accommodation.

Gorilla Permit Cost:

A gorilla permit is an official pass needed to go gorilla trekking. It is valid only for the day of the trek. Because there is a high demand for gorilla permits, they must be purchased in advance, especially during the dry or peak season. The permit prices are as follows:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for foreign residents
• UGX 300,000 for Ugandan and East African citizens

Uganda no longer offers discounts on gorilla permits. Permits can be bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a registered tour operator. Only eight gorilla permits are available each day for Mgahinga, so it’s recommended to book at least six months in advance.

Other Activities in Mgahinga National Park

Besides gorilla trekking, Mgahinga National Park offers several other activities:

Bird Watching:

Mgahinga National Park is home to around 180 bird species, making it a great place for bird watchers. Some of the birds seen here include the white-starred robin, handsome francolin, and western green tinkerbird. The best time for bird watching is during the wet seasons, which are March to May and October to November, as more birds are active and visible.

Golden Monkey Trekking:

Mgahinga is the only park in Uganda where you can trek to see golden monkeys. These monkeys are different from gorillas and are often easier to find because they stay in the lower parts of the park. Golden monkeys feed mostly on bamboo shoots, which they find on the ground. Trekking rules for golden monkeys are similar to those for gorilla trekking, ensuring the animals are safe and undisturbed.

Nature Walks:

Nature walks are a peaceful way to explore Mgahinga’s beauty on foot. On these walks, visitors can enjoy the natural scenery and possibly spot other primates, like red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, along with various birds. Nature walks let tourists experience the park’s beautiful landscapes and observe wildlife in a quieter, more intimate setting.

The Batwa Trail:

The Batwa Trail offers visitors a look into the culture of the Batwa people, who once lived in Mgahinga Forest. The trail officially opened on June 11, 2011, to help preserve Batwa traditions and culture. During this experience, Batwa guides share stories about their way of life in the forest, including traditional hunting methods, gathering food, and using forest plants for medicine. Visitors get to learn about how the Batwa lived and see demonstrations of their daily activities in the forest. This unique experience provides insight into the Batwa’s rich culture and heritage.

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga National Park

The best time to visit Mgahinga National Park is during the dry seasons. The long dry season is from June to August, while the short dry season is in January and February. These dry months are ideal for trekking, as the trails are easier to walk. However, Mgahinga National Park is open to visitors all year round, and guests are welcome during any season.