Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the 2 unique gorilla trekking activities in Uganda National Park which attracts many tourists to indulge in this activity. Ever thought about viewing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? You should try Uganda Safari in East Africa the only spot these primates made a home. Mgahinga National Park is one of the most visited destinations and has a diverse ecosystem filled with tourism activities that guarantee you a spectacular holiday.
Mgahinga National Park, widely known as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Kisoro district in the south western part of Uganda. Mgahinga National Park is among the three parks in the Virunga conservation area and it is the smallest national park in Uganda. The other two parks include Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Mgahinga National Park covers an area of 13.1 square miles within three extinct volcanoes that is Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhavura, and Mt. Sabinyo, and it is operated under the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Additionally, the main tourism activity done in Mgahinga National Park is mountain gorilla trekking but Mgahinga has other activities like golden monkey trekking, bird watching, hiking the volcanoes, game drives, and nature walks among others.
Gorillas trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is a small national park that consists of vegetation with bamboo trees that provide shelter and food to the mountain gorillas. Because of its size, Mgahinga National Park has one habituated gorilla group known as Nyakagyezi comprising of nine members. The members include two Silverbacks, three adult females, two infants, and two juveniles. The group has been presently viewed in Mgahinga National Park over time, unlike the past days when it used to cross the border to Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park.
When you visit Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking, the atmosphere is appealing filled with the natural beauty of vegetation and wildlife. A day trek is a memorable, thrilling and exciting adventure because you get to view closely the primates as they feed and the young ones playing and this takes about one hour with them which is the official duration set by the park officials.
This mountain gorilla trekking activity usually starts from the Ntebeko gate in the morning at around 8 am daily and takes about 2-4 hours of trekking the mountain gorillas. Along the way you get to view the different species of birds such as Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Streaky seedeater, White Starred Robin, Cape Robin-chat and the Dusky Turtle Dove among others, the golden monkeys and also the panoramic view of the dormant volcanoes that is Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhavura, and Mt. Sabinyo in the south of the Mgahinga National Park.
Getting the gorilla permits in Mgahinga National Park
Since many mountain gorillas are found in Uganda about half the world, the demand for gorilla trekking permits is higher than the supply. This means tour operators have to book the gorilla permits prior to the arrival of the travelers. This saves them time and can easily access the national parks without any inconveniences.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority which governs the operations of the national parks is responsible for tourism in Uganda and offers about 8 permits in Mgahinga National Park per day due to the presence of one particular group in the park. The gorilla permits can be gotten at Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala. The gorilla permits go for $600 and as of 1st July 20120, all Ugandan gorilla permits will go for $700.
How to get to Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is about 540km from Kampala and 14km form Kisoro town. By road it takes about 10 hours to Mgahinga National Park nonstop, passing via Kabale and Kisoro and takes about 8 hours to reach Kabale. Additionally, if you prefer by air, charter flights can be arranged form Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro airstrip. Using air transport is quick and less tiresome and booking has to be done in advance.
Best time to visit gorillas in Mgahinga National Park
The best time to visit the gorillas in Mgahinga National Park is during the months of December to February and June to October. This is because during these months the rain is less and more of a dry season though the gorilla permits are available every day.
Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park has a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury lodges. In addition, if a tourist prefers camping, there is enough space at Mgahinga National Park gate and also the rest camp at Mt. Gahinga.
Mount Gahinga Lodge: Mount Gahinga is located outside of Mgahinga National Park. This luxury lodge features private cottages with bath place; it offers well-served breakfast and meals by a welcoming staff. The lodge has a natural setting making its guests experience the wilderness and also a fireplace for relaxing during your stay at the lodge.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge: Located in Kisoro, this lodge provides luxurious services such as a fireplace for relaxation and consists of 8 cottages with great interiors and the meals are well served at the lodge. Visitors are able to access Mgahinga National Park anytime to and from the lodge.
Nkuringo Safari lodge: Nkuringo safari lodge offers luxury services such as room services, the rooms and tents are well furnished and self-contained. The guests have a great chance to view the volcanoes. Nkuringo safari lodge is near Mgahinga National Park making it easy for the guests to visit the park.
Virunga Campsite and Backpackers: The hostel offers a restaurant, a bar, wireless internet access, and a roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary to guests. Virunga Campsite and Backpackers offers tour/ticket assistance and barbecue grills. The place also offers laundry services and a 24-hour front desk are on site. Other amenities include a picnic area for the guests to relax, terrace, and luggage storage.
Muhabura Motel: Located in Kisoro on Kisoro-Cyanika road, Muhabura motel features a 24-hour front desk and this place a barbecue grills and free self-parking, wireless internet access is provided. The rooms’ amenities include TVs with cable channels, microwaves, separate bathtubs, and showers. The place has four rooms.
Golden Monkey Guesthouse: Golden Monkey Guesthouse is located in Kisoro and it is about 22 minutes’ drive to Mgahinga National Park. This natural beauty features a restaurant that serves continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. All 16 rooms have free wireless internet access, a bar, and free parking. There is a front desk and daily housekeeping.
“Among all the tourism activities done in Mgahinga National Park, gorilla trekking is the leading activity done in the national park. For the visitors to have a great gorilla safari expedition in the pearl of Africa, Mgahinga National Park should be included on your list.”
