Mgahinga National Park is one of the smallest conservation areas of Uganda situated in the southwestern part of the country straddling the border with Rwanda, covering an area space of approximately 33.7 square kilometers it is a continuation of the great Virunga volcanic region hosting 3 of the 8 great mountains of the rift valley region these include Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabinyo and Mountain Muhabura, the national park is located in Kisoro district, gazette in 1991 as a way of protecting the critically endangered species of the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park is a wonderful tourist activity in Uganda. Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla beringei living freely in the forest without being captivated.
Mgahinga National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, these lived a mobile life until the Hirwa family from the Volcanoes National Park joined the forest, and this brings the total to 2 groups of families, the groups live in families of up to 20 members led by a male silverback, it is tracked in groups of eight per gorilla family the activity is done in 2-8 hours depending on how far the gorilla families have moved, it is a tough hike so to achieve it you need to consider physical fitness a morning briefing is conducted by the Uganda wildlife authority team about how to conduct yourself while with the mountain gorillas, you will spend an hour with mountain gorillas learning on the several characteristics of the primates.
Gorilla permits can be purchased from your local tour operator for $700 for foreign non-residents, $ 600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 shillings for East African residents, gorillas are known as gentle primates and are mobile, they love to nest on the ground and spending time jumping around the tree climbing plants, after tracking the amazing creatures you will be awarded a gorilla trekking certificate, at the end of the day, gorillas can be tracked any time of the year but best during the dry season between December- February and June- September these are much drier months of the year, with easy access to the game tracking point. Visitors are encouraged to pack essentials for the unpredictable weather long sleeved trousers and shirts, insect repellents, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, hiking boots, ponchos, gaiters, and any other items of personal nature.
There is available accommodation around the national park ranging from the best budget to luxury, guests have a choice of staying in Kisoro or near the conservation area, example facilities include Chameleon hill lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, and Kisoro travelers to mention few, other park activities include the golden monkey tracking, birding in Mgahinga national park, mountain climbing in the park, and the Batwa cultural experience, they are the group Mgahinga National Park can be accessed by road from Kampala or Entebbe it takes approximately 9 hours’ drive to reach the destination, charter flights can be arranged to the national park from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Kampala. Contact us to know more about Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park.