Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the top tourism activities carried out in Uganda by travelers who come to explore the mountain gorillas. Mgahinga gorilla national park is a famous place for gorilla trekking and home to mountain gorillas which are said to have 98% DNA of human genes almost our closest cousins. Furthermore, Mgahinga gorilla national park is positioned in the south western part of Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The park covers a total area of about 33.9 square kilometers which is habitat for man’s closest cousins and they survive in a montane rain forest in search for food. Mgahinga national park is one of the few places worldwide where the great ape mountain gorillas survive and it attracts a number of people from different races of the world to come on Uganda Gorilla safari. Note that, there is no doubt that Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of the top-visited tourism sites in Uganda since it boosts with unique large primates.

To many travellers may wonder why gorilla safari should be done in Mgahinga and not in other protected parks, the secret behind this park is the thick rain forest with a wide number of tree species and gorillas are known to be vegetarians and in mgahinga national park there is enough food, fruits for these great apes and this is the reason as to why some even migrate from Congo and Rwanda to this favorable place. Gorillas in Mgahinga national park are not in large numbers but are easily seen in their natural habitats and this makes trekking easier compared to other parts.
Gorilla family in Mgahinga National park
This is the most exciting activity to be done in Mgahinga gorilla national park come along with golden monkey trekking. Gorilla trekking can be conducted in only one gorilla habituated families that is Nyakagyezi which comprises 9 members, 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 2 infants, and 2 juveniles. The family is dominated by the silverback called Mark who took over control from his father Bugingo. Other members include Mathew and Mafia silverback Nyamwezi and Suit called adult females, Mutagamba and Rukundo infant Nkanda juvenile. The oldest silverback known as Bugingo is believed to be more than 54 years. The interesting facts about the Nyakagezi group is that Bugingo still lives in gorilla family yet in most cases, the dominant silverback when is overtaken, he just banishes and seeks refuges from other gorilla groups,
Gorilla trekking Experience
This is an impressive and gorgeous activity done early in the morning at 8 am after visitors short briefing. Travellers can be accompanied by experienced ranges to their nature walk. This activity gives another great chance to travellers who are trekking these endangered mountain gorillas such things to sightsee are beautiful birds, wildlife species, tree species, other small primates like white and black monkeys, red monkeys and many more. There is a limited number of 8 people who are allowed to trek this gorilla family. Once gorillas are found you will be given one hour to observe them while playing around, learn their behaviours, display their nets high on tree branches but in evening hours. This marvellous activity can take 2 to 7 hours while trekking but depending where they were allocated the previous night. And you should always carry your packed lunch because you might run out of the lunch while still trekking in the midst of the forest.
Rules and Regulations of Gorilla trekking
- Do not leave your rubbish in the park instead go back with it.
- Respect the limited number of people allowed to trek.
- There is a limited number of 8 people allowed to trek.
- Trekkers are requested not to touch on gorillas because they might be affected with human diseases.
- Lower your voice when your near gorillas.
- Keep a distance of about 8 meters away from mountain gorillas.
- Flash cameras are not allowed in the forest.
- Sick people are not allowed to go for the trek
- Children under the age of 15 years are not allowed to trek.
- You should always wash your hand before embarking for gorilla trekking’.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking permits?
Uganda gorilla permits cost USD600 and by 1st-July-2020 it will be costing USD700 and all these increments were made by UWA Uganda wildlife Authority.
When is the best time to trek gorillas at Mgahinga?
The best time to visit Mgahinga national park is throughout the year but the most important one are the two seasons when the park can be easily accessed. It is only these two dry seasons best for gorilla trekking safari and these include Mid- December to February and June to October.

How to get there
By Road: By Road, Mgahinga national park can be accessed from Kampala via kibale to Kisoro. This journey takes 7 to 8 hours by car.
By Air: Travellers can choose to board a flight from Entebbe international park to Kisoro Airstrip which is so close to the park. This is the quickest means of transport to access the park and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The scheduled flights can be booked in advance with the help of local Uganda safari operators. You can feel free to email us to Achieve global safaris for your help.
Accommodation in Mgahinga
Travellers shouldn’t worry where to sleep while in Mgahinga gorilla national park because there are suitable lodges good for your relaxation and overnight. The room rates depend on traveller’s budget. The accommodations found in Mgahinga include Volcanoes mount Gahinga safari lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel and many more.
