Gorilla tracking holidays and safaris to Mgahinga – Mgahinga gorilla National Park in Uganda -Budget gorilla trekking safaris – Mgahinga gorilla permits booking
Gorilla tracking holidays and safaris to Mgahinga – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is set in the extreme south-western side of the country about 8-10 hours’ drive from Entebbe or Kampala. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m).
The Park is about 14 km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Republic of Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. . In this park, tourists can join the gorilla tracking activity any time of the year. Within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only habituated gorilla family set for visitors to trek.
Gorilla tracking is a captivating and unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach Mgahinga National Park and to trek through the forest. Mgahinga National Park has one habituated gorilla group that can be tracked by tourists. Gorilla tracking is the most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated gorilla group in this park is called the Nyakagezi, which consists of 9 members, 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. This group is mobile and sometimes crosses into Rwanda and DRC, so check for updates from Uganda Wildlife Authority (see Contacts).
Gorilla tracking is an intensive experience that can take the whole day. The guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behaviour along the way. We must stress that, while you have a very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is NOT guaranteed! However from the past sightings, there are high chances of meeting the mountain gorillas. When tracking mountain gorillas, travellers should know that the mountain gorillas are wild creatures with no fixed routine, and finding them requires the skill and experience of your trackers and guides, as well as luck.
Registration and briefing for gorilla tracking in Mgahinga National Park commences at Ntebeko at 07.45.
Tracking starts at 08.30 and can take three to eight hours. The trackers and guides have helped to habituate the gorilla groups and know them intimately. They will take you to the area where they left the mountain gorillas the day before. Before leaving they may be able to suggest how long the hike might be.
Best time to trek gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla trekking holidays and safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. But it is best done in June, July, August and September then December, January and February. During this period, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is easier because it is a dry season and the habitat remains relatively drier thus making it simpler for visitors to hike through the dense jungles and steep slopes to search for mountain gorillas. However, March, April, May and October, November are equally good for one to embark on gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park but these months are characterized by heavy rainfall, muddy and slippery steep slopes which make it challenging for one to hike while in search for these apes. Read More
Please Note
- While walking, please feel free to ask guides to slow down if they are going too fast and if you need a rest.
- Feel free to stop and look at birds or flowers, the guide will ensure that you don’t get left behind.
- Gorilla Tracking can be strenuous walk, so go prepared. It is advisable that you:
- Wear shoes with good traction, suitable for steep muddy slopes
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen and a hut, as the weather is unpredictable.
- Carry water and food
- Carry binoculars, you will see much more, you can hire from the park office
- When taking photos, remember your subjects are black animals in dim light, and flash is not allowed.
NB: Gorilla tracking is Uganda’s most sought after tourism activity. You should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.
What to pack for gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park requires you to pack appropriately starting with essentials first. In your packing list for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, consider the following a must to carry-waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, insect repellents, camera with extra batteries, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, trousers, hat, sunscreen, first aid/medical kit, gorilla permit, valid visa/passport, walking stick which you can find at the park headquarters a mention but a few. Contact Great Adventure Safaris to book Gorilla tracking holidays and safaris to Mgahinga National Park.
