What is the cost to visit the gorillas in Mgahinga National Park?
Cost to visit the gorillas. Seeing gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique adventure that allows you to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Located in southern Uganda, Mgahinga is about 35 kilometers from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is one of only two parks in Uganda where you can trek to see these incredible animals. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains, a stunning range of dormant volcanic peaks that straddles the borders of Uganda (Mgahinga), Rwanda (Volcanoes), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga), each home to a portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
In this lush volcanic landscape, you’ll trek through dense bamboo forests and alpine vegetation as you search for the park’s resident gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. With a limited number of permits available daily, each trek is led by expert guides who provide essential information on gorilla behavior, conservation, and tracking protocols, enhancing the overall experience.
To join a gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit, similar to those required in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The cost of the permit is set at $800 per person by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, covering your guide fees and a one-hour encounter with a gorilla family. This permit must be secured in advance, as gorilla trekking is a popular activity with limited daily slots to minimize environmental impact and maintain a quality experience for both visitors and wildlife.
The experience at Mgahinga offers an intimate, close-up look at one of the world’s rarest species within one of Africa’s most scenic landscapes, making it a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Gorilla trekking Permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
If you’re interested in trekking to see gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll need a gorilla permit. The cost for a permit is $800 for non-residents, $600 for residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This permit grants you one hour with the gorillas once they’re located during the trek, and it’s valid for a single day.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, which allows only eight trekkers per day. As there are only eight permits available each day, securing a permit well in advance is essential, as they are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Encounter Africa Safaris specializes in the booking process for gorilla permits. Upon receiving your inquiry with your preferred trek date, we’ll check availability and tentatively reserve permits for you. Once you confirm and make payment, we’ll secure the permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s reservation office in Kampala. We’ll then send you a scanned copy of your permit for your records, ensuring a smooth and reliable booking process for your unforgettable gorilla trek in Uganda.
Cost of Gorilla tracking Tours to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Kenlink Tours offers a variety of all-inclusive gorilla tours to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with options for budget, mid-range, and luxury experiences. On the budget tour, you’ll stay in comfortable budget accommodations; mid-range tours feature mid-level lodges, and the luxury tours include stays at premium properties. All tours travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle and can start and end in either Kigali or Entebbe.
For a 2-day Budget Gorilla Safari from Kigali, prices are $1,090 per person for 2 travelers, $1,070 per person for 3, $1,050 for 4, and $1,040 for groups of 5 or more. The 3-day Budget Gorilla Safari from Kigali costs $1,160 per person for 2 travelers, $1,140 for 3, $1,150 for 4, and $1,100 for groups of 5 or more.
Accommodation options near Mgahinga include budget choices like Traveller’s Inn Kisoro at $100 per person per night or Lake Chahafi Resort at $150. Mid-range options include Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge at $110, while the luxury Gahinga Lodge costs $630 per person per night. Due to limited accommodation within the park, many travelers stay in Kisoro town, a 45-minute drive from Mgahinga.
To reach Mgahinga, visitors can travel by road from Kigali (via Cyanika or Katuna borders) or from Entebbe (via the Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route). Public transport costs around $20 from Kampala to Kisoro, $8 from Kabale to Kisoro, and $10 from Kigali to Kisoro. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Entebbe to Kisoro with Aerolink Uganda, costing $290 one-way or $500 round-trip. These flights depart only in the mornings, so plan to stay overnight in Entebbe or Kampala to catch the flight.
What is the best time to go for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in Uganda’s Virunga ranges, offers a unique mountain and highland terrain with a high likelihood of daily rainfall. Many travelers prefer the drier months of June, July, August, and early September for gorilla trekking, as these months experience less rainfall than wetter months like April, May, and November. Due to the drier conditions, these months are the most popular for gorilla treks, making it a competitive time to visit. Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly, so travelers interested in trekking during this season are encouraged to secure permits well in advance.
However, recent global weather and climate changes have made it more challenging to predict rainfall, so it can be harder to determine the absolute best time for a visit. Despite these uncertainties, gorilla trekking is available year-round, as the activity is well-organized and managed to offer an exceptional experience regardless of weather.
In Mgahinga, we provide a 98% chance of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat, making every trek rewarding. By planning ahead and preparing for possible rain, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable experience with these magnificent apes in one of Uganda’s most scenic regions.
