Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Facts
Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Facts. One of the most exclusive and scenic gorilla trekking experiences in Africa is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Located in southwestern Uganda, the park forms part of the transboundary Virunga Conservation Area, shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here are the essential facts you need to know before trekking through this volcanic paradise.
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Home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
Mgahinga hosts a single habituated gorilla family—the Nyakagezi group. This family is known for its playful nature and high visibility. Rangers track their movement daily to ensure a successful trek for visitors.
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Limited Permits Available
Because Mgahinga only has one habituated group, Uganda Wildlife Authority issues just 8 gorilla trekking permits per day in this park. Book your permit early to secure a spot.
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Altitude and Terrain
The park lies between 2,200 and 4,127 meters above sea level. Treks can be steep, especially as you climb the lower slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. Prepare for rugged, high-altitude hiking.
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Gorilla Trekking Time Varies
Tracking the Nyakagezi group may take 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on their location. Once found, visitors get one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas.
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Shared Ecosystem
Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Gorillas sometimes roam across these borders, so movement monitoring is essential.
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Ideal Trekking Season
Trek during Uganda’s dry seasons: December to February and June to September. Trails remain drier and easier to navigate during these months.
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Permit Cost
A gorilla permit for Mgahinga costs $800 per person (as of 2025). The price includes park entry, ranger guides, and conservation support.
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Cultural Encounters Available
Combine trekking with visits to the Batwa Trail. This guided experience introduces the culture of the indigenous Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers of Mgahinga.
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Wildlife Beyond Gorillas
Besides gorillas, the park shelters golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and over 180 bird species. You can book a Golden Monkey Tracking experience alongside your gorilla trek.
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Access and Transportation
Mgahinga lies near Kisoro, about 510 km from Kampala. You can drive (about 9–10 hours) or fly from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip. Most luxury safaris use 4×4 Land Cruisers for the road journey, offering comfort on rugged terrain.
Plan Your Safari Today
Mgahinga delivers a unique and intimate gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. With only one gorilla group and breathtaking volcanic scenery, it promises solitude, connection, and adventure.
