Cost and Pricing for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

The pricing and costs of Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga

If you’re planning a trip to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park, you’re probably wondering about the pricing and costs. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is one of the top activities to experience during your visit to Uganda. The park is situated in the far southwestern region of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and Dr. Congo, and offers an opportunity to trek the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mgahinga National Park is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain chain that extends across Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, renowned for its Mountain gorilla safaris.

To go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit which costs USD800 for foreign nonresidents, USD700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for locals. Only one gorilla family, known as Nyakagezi gorilla group, is open for gorilla tracking in Mgahinga, so it’s important to book your trek in advance with a trustworthy tour operator to secure one of the only 8 available permits.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga takes place in the morning and there is only one session per day. The trek begins with a briefing and then you will head out into the forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Similar to gorilla trekking in Bwindi, it’s important to be accompanied by an experienced guide and to follow the rules and regulations to ensure the safety of both the gorillas and the trekkers.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park, shares borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The park is home to three volcanoes, namely Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhabura, all of which are part of the six Virunga Mountains. Within its tropical rainforest, which includes lowland equatorial evergreen forest, tropical seasonal forest, montane rainforests, and mountain bamboo, Mgahinga National Park provides habitat for endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park: An Amazing Experience

Mgahinga National Park offers a unique opportunity for gorilla tourism in Uganda. Gorilla trekking allows you to witness the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, observing their movements, feeding habits, and way of life. These fascinating creatures share 99% of human DNA, making them an incredible sight to behold. In Mgahinga National Park, the Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated family available for daily treks. Only eight visitors are allowed to visit per day, with just one hour allotted for viewing the gorillas. The gorilla trekking experience begins early in the morning at the Park headquarters, with a briefing on the dos and don’ts. After grouping and allocation of gorilla families, visitors embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the forest.

Transportation Costs for Visiting Mgahinga National Park

When planning a trip to Mgahinga National Park, it is important to factor in the cost of transportation. The transportation costs typically include vehicle hire, driver guide, and fuel for the entire round trip. The price for vehicle hire can range from USD 100 to 250 per day depending on the type of vehicle you choose. For a three-day trip to Mgahinga National Park, you can expect to pay around USD 290 for the gorilla return trip.

In addition to transportation costs, visitors to Uganda must also secure a Uganda visa which costs USD 30 at Entebbe International Airport or any of the border points. To get to Mgahinga National Park, you can travel by road, and it is only a 45-minute drive from Kisoro town. We offer all-inclusive packages that include 4×4 vehicles with air conditioning and drinking water to make your road trip to Mgahinga National Park comfortable.

When visiting Mgahinga National Park, it is important to note that you will also need to secure a permit for gorilla trekking. With only one habituated gorilla family available for trekking, it is advisable to book your permit in advance to avoid missing out on this unique experience.

Accommodation Cost in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors during their stay. Most lodges are located on the outskirts of the forest, providing a clear view of the forest and mountain ranges. The lodges range from budget to luxury and include Gahinga Lodge, a luxury hotel that costs around USD 400 per person per night. Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge offer mid-range and budget options, starting at around USD 100 per person per night. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are also hotels in Kisoro town starting from as low as USD 50 for a room. Kisoro town is only a 30-minute drive to the Park headquarters. Some travelers even choose to stay in lodges or camps in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is approximately an hour’s drive to Mgahinga National Park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda?

Trek Africa Expeditions is the ideal choice for an exceptional gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga National Park, as well as other destinations in Uganda and East Africa. We offer discounted packages and customized trips that cater to your preferences. Our team consists of energetic and knowledgeable staff, led by experienced managers and directors who are passionate about providing authentic experiences. As a Ugandan-based tour operator, we have extensive knowledge of the region and its offerings.

We are proud to be highly rated and reviewed on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, where you can read about the experiences of previous travelers who have chosen to explore the region with us. Contact us for more information about the cost and pricing of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Let us help you create a memorable adventure in the heart of Uganda.