Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga from Kabale Town

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga from Kabale Town

Planning to visit Kabale and have a few days to spare? You can easily experience gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with a short trip from Kabale Town. Whether you’re attending a conference, visiting family, or traveling through southwestern Uganda, Kabale makes a great base for a short wildlife adventure.

Nestled in the highlands near the Rwanda border, Kabale is just a 2-hour scenic drive from Mgahinga National Park—a haven for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and rich volcanic landscapes.

Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kabale

1. Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga

A trip to Mgahinga is incomplete without the unforgettable experience of trekking mountain gorillas. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, a well-known and fully habituated group available for daily trekking.

Each gorilla trekking permit allows only eight visitors per day and includes one magical hour with the gorillas. The trek starts with a morning briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a guided hike through the forested volcanic slopes. Along the way, expect dense foliage, bird calls, and breathtaking views—culminating in an awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants.

Gorilla Permit Prices (per person, per trek):

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800

• Foreign Residents: $700

• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

Permits must be booked in advance through Trek Africa Expeditions or directly via the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

2. Golden Monkey Trekking

Another rare primate encounter awaits with golden monkey trekking. Mgahinga is one of the only places in the world where you can track these beautiful, fast-moving monkeys.

Trekking starts at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters. From there, you’ll head into the bamboo forests with expert guides to observe the monkeys in their natural habitat for an hour.

Permit cost: $100 per person (as per UWA 2020–2021 tariff)

Golden monkeys are only found in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), making this a truly special experience.

3. Volcano Hiking Adventures

If you’re up for a challenge, hiking one of the three Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga offers stunning views and a chance to explore diverse highland ecosystems.

Choose your summit based on fitness level and interest:

• Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) – 8-hour round trip; offers views across Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo

• Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – 6-hour trek with a scenic crater lake at the top

• Mount Muhabura (4,127m) – the highest peak in the park; 8-hour hike with panoramic vistas of Lake Edward, Bwindi, and the Rwenzori Mountains

Along the trails, you may spot primates, forest elephants, birds, and—if lucky—gorillas.

4. Batwa Cultural Experience

Get a glimpse into the ancient forest-dwelling lifestyle of the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of the Mgahinga forest. Displaced during gorilla conservation efforts, the Batwa now offer cultural trails that showcase their traditions, from hunting and herbal medicine to music, dance, and food.

This experience not only educates visitors but also supports local livelihoods through tourism and donations.

5. Bird Watching in Mgahinga

Birders will love Mgahinga’s rich avifauna, with over 79 bird species recorded. Some of the sought-after species include:

• Rwenzori Batis

• Regal Sunbird

• Dusky Turtle Dove

• Kivu Ground Thrush

• Red-faced Woodland Warbler

• Doherty’s Bush-shrike

Birding hotspots include the gorge between Mt. Gahinga and Mt. Sabyinyo, as well as trails along the forest edge. Most birding walks take around four hours and are led by knowledgeable guides who help identify species by sight and sound.

How to Get to Mgahinga from Kabale Town

The drive from Kabale to Mgahinga takes about 2 hours and can start from your hotel or lodge, including those near Lake Bunyonyi. En route, enjoy scenic views of terraced hills, volcanic ranges, and crater lakes.

All trips are conducted in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles arranged by Trek Africa Expeditions.

Where to Stay Near Mgahinga National Park

For convenience and comfort, it’s best to spend at least one night near the park. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury and offer spectacular views of the forest and surrounding volcanoes.

Recommended lodges include:

• Gahinga Lodge – Luxury with a great view of the park

• Lake Chahafi Lodge – Midrange comfort with scenic lake views

• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge – Budget to midrange with excellent access to park activities

You can also opt to stay in Kisoro town, which is only a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Mgahinga Safari

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize gorilla trekking experiences from Kabale and other regions of Uganda. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer East African adventure, we’ll help you design a safari that fits your schedule and interests.

We’re proud to be highly rated on TripAdvisor and committed to offering ethical, enriching travel experiences that support conservation and local communities.

Contact us today to start planning your gorilla trekking trip from Kabale to Mgahinga National Park!