Is it Possible to Trek Nyakagezi Gorilla Group in Mgahinga Alone?
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Trekking Nyakagezi Gorilla Group in Mgahinga National Park: A Solo Adventure
If you’re contemplating the possibility of embarking on a solo gorilla trekking experience with Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park, the answer is a resounding yes. Mgahinga National Park is home to a single gorilla family known as Nyakagezi, comprising over 10 members, including 4 silverbacks. In the past, the challenges associated with this group’s movement between Congo and Rwanda made tourists hesitant to trek the Mgahinga mountain gorillas, leading to concerns about permit purchases. However, the situation has now changed, with Nyakagezi gorilla family spending most of its time in Mgahinga National Park, making it an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore this incredible destination.
You can trek Nyakagezi gorilla group alone, ensuring an exclusive and intimate encounter with these majestic creatures. To achieve this, it is essential to block and purchase all the available permits for trekking this specific gorilla family on your chosen day.
About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda and is situated on the border with Rwanda. As part of the greater Virunga ranges, it shares its boundaries with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The park comprises three extinct volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. Apart from being a habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, the park also shelters various other species, including birds, reptiles, and forest mammals, creating an exciting and diverse wildlife experience for visitors.
How to Trek Nyakagezi Gorilla Group Alone
For those seeking a unique and private encounter with Nyakagezi gorilla group, Trek Africa Tours offers the opportunity to make this dream come true. By blocking all the permits for a specific day, you can secure an exclusive trek, enjoying the company of only your travel group or going solo. The cost of each gorilla permit varies based on your nationality. Foreign non-residents pay $700 per person per trek, foreign residents pay $600, and East African citizens pay Uganda Shillings 250,000.
To trek Nyakagezi gorilla group alone, you will need to purchase all the available permits for that particular day, which amounts to 8 permits per day. For foreign non-residents, this means blocking all 8 permits at a total cost of $5600.
Important Considerations for Solo Trekking Nyakagezi Gorilla Group
Booking and Securing Permits in Advance: To guarantee an exclusive experience, it is crucial to book and secure all the permits for Nyakagezi gorilla group well in advance. Permits can be purchased by paying either 100%, 70%, or 30% in advance of the total permit cost. We recommend blocking the permits at least 3 to 4 months before your intended gorilla safari date, as permits tend to sell out quickly during peak seasons.
How to Block Permits: Once your travel dates are confirmed, you can reach out to Trek Africa Tours to check the availability of permits for your chosen dates. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invoice for permit payment. After payment is received, the permits will be purchased on your behalf, and you will be provided with scanned copies for your records and confirmation of your exclusive gorilla trek with Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park.
Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be accessed by road, with the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala taking approximately 8-9 hours. Passing through Kabale town, travelers proceed to Kisoro town, where lodges near the park offer overnight accommodations. For those arriving from Kigali, Rwanda, the park is approximately a 2-3 hour drive away.
Alternatively, flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip, making the park easily accessible by air. Domestic airline operators like Aero link and Fly Uganda offer scheduled and chartered flights.
Where to Stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Several lodges near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer comfortable accommodations, including Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Kisoro Travelers’ Inn, among others.
Best Time to Trek Nyakagezi Gorilla Group
The ideal time to trek Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the drier months, which are January, February, and June to early September. These months offer better travel conditions and clearer views of the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys due to reduced vegetation cover.
Why Choose Trek Africa Tours
Trek Africa Tours, established in 2019, specializes in creating tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. With a dedicated and trustworthy team, they promptly address queries, design personalized travel plans, and ensure all services are booked well in advance for a smooth and convenient safari experience. The company boasts knowledgeable safari guides who can cater to various language preferences. To explore the Nyakagezi gorilla group exclusively alone, feel free to contact Trek Africa Tours for an unforgettable adventure.
