Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, offers a truly unique and often less crowded gorilla trekking experience compared to its larger counterpart, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga is famed for being “where silver meets gold,” signifying its role as a sanctuary for both the endangered mountain gorillas and the elusive golden monkeys.
The Experience of Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga begins early in the morning with a briefing at the Ntebeko Park Headquarters, similar to Bwindi. Here, visitors are given guidelines for responsible gorilla viewing, assigned to a gorilla family, and introduced to their ranger guides.
- The Trek:
- Terrain: Unlike the dense, hilly, and often challenging terrain of Bwindi, Mgahinga is characterized by its three magnificent Virunga volcanoes (Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo), which provide a stunning backdrop. The trekking trails often pass through bamboo forests and montane woodlands, which can be less dense and sometimes less arduous than Bwindi’s “impenetrable” forest. Many visitors find the treks in Mgahinga generally easier and shorter, though difficulty can still vary depending on the gorillas’ movements.
- Duration: Treks can range from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located on a given day. The park rangers and trackers will have located the family’s last known position before the trek begins.
- Scenery: The volcanic landscape provides breathtaking views, and you’ll likely encounter other forest inhabitants, including various bird species and other primates, along the way.
- The Gorilla Family: Nyakagezi
- For a long time, Mgahinga was primarily known for being home to just one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. This group gained notoriety for its tendency to roam across the borders into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it unpredictable for permit bookings.
- Current Status: Fortunately, the Nyakagezi family has largely settled within Mgahinga National Park in recent years, making permits much more reliable. This group is often considered one of the easier families to trek due to its preference for lower altitude areas and a relatively smaller home range.
- Composition: The Nyakagezi family is a stable group, often comprising several silverbacks (including the dominant silverback, Mark, and the very old Bugingo), adult females, and playful youngsters. Observing their social dynamics is a captivating experience.
- Hirwa Family: While Nyakagezi is the primary habituated group, the Hirwa gorilla family (which split from Rwanda’s Susa group) has also been known to reside in Mgahinga periodically, offering a potential second trekking option, although Nyakagezi remains the most consistent.
- The Encounter:
- Once the gorilla family is located, trekkers are allowed a maximum of one hour to observe them. This precious hour provides an incredible opportunity to watch them feed, groom, interact, and play in their natural environment.
- Photography: The relatively lighter forest density in some areas of Mgahinga can sometimes offer better lighting conditions for photography compared to the deeper, darker sections of Bwindi.
Permit Cost
As of 2024/2025 (and looking forward to 2025):
- A gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents.
- For foreign residents, it’s typically USD 700 per person.
- For East African citizens, the cost is UGX 300,000.
Permits should be booked several months in advance, especially for peak season (June-September, December-February), as only 8 permits are available daily per habituated family.
Beyond Gorillas: “Where Silver Meets Gold”
Mgahinga’s unique position in the Virunga chain allows for a combination of primate experiences:
- Golden Monkey Tracking: Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where you can trek the endangered golden monkeys. These vibrant, playful primates live primarily in the bamboo forests and offer a more active and acrobatic viewing experience. Golden monkey tracking is generally less strenuous and more affordable than gorilla trekking.
- Volcano Hiking: The park offers fantastic opportunities to hike to the summits of its three volcanoes:
- Mount Muhabura (4,127m): The highest, offering panoramic views.
- Mount Gahinga (3,474m): The smallest, with a swamp-filled crater at the summit.
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m): A challenging but rewarding climb that allows you to stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC simultaneously at its jagged summit.
- Batwa Trail Experience: This cultural walk provides insight into the ancient forest life of the Batwa Pygmy people, who traditionally lived in these forests before the park’s gazettement. It’s a community-based initiative that supports the Batwa and helps preserve their culture.
- Birdwatching: Mgahinga is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to many Albertine Rift endemics.
Accessibility
- By Road: Mgahinga is located in southwestern Uganda, roughly a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala. It’s often accessed via Kisoro town, which is about 14km from the park headquarters at Ntebeko. The road can be winding and mountainous, with some rough sections.
- From Rwanda: Mgahinga is also relatively accessible from Kigali, Rwanda (approx. 4-5 hour drive), making it an attractive option for those who fly into Kigali International Airport.
- By Air: Daily flights are available from Entebbe International Airport (or Kajjansi Airstrip) to Kisoro Airstrip, significantly cutting down travel time.
Why Choose Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking?
- Less Crowded: Generally receives fewer visitors than Bwindi, offering a more intimate experience at the park headquarters and on the trails.
- Easier Trekking (often): For those concerned about the physical demands of gorilla trekking, Mgahinga’s terrain can be less challenging, though still requires reasonable fitness.
- “Silver Meets Gold”: The unique opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking in the same park is a major draw.
- Volcanic Scenery: The dramatic backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes adds a spectacular dimension to the experience.
- Cultural Depth: The Batwa Trail offers a profound cultural immersion directly tied to the park’s history.
While Bwindi offers more gorilla families and the Gorilla Habituation Experience, Mgahinga provides a distinct and highly rewarding gorilla trekking adventure, particularly for those seeking a less strenuous trek, unique primate combinations, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes.