Best Time For Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
When is the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park? The ideal period of the year to travel for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is during the peak dry months of the year. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park records the longest dry months around June, July, August to September. The shorter dry months of the year to consider for you to have a smooth exploration of Mgahinga extends from December, January to February.
The dry season and its benefits
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga around the dry months/seasons is advantageous considering the fact that less rainfall is recorded. The ground becomes drier which makes it easier to track mountain gorillas in their natural environment. The dry season offers favorable conditions not only for smooth trekking through the jungle but also visibility. You don’t get disrupted when taking photos of gorillas if you embark on the gorilla trek during the peak dry months of the year.
The low seasons
The low seasons also referred to as off-months in Mgahinga extend from March to May and the longest wet season run from late September to November. During the off months, it is possible to find the cheapest accommodation and fewer visitors come to engage in the trek to see gorillas. These are the favorable months of the year with less crowds. But not to be left out, ensure that you book your gorilla trekking tour in Mgahinga in advance. But generally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open for gorilla trekking all year round. This means, you can travel even during the wet or rainy months and be able to engage in the gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park.
About gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best places to consider for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is special in that visitors get a chance to interact with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. At Mgahinga, Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only family that is open for trekking by tourists on Uganda gorilla tour. Gorilla treks to explore Nyakagezi group starts at the Ntebeko Visitor Center with briefing about guidelines or dos and don’ts.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park together with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was primarily established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park with the land area coverage of 331 sq. km. This park is lying in the Virunga Conservation Area. The actual gorilla trekking adventure may run for 2-6 hours which includes one hour for up close and personal encounters. During the encounter, expect to observe how gorillas behave, their unique body gestures, and taking pictures.
Gorilla permits
To visit Mgahinga gorillas, you should have a valid gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla permit can be booked through the trusted tour operator in Uganda. Each gorilla permit currently costs USD 800 per person for the foreign non-residents. Foreign residents on a gorilla tour to Mgahinga can secure a permit at USD 700 per visitor, USD 500 per tourist for the Rest of Africa visitors while Ugandans/East Africans pay UGX 300,000 per visitor.
Booking a valid gorilla permit for Mgahinga is possible through the local tour operator. Talk to our reservation team at info@adventureugandasafaris.com to book a gorilla trekking tour to Mgahinga and beyond. We are available 24/7 to assist you realize your travel dream.
What to carry for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
The checklist of essentials worth packing for gorilla trekking tour in Mgahinga include long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, long trousers, a bottled drinking water, insect repellents, sunscreen, sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, a good and waterproof daypack. The packing list should also comprise of a camera with extra batteries, a safari hat, a pair of binoculars, a rain jacket/poncho, energy giving snacks, gaiters, a pair of socks, a first aid kit, a face mask, and others.
How to prepare for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
Early preparation is essential for any successful gorilla trekking adventure. When it comes to gorilla safaris, first things first –the priority is often put on the fitness, packing the right gear, and how best you can have a memorable experience.
Among the initiatives you must take include booking a valid gorilla permit early and this is possible through the local expert. The permits must be secured at least 2-6 months before the actual date of trekking gorillas in Mgahinga. Booking a gorilla permit early allows you to secure a slot in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Your fitness levels are essential as you can be in position to conquer the muddy terrain. A gorilla trekking adventure isn’t any ordinary activity but requires you to navigate through the jungle and at times, you can bump in the tough terrain.
Understand the gorilla trekking rules
Before setting off for the actual gorilla trekking, it is a good idea to know some of the rules and regulations. They include observing the distance of about 8-10 meters away from gorillas, no using the flashlight camera for taking photos, avoid making noise, and visitors above 15 are acceptable to engage in a gorilla trek tour.
Where to stay in Mgahinga
The various accommodation options present for visitor overnight stay in and around Mgahinga National Park include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, and Mucha Hotel Kisoro. Additional accommodation options to book in and around Mgahinga include Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Mgahinga Rest Camp.
Getting to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Kisoro district and getting there is possible by road or air. You can depart from Entebbe/Kampala, drive through Masaka-Mbarara city to Kisoro route and you can get to Mgahinga in 9-10 hours’ drive.
Still by road, expect to spend about 4 to 5 hours when you depart from Kigali City. By air, visitors can spend less than 2 hours on a flight and this involves departing from the Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From Entebbe, fly till Kisoro or Kihihi Airfield where you can be picked up and dropped off to the park.
