Are you a primate enthusiast and your dream has always been to catch a glimpse at the rare mountain gorillas but strictly in a less crowded place? If this is what you have always been looking for then look no further than Mgahinga National Park shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. When it comes to gorilla trekking adventures in Africa rarely do people talk about Mgahinga National Park the fact that it is always overshadowed by premier destinations like Bwindi and the Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park. Regardless of this fact, have you ever thought why you need or the hidden secret behind trekking these dramatic creatures in Mgahinga National Park and not anywhere else? For mountain gorilla lovers, there are many reasons as to why you should opt for Mgahinga gorilla national park as a destination to encounter the incredible species. Among these reasons include;
Private Gorilla trek
For the fact that Mgahinga gorilla national park is smaller and less crowded than the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it provides fewer crowds that is 8 people for gorilla trekking given the fact that it has only one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagezi. The privacy always results into an enjoying and personalized trekking experience, allowing you to fully engage yourself in the adventure.
The advantage with trekking mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park is that its vegetation cover is very unique from that of Bwindi National Park. Whereas Bwindi National Park features largely a tropical rainforest, Mgahinga National Park on the other hand features mainly the bamboo trees that get visitors the best visibility and opportunity to take clear pictures of these remarkable creatures while in their natural habitat.
As well, it offers trekkers a chance to engage in varied safari activities within the park. Unlike Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s only park where you can strike your imaginations with the striking golden monkeys. Catch up with the most fascinating creatures on earth on your visit. While on Uganda primate safari in this park, you can take part in either golden monkey trekking or golden monkey habituation experience.
Stunning Scenery
Besides wildlife safaris, you can incorporate your primate adventure with hiking experiences where you can explore park’s most scenic volcanoes – Sabyinyo, Mgahinga and Muhabura that make up part of the great Virunga Massifs. Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in the Virunga Mountains, a range of volcanic mountains that provide a breathtaking backdrop to your trek. The dramatic landscapes, including lush forests, volcanoes, and mist-covered peaks, make the experience amazing.
Gorilla trekking experience in the park
Mgahinga is home to one gorilla family open for gorilla tracking and this is called Nyakagezi gorilla group. To join the gorilla trekking experience, you need to book your trek in advance with Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trustworthy tour operator to avoid missing out on the only 8 permits that are available for trekking.
Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga only has one session in the morning which starts with a briefing and after head to the rainforests in search of the endangered species and once found, you will be allowed to spend a full hour in their presence as you enjoy their daily life styles like feeding, playing and others. this starts in the morning with briefing and after you head out with walking through the forest in search for these endangered mountain gorillas. The journey, through dense foliage and up steep climbs, is abundantly rewarded with the lifetime experience of viewing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will have an opportunity to be within 7-5 meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. You will be allowed one hour of viewing the gorillas and then return to the starting point to receive a certificate for a successful gorilla trek.
Cost of gorilla permits in Mgahinga gorilla national park
For a successful gorilla trek in the park, you are required to have a valid gorilla permit secured from Uganda wildlife Authority or trustworthy tour operator for your desired date of trek at USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 500 for the rest of Africa and then Uganda shillings 300,000 for Ugandans.
The Batwa Cave
During your safari, pay a visit to the nearby local communities and be part of the thrilling and authentic African cultural experiences that will make your holiday in Africa complete. Mgahinga National Park is surrounded by the Batwa pygmies the renowned forest dwellers and while here, you get close to the locals, have a chance to explore their unique cultures, life styles, traditions, dances and music performances among others.
Remarkably, a gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park takes you through its one habituated gorilla family-Nyakagezi and the fact that this adventure is limited to only 8 visitors per habituated group, you have opportunity to explore them in no crowded area. This gorilla family is composed of 10 members and they equally offer the best of gorilla experience to visitors on gorilla safari in Uganda.
In conclusion, Mgahinga National Park is one of the spectacular parks that offer you a chance to strike a glimpse at the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.
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