Have you ever imagined how much it costs to trek the gorillas in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, here we go!
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the four destinations with endangered mountain gorillas in the world. The others are the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. In 1991, Mgahinga National Park was established to conserve the gorillas and other wildlife in it. Today, it covers about 33.9 square kilometers attracting thousands of visitors who come to meet their primate relatives and uncover the relationship.
The park is located about 14 kilometers from Kisoro town in the southwestern part of Uganda in the eastern region of Africa. Its main gate is called Ntebeko and can be accessed through a marram road, a little steep and rocky. You can book a flight from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport. Alternatively, you can also hit the road for 9-10 hours from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
From July 2024 to 2026, the entry fees for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are USD 40 for foreign residents, whereas adult East African residents pay UGX 20,000. Children pay USD 20 for foreigners and UGX 5000 for Ugandans.
The cost of gorilla trekking is USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East African residents, and USD 500 for other African countries. All income generated is channeled to conservation, support to the local communities such as the Batwa pygmies, and payment to the ranger guides. Only adults aged 15 years and above are eligible to trekking the gorillas. There are 8 permits available each day obtained through a licensed tour operator who purchases the permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is a body that is in charge of all national parks, game reserves, and wildlife in Uganda.
In addition to acquiring a gorilla trekking permit, you will incur costs in accommodation which range from budget to midrange, and luxury lodges and campsites, transportation to and fro the park. The length of your stay will determine the total cost of the trip. Therefore, you must contact a reputable trusted tour operating company to organize your trip to Mgahinga.
Best time to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking takes place all year round. However, if you are considering months with the most suitable conditions, visit in December to early March and June to September when it is during the dry season. This is the peak season with no or little rainfall that could affect the rhythm of the trek. Trekking is done in the early hours of the day when the mountain gorillas are very active and busy feeding or moving. The only possible benefit of trekking during the low season is taking advantage of discount offers in the different accommodation and safari services. It is always advisable to confirm your safari at least six months in advance to book the gorilla permits on your preferred date.
Other activities in Mgahinga National Park
Never get worried about what you will do after or before meeting the mountain gorillas. Other activities you can do when in the park include a cultural tour with the Batwa pygmies in their community or during a Batwa trail walk. Bird watching at the designated trails, golden monkey trekking, and volcano hikes. Alternatively, you can combine your gorilla trekking safari at Mgahinga National Park with many other activities from other destinations. These include Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Mountain Rwenzori hike, Lake Mburo National Park, and a refreshing relaxation moment at Lake Bunyonyi.
What to carry for a safari to Mgahinga National Park?
A parking list is an essential part of preparation for a safari and directly affects your expenditure. We advise you to park only what is important and easy to carry. On your backpack, include waterproof hiking boots, a professional camera for photography, binoculars to watch distant attractions, warm clothes, a water waterproof jack, garden hand gloves, long safari stockings, insect repellants, a hut, and a few more personal effects. At the park, some porters help in carrying the luggage at a given charge.
In conclusion, Mgahinga is the only park in Uganda where you can meet the golden monkeys and the endangered mountain gorillas in one place. Thus the park’s slogan is “where gold meets silver.” It is the smallest park in Uganda yet offers a rewarding unmatched gorilla trekking safari at a budget-friendly rate. It has only one habituated gorilla family for trekking thus the high demand for the 8 available gorilla permits each day. Contact us to handle your safari to and from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.