Gorilla safaris rank number one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It’s the major tour in Uganda and gorillas are the major tourist attraction in Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla safaris start from Entebbe Airport, Kampala city, or anywhere the guest finds it convenient to be picked from.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mgahinga Gorilla National park is situated in far southwestern Uganda and is part of Virunga National Park. Other Gorilla parks in the Virunga crescent include Virunga National Park in DRC and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts one habituated Gorilla family Nyakagezi which offers only 8 gorilla permits per day. It should be noted that Uganda Wildlife Authority sets a maximum of eight people to trek Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.
You can also start your Gorilla safari from Kigali – cross to Uganda through Katuna or Kyanika border – proceed to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is a short route of a 3-4hrs drive compared to an 8-9hrs drive from Entebbe Airport.
The cost of Mgahinga Gorilla permit currently costs US$700 minus other safari costs so, after booking your Gorilla permit, think of accommodation, food, and Transport among other costs.
Gorilla safaris in Mgahinga can be supplemented with other tourist activities like Golden Monkey trekking, Birding, Mountaineering, Batwa cultural encounters, community tours, nature walks, and so on.
Gorilla safaris are a bit expensive but worth it because Gorilla trekking is a lifetime activity that everybody wishes to enjoy before death.
How to prepare for a Gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National park?
- Look for a reputable tour and travel company to help you make ends meet
- Book your Gorilla permit 2-6 months in advance.
- Book affordable flights.
- Apply for your a Ugandan or East African Visa
- Prepare your Gorilla trekking gear (Hiking shoes, Long sleeved clothes, Insect repellent, Pair of trousers, sunglasses, Hat, Warming, and waterproof clothes among others.
- Prepare enough finance to cater for accommodation, transport, food, drinks, other activities, driver guide, and so on.
- Board a plane and come to Uganda- You will find the ground preparation done by your tour prepared by the tour operators you dealt with.
In conclusion, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mountainous and offers amazing views of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo which is a home range for Mountain Gorillas so if you miss gorilla trekking in Uganda, you can do it in Rwanda or DRC.