Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Although Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a little, undiscovered gem that spans 33 square kilometers, gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting and intriguing activities that is seldom spoken when discussing gorilla trekking in Uganda. Travelers should give significant consideration to visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at any time of year because of its breathtaking scenery.
The park is situated in the Kisoro area in the southwest of Uganda. The park is a part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which is well-known for housing the great mountain gorillas, who are threatened worldwide. In order to protect the mountain gorillas that live there as well as their natural environment, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was designated as a national park in 1991.
A variety of bird species, butterflies, and animals, many of which may be observed on a nature walk in the park, are among the numerous attractions, including the three conical-shaped extinct volcanoes that call you as you approach the park. However, Mgahinga’s mountain gorillas are what really make the park.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are around 80 habituated and wild gorillas. On a gorilla trekking safari, many visitors go from all over the world to see the only completely habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga. Despite becoming habituated in 1991, the Nyakagezi gorilla family of Mgahinga was not made accessible to tourists for gorilla trekking until 1994.
The distinctive feature of this gorilla family is that the displaced silverback coexists harmoniously with the rest of the family. There are five silverbacks in the whole Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is unusual since several silverbacks living together is not typical. In addition, the family contains one baby, three juveniles, and two adult females. It would be worthwhile to visit them on a gorilla trekking safari since the young animals are amazing to see due to their active and inquisitive character.
There were just eight permits available in Mgahinga each day not very long ago, and the Nyakagezi gorilla family was the only one that tourists could see. Trekkers have been increasing daily as a result of the Hirwa gorilla family’s migration from Rwanda, and this trend will continue until the elusive gorilla family either returns home or chooses to go to the Congo.
A gorilla permit must be purchased in order to go gorilla trekking in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park safari. Travelers are recommended to make reservations in advance to assure their spot and see the endangered mountain gorillas, since there are now only 8 out of 16 permits available each day.
Gorilla permits can be purchased directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which controls and charges fees for the nation’s tourist attractions, or through a respectable tour operator. They cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX300,000 for East African citizens.
A good gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park safari requires carrying the appropriate equipment, which are often referred to as the necessary gorilla trekking gear. A waterproof jacket, a waterproof backpack to secure your belongings, insect repellent creams, a hat, energy-boosting snacks, long-sleeved shirts, long safari trousers that allow you to move freely during the hike, and good hiking shoes with good grip are just a few of the highly recommended items.
For those who believe they may need a porter, it might be a fantastic idea to hire one at the beginning of the gorilla walk. It is strongly advised that you bring a trekking stick, which can be obtained at the visitor center at the park headquarters where the walk begins or at your lodging.
It’s crucial to mentally prepare for the gorilla walk in order to avoid being overwhelmed by the experience and failing to complete it. Being physically prepared is also crucial since the journey is not for those who are not fit.
To hike the gorillas without much trouble, one has to be somewhat fit. It could be a good idea to go for walks or jogs months before your expedition. However, while gorilla trekking, park rangers follow the slowest participant’s pace.
Porters and sedan chairs may also be used to lessen the strain of hiking. While the sedan chairs may be utilized to carry you the whole time for a fee that varies according on your weight but is often at least $500, the porters can assist with pushing or pulling you as needed along the walk and also carry your rucksack so that you are not overloaded.
Because there aren’t many sedan chairs available, reservations must be made well in advance. With the use of sedan chairs, the elderly and others with restricted movement may also see the gorillas.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking begins early in the morning with a ranger’s lecture on what to expect and the laws and regulations to be obeyed. At 8 a.m., travelers set out to find the mountain gorillas.
Along the way, hikers may keep an eye out for various wildlife, such as animals and birds, and the rangers and guides can share their expertise on the park and its people with you, pointing out noteworthy characteristics.
Travelers are given an hour to spend with the gorillas, during which time they may take photos, movies, or just observe them as they go about their daily routines, such as feeding, playing, grooming, building nests for naps or spending the night, and so on. After the allotted time, you may trek back and get a certificate proving that you successfully hiked the gorillas. Depending on where the gorillas are, the whole journey may take anything from thirty minutes to four hours or more.
Travelers on a gorilla trekking safari are expected to abide by the following laws and restrictions, among others:
Gorilla trekking is not permitted for anyone under the age of fifteen.
People with infectious diseases, like as the flu, are unable to hike gorillas.
Keep your distance from the gorillas at 7 meters.
Avoid staring at or around the gorillas.
Always remain with your group.
Keep your hands off the gorillas.
Keep your cool and obey the ranger guides’ directions if the gorillas approach or charge at you.
Avoid using flash photography.
The rangers are better informed about the park and its residents, so always heed their directions.
Keep the park clean.
Avoid making noise.
Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking close to the gorillas.
Although gorilla trekking is possible all year round at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors are advised to come during the dry seasons of June through September and December through February since the roads are less slick during these times. However, because it might rain at any moment in this jungle, it’s crucial to have warm clothes. To arrange a suitable gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, get in touch with a travel operator.
