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Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park – Mountain Gorilla
Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park! The endangered Mountain gorillas are the main attractions in Mgahinga park- a breathtaking park in southwestern Uganda covering three of the Virunga Mountains, Mount Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. These ranges run along Uganda’s border with Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC.
The Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park can be tracked by visitors on Uganda gorilla trekking tours as an alternative to Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi- the best area for Mountain gorilla safaris in Africa. Often, it’s visited in case the gorilla trekking permits are fully booked in Bwindi Forest or during Rwanda Uganda gorilla tours!
Uganda Mgahinga National Park offers one of the best gorilla tracking experiences in Africa. The park holds one gorilla family called the Nyakagezi gorilla group holding the highest number of Silverbacks in East Africa living together.
Travelers interested in visiting Mountain gorillas in Uganda Mgahinga park can make it all year round but, the dry season offers the best gorilla trekking adventure. The gorilla treks are usually mud-free and you will find little rainfall insolvencies.
Uganda gorilla safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be combined with other amazing wildlife safari tours in Uganda for instance in parks like Lake Queen Elizabeth park & Lake Mburo park, etc. Email our experienced friendly team for anything about Uganda safari tours!
Quick Facts About Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park
Tourists coming for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla park should at least know the following;
- Currently, Mgahinga park holds one Mountain gorilla group called the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
- The Nyakagezi gorilla group has 9 members including; 4 silverback male gorillas, 2 young gorillas, 2 adult female Mountain gorillas, and 1 juvenile
- Mgahinga park holds one of the Mountain gorilla families with the highest number of Silverbacks in East Africa. The group has 4 silverbacks!
- Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga usually dwell around the slopes of Mount Muhabura
- The gorilla population size in Mgahinga is shared with other adjoining national parks; Volcanoes park Rwanda and Virunga National Park all in the Virunga extinct volcanic mountains of Central Africa.
Scientific Classification of Mountain Gorillas
- Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Hominidae
- Species: G. beringei
- Genus: Gorilla
- Subspecies: G. b. berengei
Mountain Gorilla Habitat
In the world, Mountain gorillas (gorilla beringei) live in the mountain tropical rainforests. The first Mountain gorilla population lives in the Virunga Mountains, a stunning range of extinct volcanoes on the border of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC. The other wild gorilla population size is found within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park of Uganda.
Since the mountain gorilla species was discovered in 1902, its population has suffered years of civil wars, and human-wildlife conflict from neighboring local communities- human populations, poaching, illegal pet trade, habitat degradation, & disease.
It was once believed this critically endangered species may be extinct by the end of the 20th century, thanks to great gorilla conservation efforts by the African Wildlife Foundation, Fauna & Flora International and, International Gorilla Conservation Programme.
Within Mgahinga park, there are some cases of local people who illegally enter the park to harvest bamboo from the bamboo forest.
WHERE DO MOUNTAIN GORILLAS LIVE?
Unlike other subspecies of gorillas, Mountain gorillas dwell most in mountain tropical rainforests (in high altitudes) in areas normally around 8000- 13000ft above sea level.
The Mountain gorillas have thicker hairy bodies than other great apes such as the Eastern gorilla- also a great ape species. This great fur keeps them warm since they dwell in areas where the temperatures go below the freezing point. Local communities have encroached on the territories where these great apes used to feed and have been pushed further in harsh deadly conditions.
However, due to great Mountain gorilla conservation in the past decades, the mountain gorilla population is gradually rising.
Diet of Mountain Gorillas
These great apes are primarily herbivores- large scale grazers! Just like the Eastern gorilla, the Mountain gorillas also mainly feed on leaves, bamboo leaves, stems, shoots, roots, flowers, fruits, and even barks of trees.
Sometimes, they can also feed on small invertebrates. On average, a Silverback male Mountain gorilla- gorilla beringei can eat 18kg of food while the adult females and other several females eat 14kg.
It’s hard to spot Mountain gorillas drinking water as they commonly feed on succulent vegetation such as celery, nettles, and thistles.
Mountain Gorilla Groups in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park holds one Mountain gorilla family! However, you’ll find other people who say that it holds 2 gorilla groups (including the Hirwa gorilla group). The Hirwa Gorilla Group dwells in Volcanoes Park Rwanda!
Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Park
The Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga park is led by Silverback Mark- (a dominant male) and assisted by Mafia. Mark took over power from his father Bugingo. Unlike other Silverback Mountain gorillas, after this guy losing power to his son, he didn’t resort to living a lonely life! He happily remained in the typical group taking the role of a Mzee which means an elder.
The Nyakagezi gorilla group holds 9 members with 4 silverbacks, 2 adult female gorillas, 1 juvenile, and 2 infants.
The habituation of the Nyakagezi group started in 1991 and it was open for gorilla tourism in 1994. This group used to freely move around the Virunga Massif in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo but, for the last decade, it has settled in Uganda.
It’s one of the most interesting Mountain gorilla groups to visit by visitors undertaking gorilla trekking Uganda safaris as it boasts many silverbacks. A silverback generally defends a gorilla family.
Tolerance of several males is another hallmark of the Nyakagezi people. Also, unlike gorilla groups in Bwindi that prefer traveling longer distances, this gorilla family group forages nearby therefore, it’s easy to track.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
The best way to encounter Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga park is taking a gorilla trekking experience- among the main activities in Mgahinga park. This thrilling adventure starts early morning (around 8 am) with a gorilla tracking briefing at Ntebeko Park headquarters. Uganda Wildlife Authority park rangers will take you through the guidelines that must be followed while on the gorilla trek.
Afterward, you will embark on the gorilla trek to encounter the Nyakagezi gorilla family. During the Mountain gorilla hike, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Virunga Mountains and also spot other animals including Bushbucks, birds, Forest Buffalos, and Forest Elephants if lucky plus many wild animals.
Come with a camera to take photos and record all the memorable moments while with these great apes. A rain jacket, jungle boots, and a backpack are vital while tracking Mountain gorillas. Mind also to put on long-sleeved shirts and pants during this hike for a fascinating experience.
The gorilla trek can about 2-8 hours and this depends on the movement of these mighty great apes.
UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING COST IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK- HOW MUCH DOES GORILLA TREKKING COST IN MGAHINGA PARK?
Before you come for Uganda gorilla safari tours in Mgahinga Gorilla park, you should purchase a Mountain gorilla permit. The gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and it’s possible to book it through a tour operator.
The cost for gorilla trekking in Uganda Mgahinga park;
- Non-foreign residents: $800
- Foreign residents: $700
- The East African Residents: 300,000Ugx
It’s wise to book a Mountain gorilla permit earlier (about 3-6 months) before the gorilla tracking date, especially in the peak season. These permits are limited, remember only 8 visitors can track a gorilla family a day. Avoid last-minute disappointments!
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Mgahinga National Park
The peak season or the dry months- June-August as well as December to February offer the best gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Mgahinga park, rain is minimal in the dry season thus, trails for gorilla tracking are friendly- mud-free and easy to hike unlike in the rainy season.
During the rainy season, September, October, November and March, April, May, it showers most hours of the day in Mgahinga park and it can interrupt. However, the Mountain gorilla expeditions remain possible and usually, these critically endangered species are easier to spot since they don’t move deep in the forest.
Packing List for Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Mgahinga National Park
As you come to visit Mountain gorillas- the major tourist attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla park, you should have the following for a wonderful adventure;
- A backpack for keeping your day essentials
- Light hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- A pair of gaiters
- Mountain gorilla permit
- Long-sleeved shirts & pants. These should be environmentally friendly
- Garden gloves
- Warm jacket
- Energy giving snacks
- Bottled water
- Sunhat & sunscreens
- Insect repellants
The above gorilla safari packing list also applies to Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park to Use During Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Accommodation for tourists undertaking gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is not a problem as there are various options. Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd specialist is there to guide you to choose the best one!
Most of these lodges are found in Kisoro town which is a short drive to the park- around 14km drive.
Here are the best lodges in Mgahinga park;
- Traveler’s Nest Hotel
- Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Mount Gahinga Lodge
- Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
- Amajambere Iwacu camp
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Mucha Lodge
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda?
Getting to Mgahinga park is easy. Travelers can choose to use either road transport (the most common) or air transport.
Traveling to Mgahinga by Road:
From Kampala, you’ll drive via Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro Highway then connect to the park on a murram road. This drive is around 9-10 hours and this should scare you as it involves various amazing stopovers, for instance, the Equator photo shoots and a cultural lunch at Igongo Cultural Center. The country views are breathtaking, you won’t get bored!
It’s possible to access Mgahinga park from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Kigali Rwanda for those coming for Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris.
Getting to Mgahinga Park by Air:
This is the easiest way to travel to Mgahinga park. From Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, you’ll board a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip. Then, your safari guide in a tour vehicle will come and pick you up and drive to Mgahinga park, around 14km from Kisoro town.
This flight can be booked by your safari company.
FAQs About Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park
1. How Many Gorilla Families in Mgahinga Park?
Mgahinga park holds one Mountain gorilla family (Nyakagezi gorilla family) open for gorilla tours in Uganda. The group has 9 members with 4 silverback gorillas, 2 young mountain gorillas, 1 juvenile, plus 2 adult females.
2. Where Do You Go to See Gorillas in Uganda?
Mountain gorillas in Uganda can only be spotted in only 2 national parks. These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi park holds approximately half of the wild Mountain gorilla population on Earth. Globally, Virunga gorillas are threatened by habitat loss due to exploitation of natural resources.
Gorilla expeditions in the above-mentioned parks have led to community development. That’s to say, it has enhanced the construction of hotels, and lodges in the region thus, creating employment for people in the local community.
3. Which National Park Has the Most Gorillas?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds the highest number of Mountain gorillas in East Africa. According to the last Mountain gorilla count in 2018, over 459 gorillas were spotted in Bwindi Forest and this is almost half of the 1,063 Mountain gorilla population size on Earth.
4. Do You Need a Permit to See Gorillas in Uganda?
Yes, all travelers interested in trekking Mountain gorillas in Uganda must book a gorilla tracking permit. Buy the Mountain gorilla trekking permit before the day of tracking to avoid being disappointed at the last minute.
5. Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas?
The Democratic Republic of Congo DRC is the cheapest place for gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa. Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking permit costs $400 and it’s at 1500 in Rwanda while in Uganda, it’s $800. Tourists have fear in Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla safaris due to on and off civil wars but, those who have visited testify that the county holds a lot to explore!
6. How Long Is the Trek to See Gorillas in Uganda Mgahinga Park?
Most Mountain gorilla treks in Mgahinga park take approximately 2-8 hours. This duration is influenced by the movement of these great apes in the misty jungle.
7. What Are The Facts About Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga Park?
Mountain gorillas live in family groups. Each family is headed by a dominant adult male called a silverback gorilla who defends the entire family up to the extent of losing her own life in case of an attack!
Adult males develop a silver hair on their back and it’s the reason for their name- the Silverback. The mountain gorillas are among the biggest and most powerful primates on earth thus, they have few predators in the food chain.
In comparison with the Lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mountain have longer hair as they live in cold environments- within mountainous areas.
8. Why Are Mountain Gorillas Going Extinct?
By the 19th century, Mountain gorillas were almost going into extinction however, due to the great conservation efforts in the 20th century within their protected areas, their population is growing gradually. Organizations such as the International Gorilla Conservation Programme are doing their best to conserve these endangered great apes and promote gorilla tourism.
The population of Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Mgahinga, and Bwindi park is increasing every day. According to the last census of these mighty great apes in 2018, over 1063 Mountain gorillas exist on earth.
9. Why Is Mountain Gorilla Endangered?
The Mountain gorillas in the Virunga extinct volcanic mountains within Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga park as well as the other population in Bwindi Forest also face almost similar threats. This makes them endangered species.
Mountain gorillas mainly face pressure for natural resources (human encroachment on the park’s land) from neighboring human settlements and poaching for bush meat. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Virunga National Park faces a civil war (political instability) and this negatively affect their population size.
Regardless of the above threats to this great ape, anti poaching patrols are frequently made in the park to protect these giants within their environments.
10. Are Mountain Gorillas Friendly to Humans?
Habituated Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park Uganda as well as those in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo are friendly to humans. This is the same as their lowland cousins in Kahuzi Biega park. Let’s give thanks to Dian Fossey who laid a great foundation for gorilla tourism- gorilla habituation in the 1970s within Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
If looking for safe gorilla safaris in Africa, you can visit Uganda Bwindi park, Volcanoes park, or Virunga National Park in DRC. The gorilla trekking permit in Congo Virunga National Park is the cheapest among all.
11. Is a Silverback Gorilla a Mountain Gorilla?
A silverback is a mature old male Mountain gorilla. Mature male Mountain gorillas develop silver hair on their back at the age of 12 years. This great ape controls all the activities in the gorilla family.
Note that, most males abandon their family groups and join others when they reach puberty stage.
Though there are numerous attractions in Mgahinga park, Mountain gorillas are the main reason why tourists visit this park. The lovely endangered Mountain gorillas live in highland montane forests and they are mainly herbivores in nature enjoying to dwell most in bamboo forests. Travelers interested in spotting these great apes should undertake a gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga park- a lifetime safari expedition in Africa.
Check out our 3 days gorilla trekking tour in Mgahinga or 2 days Uganda gorilla safari in Mgahinga- all from Kigali Rwanda.
Contact our team with all inquiries about Uganda gorilla tours and let the adventure begin!