Overview
A 2 days Mgahinga Gorilla trek from Kigali is a great time to see the endangered apes in their natural habitat. This is a short trip to the southwestern part of Uganda, covering a total distance of around 142.9 kilometers to Mgahinga. A gorilla trek is a guided adventure to locate a habituated gorilla family in the forest. You will spend an hour in their presence when found.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park requires a gorilla permit. This is a document that authorizes you to track and spend time with a habituated gorilla group in Uganda. This is offered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You can get this gorilla permit through a reputable tour operator like Monteero Safaris.
The 2 days Mgahinga gorilla trek from Kigali is also a chance to meet the Batwa people. Spotting birds, primates and other mammal species in the forest is also possible while on the Mgahinga gorilla trek. Birds include regal sunbird, Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori batis etc. The mammal species include leopard, elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hog and spotted hyena.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991 and is about 33.7 square kilometers in size. It is located in the Virunga massif and contingent with 2 other national parks. These are Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda and Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla group.
Adjacent to the lush forest, the Batwa people can be found. These were the previous dwellers of the forest and were evacuated in the early 90s. They have a significant role to conserve the forest and the primates in it. Apart from the endangered gorillas Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is knwon for its 3 Virunga volcanoes. These are Sabyinyo, Muhabura and Gahinga.
The 2 days Mgahinga gorilla trek starts and ends in Kigali. There is an assortment of accommodation types at Mgahinga that you can select from for your stay. These include budget, midrange and luxury accommodation. It is important to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any interference with the programs provided. We will do this on your behalf.
Meals are offered on full board or half board, depending on your interest. You should clarify in advance. In case of any dietary concerns, you should also let us know for arrangements to be done as well. Transport can be done on a 4X4 safari land cruiser since you will travel on the rugged hilly terrain to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, we do have other options, including drones, saloon cars, buses and minibuses etc.
Trip highlights
- Gorilla trek
- Birdwatching
- Nature walk
- Road trip
- Batwa encounter.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Batwa community tour
You will be met by our dedicated driver guide while at your hotel in Kigali city or after your arrival flight at Kigali International Airport. The driver will brief you about this itinerary, then you will be transferred to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You will pass through the Gatuna border to complete your 143.3 kilometers journey, with an enroute lunch in Kibale district.
You will then check in at your booked lodge. Freshen up and wait for your lunch. Afterwards go to the Batwa communities. You will interact with these former dwellers of the forest. They will offer you knowledge about their history, cultures and traditions. You will be entertained. Then you will be taken back to your lodge for dinner and sleep over.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali
You will wake up to an early morning breakfast. You will meet your driver who will take you to the Ntebeko park headquarters. You will be briefed and led into the forest by ranger guides. You will locate the Nyakagezi gorilla group. After seeing the group, spend an hour seeing and photographing them in their lush habitat. You will also spot numerous birds and primates.
Then you will return to the trailhead for a certificate. You will be taken back to your lodge for freshening up. Have lunch and check out of the lodge. You will be taken back to Kigali city, Rwanda. Then you will be dropped off at Kigali International Airport. This will mark the end of your 2 days Mgahinga gorilla trek from Kigali.
