Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
188 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
29
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
kamilcasim
San Francisco, CA11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This is the perfect place to track gorillas! There is a habituated family of gorillas there. This means that they are used to visitors, but they remain protected in the wild.
They only allow a group of 8 people a day to visit them for an hour. And then the gorillas are left alone.
You are asked to wear a mask to protect the gorillas as they are sensitive to catch any human illness that could be fatal to them.
Definitely worth visiting them in this particular mountain. I have heard that it's one of the best, because you really get to see them up close interacting with each other at their home.
They only allow a group of 8 people a day to visit them for an hour. And then the gorillas are left alone.
You are asked to wear a mask to protect the gorillas as they are sensitive to catch any human illness that could be fatal to them.
Definitely worth visiting them in this particular mountain. I have heard that it's one of the best, because you really get to see them up close interacting with each other at their home.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice51
England199 contributions
Jan 2023
We trekked in to see the ‘Silver back’ gorillas and were successful in seeing nine gorillas in total in the family including males, females and young ones. We enjoyed the young group of entertainers doing their national song/dance before departing for the trek as well. Our trackers did a great job, the ‘porters’ were very helpful carrying our gear and helping on the difficult parts of the trail, and our ranger/guide was extremely knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this adventure to anyone interested!
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lotte_88
München96 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I can highly recommend this NP to see the gorillas. Perfect for individual travelers, it was super easy to get a permit on short notice (either in the Kampala or Kisoro UWA office) and groups are generally smaller than in Bwindi. We were only 3, which was perfect! The gorilla family was super close to the gate, so we found them after only 30 minutes of very easy walking. We then saw the really big family of 17 gorillas, getting super close to us.
An absolute highlight was a mother showing us her 1 week old baby, which is very rare since they usually hide them in the first months. Even our guides took pictures! I couldn't be happier with the experience and am so glad I chose Mgahinga. Great advice for budget travelers, stay in Amajambere Camp right next to the gate. Very simple accommodation, but saves you the way from Kisoro in the morning!
An absolute highlight was a mother showing us her 1 week old baby, which is very rare since they usually hide them in the first months. Even our guides took pictures! I couldn't be happier with the experience and am so glad I chose Mgahinga. Great advice for budget travelers, stay in Amajambere Camp right next to the gate. Very simple accommodation, but saves you the way from Kisoro in the morning!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle L
Kihei, HI65 contributions
Feb 2020
After spending time Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes, Bwindi and Mgahinga hands down the best overall management, guides, porters, educational materials and scenic views were found here in Mgahinga.
From the very first moment you arrive in the park the staff is friendly and helpful and the grounds and facilities are beautiful. The guides here are enthusiastic and provide tons of information about the family of gorillas you will be seeing and are very proactive about positioning of the group members so that everyone has an opportunity for great photos during their time in the park.
Compared to Bwindi where the guide was abrupt, often rude, gave little if any information about our gorilla family and had no consideration for slower members of the group Mgahinga was a breath of fresh air.
As a professional photographer I loved both Gorilla treks that I did here and am already planning a return trip to do more. I can't recommend this park or it's staff enough.
From the very first moment you arrive in the park the staff is friendly and helpful and the grounds and facilities are beautiful. The guides here are enthusiastic and provide tons of information about the family of gorillas you will be seeing and are very proactive about positioning of the group members so that everyone has an opportunity for great photos during their time in the park.
Compared to Bwindi where the guide was abrupt, often rude, gave little if any information about our gorilla family and had no consideration for slower members of the group Mgahinga was a breath of fresh air.
As a professional photographer I loved both Gorilla treks that I did here and am already planning a return trip to do more. I can't recommend this park or it's staff enough.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeatherMegaMauriFan
London276 contributions
Dec 2021
My review focuses on the physical aspects/tips/recommendations as it goes without saying how amazing this experience is especially when you get your first glimpse of a silverback.
It is strenuous, despite being one of the easier trails. We started out at 2.500m and after about 15 minutes I couldn't breathe - altitude sickness. Fortunately we had an inhaler and I ended up using it throughout the trek to be able to breathe.
We spent 1.5 hours with trackers going ahead to find the gorillas and then the 4 hours with the gorillas went very quickly. It took then at least 4 hours to get back down and that was the difficult part. The group was dispersed and the terrain was very steep. They eat and move faster than you think!
There were 6 of us in total and we had all different levels of fitness. The guide Patrick was focused on safety and there was a large group of rangers, trackers and then the porters. Our porters (Ignatius and Gloria) were outstanding.
Tips: No tripod (the terrain is so steep you won't be able to use it)
Bring:
waterproof overjackets and trousers
leech socks
head net as there are biting insects
gloves that cover your wrists
walking poles
You will slip, you will fall, you will shed tears, but you will have the experience of a lifetime.
Find out in advance which sector you will be doing and prepare yourself physically and mentally. I rented a static bike 2 months before to get my fitness levels up and it really helped! Good luck to you.
It is strenuous, despite being one of the easier trails. We started out at 2.500m and after about 15 minutes I couldn't breathe - altitude sickness. Fortunately we had an inhaler and I ended up using it throughout the trek to be able to breathe.
We spent 1.5 hours with trackers going ahead to find the gorillas and then the 4 hours with the gorillas went very quickly. It took then at least 4 hours to get back down and that was the difficult part. The group was dispersed and the terrain was very steep. They eat and move faster than you think!
There were 6 of us in total and we had all different levels of fitness. The guide Patrick was focused on safety and there was a large group of rangers, trackers and then the porters. Our porters (Ignatius and Gloria) were outstanding.
Tips: No tripod (the terrain is so steep you won't be able to use it)
Bring:
waterproof overjackets and trousers
leech socks
head net as there are biting insects
gloves that cover your wrists
walking poles
You will slip, you will fall, you will shed tears, but you will have the experience of a lifetime.
Find out in advance which sector you will be doing and prepare yourself physically and mentally. I rented a static bike 2 months before to get my fitness levels up and it really helped! Good luck to you.
Written January 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BCSinig
Sebastopol, CA148 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We visited this lovely park to see the Golden Monkeys. The day started with a performance from a local heritage group. Then, we headed up on foot with our team of guides to locate the Golden Monkeys by foot. Total hiking time was about 4 hours at a leisurely pace. We also stayed with the Monkeys for an hour and stopped to have a packed lunch as well. Porters are available to bring your packed lunch and you are encouraged to use them to contribute to the local community. The Golden Monkeys are adorable. We were able to capture some fantastic photos too. The trackers and guides really care for this endangered animal. The Park itself seems very dedicated to them as well.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte Beauvoisin Diary of a Muzungu
Kampala, Uganda498 contributions
Nov 2022
Thank you to Richard Chief Warden, Moses and Clovis from Uganda Wildlife Authority for a warm welcome (despite the drizzle!)
In May I went bird watching and saw five lifers within a 30-minute walk. Can't wait to come back and bird Sabinyo Gorge.
I tracked the golden monkeys here a few years ago and absolutely loved it.
On my most recent visit, we walked up to the viewpoint and later visited the Batwa Village, just outside the park, constructed on land by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.
I haven't tracked the gorillas here but have heard great reports. Apparently the Mgahinga gorillas are a particularly engaging family.
#diaryofamuzungu
In May I went bird watching and saw five lifers within a 30-minute walk. Can't wait to come back and bird Sabinyo Gorge.
I tracked the golden monkeys here a few years ago and absolutely loved it.
On my most recent visit, we walked up to the viewpoint and later visited the Batwa Village, just outside the park, constructed on land by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.
I haven't tracked the gorillas here but have heard great reports. Apparently the Mgahinga gorillas are a particularly engaging family.
#diaryofamuzungu
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
good_ants
Doha, Qatar610 contributions
Dec 2022
Coming off an amazing day over at 'Bwinde' the day prior, we sought the flowing, acrobatic golden monkeys of Mgahinga...and they found us!!
After a pleasant hike of about 2 hours, we were halted and asked to look up; some twitching branches, a tail here and then there....golden monkeys! Dozens of them (we were told about 80!) frolicking, climbing, leaping, eating and playing for about an hour. Such agile & athletic primates, and different then so many of their "peers" in the area. We had seen baboons, black-faced monkeys, gorillas, and more, but there is something mesmerizing yet entertaining about following a troop of golden monkeys through the forest that is other-worldly.
I would not trade the gorilla trek for this, but I'm so happy we added this into our plans. Highly recommended.
After a pleasant hike of about 2 hours, we were halted and asked to look up; some twitching branches, a tail here and then there....golden monkeys! Dozens of them (we were told about 80!) frolicking, climbing, leaping, eating and playing for about an hour. Such agile & athletic primates, and different then so many of their "peers" in the area. We had seen baboons, black-faced monkeys, gorillas, and more, but there is something mesmerizing yet entertaining about following a troop of golden monkeys through the forest that is other-worldly.
I would not trade the gorilla trek for this, but I'm so happy we added this into our plans. Highly recommended.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marta Kobylecka
4 contributions
Mar 2020
It was an easy and pleasant trek as gorillas were just 20 mins away from the park gates. The guides were knoelwdgeable and knew how to keep this trip safe. We spend 1h with gorillas. It started in the morning, around 8.30am at the gate, and we were done before 11. It was really great experience.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morgel's Meanderings
Minneapolis, MN28 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Walking amongst the gorillas is awesome! They are such peaceful creatures. They amble about their carefree days passing within yards of you stopping to munch on nearby vegetation. It's well worth the price of admission.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! I am going to Rwanda in December and due to the expensive permit for gorilla trekking there am looking into Mgahina Gorilla trekking permits as it is not too fur. I read it is not guaranteed though that you will see gorillas, and there is only one family.
If that is the case are permits reimbursed?
Or is the chance of seeing them much higher than I am imagining?
Thanks very much! Appreciate any advice.
dee6jay
Buckinghamshire212 contributions
Not sure you would get a refund. Check with your tour operator or with the park authoriites. Chances of not seeing the gorillas is almost zero I would think. There is only one group in Mgahinga but they are very well tracked and the forest is not that thick so getting to them is relatively easy. I wouldn't worry about it. We had great experience.
kena272017
Phoenix, AZ1 contribution
What are the rates for march for gorilla tour
tsavoman
Welshman in Alba43 contributions
Hello kena27201. Sorry about the delay in responding as I have just returned from the Christmas markets in Wroclaw, Poland (highly recommended by the way!). The fees for March are USD$600 per person for Mgahinga and I would hope that this shall remain the same. The prices in Rwanda have risen considerably, but having spoken to the guides in the park it is apparent that the Uganda fees are looking stable at present. The fee covers your entrance to the park and also the indroduction talk and the actual tracking (accompanied by guide, armed ranger and eventually the trackers who monitor the actual movements of the gorillas). After you have spent an hour with the gorillas it is customary to provide a tip to the trackers, and also to the guide/ranger when you return to the trail head. This is a discrectionary tip and the amount is down to you. The guides and trackers do evidently make the experience possible so we gladly paid the tips to all the afforementioned persons with gratitude.
To actually arrange the permits it is highly recommended that you sort this out as far in advance as possible via the Uganda Wildlife Authority website (via email and bank transfer) as they are most helpful and you are assured the day on which you wish to track.
I hope that this assists and I also hope that you manage to undertake this fantastic once in a lifetime experience!
111lucka
Tel Aviv District, Israel13 contributions
Hi. Would like to know the price ? As I have heard the prices are crazy. Pls get back to me asap.thanks. Hagit.
mdavisfilms
London, UK3 contributions
I went in January 2016. The permit cost $600 but it was worth every penny and more. It was an amazing experience. The wildlife authority do the most incredible job protecting the gorillas from poachers and treating them when they are sick. On top of that you would need to budget for transfers and accommodation but it really is worth the cost.
vavacolas
Montreal, Canada
Hey Adam,
I am heading to Uganda in January for a short visit and would love to visit this park - I read around the internet that it can be quite a bargain to see the gorillas in this park, have you heard anything to that effect? Also, did you use public transit to get there and do you have any recommendations regarding the accommodation?
Thank you for your help!
G2071
Dallas, TX45 contributions
Do I need to book with a tour group to see the gorillas? any recommendation for tour groups?
Thanks!
NLee2012
Cary, NC46 contributions
Yes. You really should because they handle the necessary permits required to enter the park. You have to be scheduled. I recommend
Mountain Gorilla Coffee Tours.
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Claim your listingMgahinga Gorilla National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
- 16 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Holiday (From $7,248.00)
- 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Mgahinga Gorilla NP & Lake Bunyonyi (From $1,200.00)
- 12-Day Pearl of Africa Wildlife and Adventure Highlights (From $4,896.00)
- One Day Sabyinyo Volcano Hike, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (From $120.00)
- 6 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari and Lake Bunyonyi Homestay Experience (From $2,459.70)
- Hotels near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
- (1.68 mi) Mount Gahinga Lodge
- (7.37 mi) One&Only Gorilla's Nest
- (6.50 mi) Wilderness Sabyinyo
- (9.13 mi) Virunga Lodge
- (7.86 mi) Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel