Mgahinga Gorilla Permit Reservation

A gorilla trekking permit is essential for anyone planning to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. This permit grants access to trek and view gorillas in their natural habitat and is managed by the respective wildlife authorities in each country.

About Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park, spans approximately 33.7 square kilometers. It is one of the few mountain gorilla habitats globally and is adjacent to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issues Mgahinga gorilla permits.

Cost of a Gorilla Permit

The cost of a gorilla permit in Mgahinga National Park is:

• US$700 per person for foreign non-residents
• US$600 per person for foreign residents
• UGX 250,000 per person for East African citizens

This permit allows visitors to spend an hour with the gorillas in Mgahinga. The process of reserving a gorilla permit in Mgahinga is straightforward—either visit the UWA office in Kisoro to pay for the passes or make payments through a trusted tour operator.

What Is Included in the Gorilla Permit?

The Mgahinga gorilla permit includes:

• One hour of gorilla viewing in their natural habitat
• Park entry fees for Mgahinga National Park, so no additional entrance fee is required
• Security in the form of armed rangers for visitor safety throughout the trek

It’s worth noting that the permit excludes transportation, meals, and accommodation.

Checking Availability of Mgahinga Gorilla Permits

Mgahinga National Park is home to a single gorilla family, the Nyakagezi family, which is available for trekking daily. A maximum of eight visitors can visit this family per day, for one hour of observation after the gorillas have been located.

Transportation to Mgahinga

To reach Mgahinga National Park, visitors must have a Ugandan visa, available for US$30 at the airport or other entry points. The park is accessible by road, approximately a 45-minute drive from Kisoro. Visitors will need to present their gorilla trekking permit upon arrival.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga

Mgahinga offers a variety of accommodation options, both within and near the park, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly stays. Examples include:

• Gahinga Lodge – A luxury option costing around US$400 per person per night
• Lake Mulehe Lodge – Offers mid-range and budget options starting from US$100 per person per night

Some visitors choose to stay in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, about an hour’s drive from Mgahinga, depending on road conditions and driver speed.