Entrances Gates to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Entrances Gates to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the gates of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is considered one of the smaller national parks in the country, encompassing an area of around 33.9 square kilometers. It was officially designated as a national park in 1991. This national park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda. This game park, although one of Uganda’s smallest national parks, is not among the least popular, as it is renowned as one of the only two sites in the country for tracking mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking activity typically lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, and is considered one of the premier tourist activities during a safari in the country. Mgahinga National Park is accessible by car or air from Kampala or Entebbe. The distance from Kampala is approximately 509 kilometers over well-maintained tarmac roads. The journey from Kampala to the park via the Mbarara-Masaka-Kampala highway requires approximately 9 hours.
The park features two notable entrances, Ntebeko Gate and Bunyonyi Gate, which facilitate visitor access to its natural beauty.
Ntebeko Entrance
Ntebeko Gate serves as the primary entry to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and is situated close proximity to the park headquarters. This gate functions as the primary access point for numerous activities within the park, including gorilla trekking, birdwatching, hiking, the Batwa trail experience, and nature walks, among others. At Ntebeko Gate, visitors can acquire permits, consult with park rangers, and gather essential information regarding the park. The entrance provides amenities including restrooms, picnic spaces, and gift stores for visitor comfort.
Bunyonyi Gate
Bunyonyi Gate, situated on the northern edge of the park, acts as an alternate entry point for visitors. This gate provides access to the Bamboo trail, a picturesque trekking route that showcases breathtaking views of the park’s volcanic landscapes and verdant forests. Bunyonyi Gate facilitates guided nature hikes, bird-watching excursions, and many activities that enable visitors to investigate the park’s unique ecosystems.
Trekking gorillas in Mgahinga
Ntebeko Gate and Bunyonyi Gate are strategically positioned to facilitate convenient access to various areas of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Visitors may select to access the park by either entrance based on their intended activities and preferred pathways. The gates provide access to an unforgettable experience at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, whether through tracking mountain gorillas, participating in birdwatching tours, engaging in the Batwa trail adventure, or simply appreciating the park’s natural beauty.
Price of a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A gorilla trekking permit is an official document granted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to visitors aged 15 and older, permitting them to visit a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Permits for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are priced at US$800 per individual for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents incur a fee of US$ 700 per individual, while East African natives are charged 300,000. It is recommended to secure a permit one month prior to the hiking date.
The best time to explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is accessible for tourists year-round; nevertheless, the optimal periods for visitation are the dry seasons from June to August and December to January. The arid seasons provide agreeable climatic conditions with diminished probabilities of precipitation. The temperatures are often reasonable, facilitating comfort for outdoor pursuits such as gorilla trekking, hiking, golden monkey tracking, Batwa trail adventure, and birdwatching. The arid seasons enhance the park’s accessibility, as the roads and trails are less saturated and more navigable. This is especially crucial for endeavors like as gorilla trekking and hiking, where the terrain may be arduous. In arid seasons, fauna typically congregates near water sources, facilitating animal observation. You will also have enhanced opportunities to observe several wildlife species, including gorillas, golden monkeys, buffaloes, and birds.
Safari accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a diverse array of accommodation options, including luxury, mid-range, and budget facilities for your safari. Notable establishments include Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Traveler’s Nest Hotel, Lake Mutanda Campsite, Mutanda Lake Resort, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Lake Chahafi Resort, Golden Monkey Guesthouse, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mucha Hotel, Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and Mgahinga Rest Camp, among others.
In summary, the Ntebeko Gate and Bunyonyi Gate in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are essential for enabling guest access and enriching the experience of exploring this unspoiled wilderness. Due to their strategic position, varied offers, and picturesque surroundings, these gateways serve as an appropriate introduction to the marvels of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and exemplify Uganda’s dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism.
Reach out to our reputable tour operator for further details and inquiries regarding the gates of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and make reservations with our travel partners, including Gorilla Trekking in Africa which provides premier vacation packages for Uganda safaris.