Overview
The 1-day Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari from Kigali is for travellers who are short on time. We leave Kigali before dawn, cross into Uganda and trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
After your hour with the gorillas, we drive you back to Kigali the same evening. The permit, transport and park fees are all arranged.
Booking Your 1-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali
Every 1-day Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari from Kigali we run is private and tailor-made. You travel in one of our own 4×4 Land Cruisers with an experienced driver-guide, and you can start on any date that suits you. The final price depends on your travel style (Signature, Classic or Adventurer), your group size and the season.
Park entry and permit fees are set by the official authorities: the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board (Visit Rwanda). We book permits directly and confirm the current rates before you pay. Ask us for a quote and we will reply within 24 hours.
Full Itinerary
Detailed 1-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali City
Early Morning Departure
You’ll start your 1-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari early in the morning from Kigali City, Rwanda. It’s essential to leave early because the drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can take several hours, and you’ll need to arrive in time for the pre-trek briefing.
Border Crossing
You’ll cross the border between Rwanda and Uganda, so make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas.
Arrival at Mgahinga
Once you reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll proceed to the park headquarters, where you’ll receive a briefing on the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking. You’ll also be assigned to a specific gorilla group for your trek.
Guided 1-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari
An experienced 1-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari guide will lead you on the trek through the forest to locate the gorillas. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. It can range from a few hours to a full day.
Gorilla Encounter
After finding the gorillas, you’ll have a strictly regulated one-hour visit with them. You can observe their behavior, take photographs (without flash), and enjoy this incredible wildlife experience.
Return to Kigali
After your 1-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari, you’ll make your way back to Kigali City in Rwanda, where you started your journey. The drive back to Kigali will take several hours.
About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda. It is one of Uganda’s smallest national parks, covering an area of approximately 33.7 square kilometers. The park is part of the Virunga Massif, a transboundary conservation area shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is renowned for its unique combination of biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and its population of mountain gorillas.
The Park is a destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty of the Virunga Massif, see mountain gorillas, and explore the park’s volcanic landscapes. It offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife and outdoor experience in the heart of Africa.
The park is home to a population of endangered mountain gorillas. These gentle giants share the habitat with visitors who come to trek them, making it one of the few places in the world where you can have a close encounter with these magnificent primates.
Its diverse ecosystems include montane and bamboo forests, swamps, and rugged volcanic landscapes. In addition to gorillas, the park is home to other primates like golden monkeys. You can also spot various bird species and a variety of wildlife such as buffalo and forest elephants.
This park is set against a backdrop of three dormant volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. The park’s rugged terrain and volcanic features make it a unique and visually stunning destination.
