Gates of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gates of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Having been formally designated as a national park in 1991, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is considered to be one of the nation’s smallest national parks, with a total surface area of roughly 33.9 square kilometers. The southwest part of Uganda is home to this national park.
Furthermore, despite being one of Uganda’s smaller national parks, this one is not among the least visited because it is well-known for being one of only two places in the nation where mountain gorillas can be tracked. The gorilla trekking activity, which lasts anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, is one of the most popular tourist activities to partake in while on safari in Uganda.
From Kampala or Entebbe, Mgahinga National Park may be accessed by plane or road. With well-paved tarmac roads, it’s roughly 509 kilometers from Kampala. It takes roughly nine hours to drive from Kampala to the park via the Mbarara-Masaka-Kampala highway.
The existence of the two gates, Ntebeko Gate and Bunyonyi Gate, which allow tourists to enter and take in the park’s natural splendor, is among its most intriguing features.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s gates
Gate of Ntebeko
Situated close to the park headquarters, Ntebeko Gate serves as the primary entryway to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The majority of the park’s activities, such as hiking, bird viewing, gorilla trekking, Batwa trail experiences, and nature walks, begin at this gate. At Ntebeko Gate, park rangers can interact with visitors, issue permits, and provide vital park information. For the comfort of guests, the gate also has amenities like picnic spaces, restrooms, and gift stores.
Gate of Bunyonyi
As an alternate entry point for visitors, Bunyonyi Gate is situated on the park’s northern border and provides access to the Bamboo trail, a picturesque trekking route that provides breathtaking views of the park’s lush forests and volcanic landscapes. In addition, guided nature walks, bird-watching trips, and other activities that let guests experience the park’s varied ecosystems are held at Bunyonyi Gate.
Bunyonyi Gate and Ntebeko Gate are both positioned to offer easy access to various areas of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Depending on their preferred routes and intended activities, guests can enter the park from either gate. These gates are the starting point for an amazing adventure at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, whether your goal is to track the mountain gorillas, take part in birdwatching tours, experience the Batwa trail, or just take in the park’s natural beauty.
The price of a permit to trek gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Any visitor over the age of 15 who wants to visit a habituated gorilla family and spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat must get a gorilla trekking permit, which is a legal document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. For foreign non-residents, gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost US$800 per person. The fee is $300,000 for East African citizens and $700 for foreign residents. Booking a permit one month prior to the trekking date is advised.
When is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park the best place to visit?
Although Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open for tourism all year round, the dry seasons of June through August and December through January are the ideal times to visit. With fewer chances of precipitation, the dry seasons provide nice weather. Because of the relatively mild weather, outdoor pursuits including birdwatching, hiking, tracking golden monkeys, gorilla trekking, and Batwa trials are comfortable.
Because the roads and trails are less muddy and simpler to traverse during the dry seasons, the park is also more accessible. This is especially crucial for activities where the terrain can be difficult, like hiking and gorilla trekking.
It is easier to spot animals during the dry seasons because wildlife tends to congregate near water sources. Additionally, your chances of seeing different wildlife species, such as gorillas, golden monkeys, buffaloes, and birds, will increase.
Safari lodging in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Traveler’s Nest Hotel, Lake Mutanda Campsite, Mutanda Lake Resor, 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 are just a few of the many luxury, mid-range, and low-cost lodging options available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
To sum up, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s two gates—Ntebeko Gate and Bunyonyi Gate—are essential for making it easier for guests to enter and for improving their entire experience of exploring this pristine wilderness.
These getas provide a suitable introduction to the wonders of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and a monument to Uganda’s dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism because of its ideal location, varied offers, and stunning surroundings.