Can i book a gorilla permit for Mgahinga National Park. Yes, you can book a gorilla permit for Mgahinga National Park, but you need to plan early. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issues only eight trekking permits for it each day. That makes Mgahinga one of the most exclusive gorilla trekking experiences in Africa.

For foreign non-residents, a standard Mgahinga gorilla permit costs US$800 per person in 2026. Since 2024, UWA requires foreign non-resident visitors to book gorilla permits through a licensed Ugandan tour operator rather than directly. The operator reserves the permit in your name, pays UWA on your behalf and sends you a confirmation before you travel.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know: who can book, how the booking process works step by step, what the permit costs and includes, what happens on trekking day, the best time to visit, and how Kenlink Tours can secure your Mgahinga permit as part of a smooth, well-planned safari.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering about 33.7 square kilometres in Kisoro District in the far southwest of the country. Despite its size, it is one of the most dramatic places in East Africa, set on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes at altitudes from about 2,227 metres to 4,127 metres.

Where Silver Meets Gold

Mgahinga’s motto is “where silver meets gold.” The silver refers to the silverback mountain gorillas, and the gold refers to the rare golden monkeys that live in the park’s bamboo forests. Mgahinga is one of the few places where you can track both primates in the same visit.

Part of the Virunga Conservation Area

The park is the Ugandan part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which it shares with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Three extinct volcanoes rise within Mgahinga: Mount Muhabura at 4,127 metres, Mount Gahinga at about 3,474 metres, and Mount Sabyinyo at about 3,669 metres, whose summit marks the point where Uganda, Rwanda and Congo meet.

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi family is Mgahinga’s only habituated gorilla group open to tourists. For many years, the family was known for moving back and forth across the borders into Rwanda and Congo, which made permits hard to guarantee. Today the group has settled in Mgahinga, so trekking can be booked with confidence. The family is led by the silverback Mark, and it is famous for including Bugingo, one of the oldest known silverbacks, who remained in the group after losing leadership.

Mgahinga vs Bwindi

Most of Uganda’s gorilla families live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has around 19 habituated groups across four sectors. Mgahinga offers only one, but that is part of its charm. Treks are quieter, the volcanic views are spectacular, and you share the forest with just seven other visitors each day. Read more about Uganda’s parks in our Uganda destination guide.

Who Can Book a Mgahinga Gorilla Permit?

Anyone who meets UWA’s basic rules can trek gorillas in Mgahinga. Before you book, check that you qualify.

Minimum Age of 15 Years

UWA only allows visitors aged 15 and above to trek gorillas. The rule protects young children and helps prevent the spread of childhood illnesses to the gorillas. Families with younger children can enjoy other Mgahinga activities, such as the Batwa Trail or nature walks, while older members trek.

Good Health on Trekking Day

Mountain gorillas share about 98 percent of our DNA and can catch human illnesses such as colds and flu. If you are sick on trekking day, rangers may stop you from joining the trek. Tell your guide early if you feel unwell, as it may be possible to reschedule.

Booking Through a Licensed Operator

Foreign non-residents must book gorilla permits through a licensed Ugandan tour operator. This rule helps UWA manage the limited permits fairly and reduces fraud. A licensed operator such as Kenlink Tours checks availability, reserves the date, pays UWA and sends you an official permit copy.

Visitor Categories

UWA prices permits by visitor category. Foreign non-residents pay the full international rate. Foreign residents of East Africa with valid work or residence permits pay a lower rate, and citizens of other African countries and of East African Community states pay discounted rates. Your operator will ask for passport details to confirm your category.

Physical Fitness

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk for several hours on steep, muddy slopes at high altitude. The Nyakagezi trek can take anything from two to seven hours depending on where the gorillas are that day. Porters are available at the trailhead to carry your bag and help you up steep sections.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit for Mgahinga: Step by Step

Booking a Mgahinga permit is simple when you work with an experienced operator. Here is how the process works.

1. Choose your travel dates. Pick one or two possible trekking dates. Because Mgahinga has only eight permits per day, flexible dates improve your chances.
2. Contact a licensed tour operator. Send your dates, the number of trekkers and your passport nationality. You can contact Kenlink Tours and we will check live availability with UWA.
3. Confirm availability. Your operator checks the UWA reservation system and tells you whether permits are open for your date. If Mgahinga is full, they can suggest another date or a Bwindi sector nearby, such as Rushaga or Nkuringo.
4. Send passport details. Permits are issued in each trekker’s name, so you will need to share full names, passport numbers and nationalities exactly as they appear in your passport.
5. Pay for the permit. UWA requires full payment to confirm a gorilla permit. Most operators ask you to pay the permit cost upfront, plus a deposit for the rest of the safari. Read the operator’s terms and conditions before paying.
6. Receive your permit confirmation. Once UWA confirms the booking, your operator sends you a copy of the permit. Keep it with your passport, as rangers check both at the briefing.
7. Plan transport and lodging. Book a lodge close to the Ntebeko gate, and arrange transport so you arrive the day before trekking. The briefing starts early in the morning.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Book your Mgahinga permit at least three to six months ahead. For the peak months of June to September and December to February, booking six months or more in advance is wise. Last-minute permits sometimes appear when other travellers cancel, so it is always worth asking, but never plan a trip around that hope.

Can You Book a Mgahinga Permit Yourself?

Foreign non-residents cannot book directly with UWA’s online system. Residents and East African citizens may be able to book through UWA offices, but most still use operators because they also handle transport, lodges and timing. Booking through a trusted operator also protects you from fake permits sold online.

How Much Does a Mgahinga Gorilla Permit Cost in 2026?

Mgahinga permits cost the same as Bwindi permits. The table below shows the UWA rates for Mgahinga activities, correct as of October 2026.

Activity	Foreign non-resident	Foreign resident	Notes
Gorilla trekking permit	US$800	US$700	One hour with the Nyakagezi family
Gorilla trekking, low season (from January 2027)	US$600	US$500	April, May and November only
Golden monkey trekking	US$60	US$50	One hour with golden monkeys
Golden monkey habituation	US$100	US$80	Longer time with a group being habituated

Citizens of other African countries pay a discounted gorilla permit rate of about US$500, and East African Community citizens pay UGX 300,000. Prices can change with each new UWA tariff, so always confirm the current rate with your operator when booking.

What the Permit Includes

Your gorilla permit covers park entry for the day, the services of UWA ranger guides and armed escorts, the trackers who locate the gorillas, and one hour with the gorilla family once they are found. You also receive a gorilla trekking certificate at the end of the day. Part of every permit fee is shared with the communities living around the park.

What the Permit Does Not Include

Transport to the park, accommodation, meals, porter fees and tips are not included. Porters usually cost around US$15 to US$20 per day and are worth hiring, as they carry your bag and help you on steep slopes while earning a fair local income.

Rescheduling and Refunds

UWA permits are tied to a specific date, park and gorilla family. Changing your date depends on availability and UWA’s current rules, and fees may apply. If you trek all day but the rangers cannot find the gorillas, which is rare, UWA has historically refunded a large part of the permit fee. Travel insurance that covers cancellations is strongly recommended.

What Happens on Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Day

Knowing what to expect helps you enjoy the day fully.

Morning Briefing at Ntebeko

Trekkers gather at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre at around 7:30 am for registration, passport and permit checks, and a briefing by UWA rangers at about 8:00 am. The rangers explain the gorilla rules, introduce the family you will visit and help you hire a porter and walking stick.

The Trek

Your group of up to eight trekkers follows the ranger guides into the bamboo and montane forest. Trackers go ahead to find the gorillas from where they nested the night before. The walk can last from two to seven hours in total, with steep climbs, mud and stinging nettles along the way. The views of the volcanoes make every step worth it.

One Magical Hour

Once you reach the Nyakagezi family, you spend one hour watching them feed, groom and play. You may see infants tumbling around, mothers nursing and the silverback keeping watch. Cameras are welcome, but flash photography is not allowed.

Gorilla Trekking Rules

• Keep a distance of at least seven metres from the gorillas.
• Wear a face mask if rangers ask you to.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near the gorillas.
• Speak quietly and avoid sudden movements.
• If a gorilla approaches, stay calm and follow the ranger’s instructions.
• Never trek if you are sick.

Other Activities in Mgahinga

Stay an extra day to enjoy more of the park. Golden monkey trekking is a fun, lighter trek through bamboo forest. The Batwa Trail, led by members of the Batwa community, shares the traditions of the forest’s original people and ends at the sacred Garama Cave. Fit hikers can climb Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga or Mount Sabyinyo for breathtaking views over three countries.

How to Get to Mgahinga

Mgahinga’s Ntebeko gate is about 14 kilometres from Kisoro town. By road from Entebbe or Kampala, the drive takes about nine to ten hours, so most itineraries break the journey along the way. Scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe land at Kisoro airstrip, close to the park. The fastest route for many travellers is from Kigali in Rwanda, about four hours away through the Cyanika border. Our team can arrange a 4×4 with an experienced driver-guide through our car hire service.

Mgahinga Gorilla Safari Packages With Kenlink Tours

The easiest way to secure a Mgahinga permit is to book it as part of a complete safari. Kenlink Tours has been arranging gorilla trips since 2010, and we handle the permit, transport, lodges and timing for you. Learn more about our team on our About Us page.

Short Gorilla Safaris From Uganda

Our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda safari can be booked for either Bwindi or Mgahinga, depending on permit availability. Another popular option is the 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari, which drives from Kampala or Entebbe to the southwest. For a second view of how a short trip from Entebbe can be planned, see this 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari itinerary.

Gorilla and Golden Monkey Combinations

To enjoy both silver and gold, choose our 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking trip. Culture lovers can add community visits with our 4 Days Gorilla and Cultural Tour, which suits the Batwa Trail perfectly.

Mgahinga Gorilla Safaris Starting From Kigali

Because Mgahinga is only about four hours from Kigali, many travellers fly into Rwanda and cross into Uganda for cheaper permits. Try our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali, the 2 Days Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari or the 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda. For very tight schedules, compare a 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali, a more relaxed 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali and the 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda. You can browse more short gorilla safaris from Kigali as well.

Double Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Want to see gorillas in two countries? Our 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari pairs Mgahinga or Bwindi with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. You can also add our 3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali. Explore more of our Rwanda safaris for ideas.

Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife

For a fuller primate adventure, combine Mgahinga’s gorillas with chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Our 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour and this 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari show how the two fit together. See all our Uganda safari packages for longer trips.

Best Time to Book and Trek in Mgahinga

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is possible all year, but the season affects both the trail conditions and the price.

Dry Seasons: June to September and December to February

The dry months bring firmer trails, clearer volcano views and easier hiking. They are also the busiest months, so Mgahinga’s eight daily permits often sell out early. If you plan to travel in these months, book your permit as soon as your dates are fixed.

Wet Seasons: March to May and October to November

The rainy months turn the forest lush and green, and there are fewer visitors. Trails become slippery, but rain usually falls in short bursts rather than all day. From January 2027, UWA’s discounted low-season permit of US$600 applies in April, May and November, making these months excellent value for flexible travellers.

What to Pack for Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against nettles
• A light rain jacket and a warm fleece, since mornings at altitude are cold
• Garden gloves for gripping vines and branches
• Gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into
• A small daypack with drinking water, snacks and a packed lunch
• A camera with extra batteries, without flash
• Your passport and a printed copy of your gorilla permit

Frequently Asked Questions About Mgahinga Gorilla Permits

Can I book a gorilla permit for Mgahinga National Park online?

Foreign non-residents book through a licensed Ugandan tour operator, who uses UWA’s reservation system on your behalf. You can start the process online by emailing or messaging your operator, and receive your permit confirmation electronically.

How many gorilla permits are available in Mgahinga each day?

Mgahinga issues eight gorilla trekking permits per day for the Nyakagezi family. That is why early booking is so important.

Is Mgahinga better than Bwindi for gorilla trekking?

Both parks offer unforgettable encounters at the same permit price. Mgahinga is quieter, more scenic and offers golden monkeys, while Bwindi has far more gorilla families and more permits. If Mgahinga is sold out, nearby Bwindi sectors like Rushaga and Nkuringo are good alternatives.

What happens if the gorillas cross into Rwanda or Congo?

The Nyakagezi family has settled in Mgahinga for many years, so this is now rare. If it ever happens, UWA and your operator will advise on alternative arrangements according to the current rules.

Can I trek gorillas in Mgahinga twice?

Yes, you can book permits for two different days if they are available. Many travellers instead trek once in Mgahinga and once in Bwindi or Rwanda to see two different families.

Can I get a gorilla permit on arrival at the park?

It is very unlikely. Permits are usually sold out months ahead, especially in Mgahinga. Always confirm your permit before you travel.

Secure Your Mgahinga Gorilla Permit Today

So, can you book a gorilla permit for Mgahinga National Park? Absolutely, and it is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make for your Uganda trip. With only one habituated family and eight permits per day, Mgahinga offers an intimate, uncrowded gorilla encounter beneath the towering Virunga volcanoes, plus the bonus of golden monkeys and the Batwa Trail.

The key is to plan early and book with a licensed, experienced operator. At Kenlink Tours, we check live permit availability, reserve your date, handle payment with UWA, and build a complete safari around your trek, from airport pickup to your lodge near the Ntebeko gate.

Ready to meet the Nyakagezi gorillas? Send us your preferred dates and the number of trekkers, and one of our travel experts will confirm availability and reply within 24 hours. Your journey to where silver meets gold starts here.