Booking a gorilla trekking adventure with Kenlink Tours is a seamless and personalized experience. Our expert team will assist you in securing permits, arranging transportation, and ensuring every detail is taken care of. We offer tailored itineraries for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, ensuring an unforgettable experience with the Nyakagezi family or other habituated gorilla groups. Our knowledgeable guides provide in-depth insights into the gorillas’ behavior, ensuring you have a safe, educational, and thrilling trek. Contact Our Team today to book your gorilla trekking adventure and create lasting memories in the heart of Africa.
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What time does Chimpanzee Trekking start in Kibale?
April 3, 2025
Uganda Family Safari Guide
April 5, 2025Booking a gorilla trekking for Nyakagezi gorilla family. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest park located in Kisoro District. Nestled on the lower slopes of the scenic Virunga Volcanoes—Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga—this park offers a rich natural environment ideal for mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi sector, where the family resides, is known for its abundance of food and fruit, making it a perfect habitat for gorillas.
Gazetted in 1991 and later upgraded to a national park in 1994, Mgahinga has become a safe and permanent home for the Nyakagezi family, which was once migratory, often crossing into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today, the group is fully settled in the park and consists of 10 members: 5 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 2 infants, and 1 juvenile.
The dominant silverback is Mark, who succeeded his father, Bugingo—the former leader and the oldest member of the group, estimated to be around 54 years old. Bugingo’s continued presence within the family is unique, as dominant silverbacks who are overthrown are usually exiled or die in isolation, as seen with Ruhondeza from the Mubare family in Bwindi’s Buhoma sector. Bugingo, also affectionately known as “Mzee” (meaning old man in the local language), remains peacefully integrated into the group.
Other notable members include infants Rukundo and Mutagambwa, juveniles Nkanda and Fred, adult females Nshuti and Nyiramwiza, and silverbacks Mathew and Mafia, with Mafia serving as the assistant silverback. Fred was named in honor of a Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project doctor who rescued him from a wire snare.
Trekking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
Trekking the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a rewarding and relatively easier gorilla tracking experience. This group is known for its preference for a narrow home range where it nests and feeds, making it easier to locate compared to other mountain gorilla families. Unlike groups that inhabit steeper and more rugged slopes, Nyakagezi lives in the lower, more accessible parts of the park, making the trek less physically demanding.
One of the key advantages of trekking in Mgahinga is the lower number of visitors, which means fewer crowds and a more intimate, peaceful experience with nature. The park allows only eight gorilla permits per day for the Nyakagezi group, ensuring an exclusive and controlled trekking experience. It is important to book these permits in advance due to the limited number available.
Another unique aspect of tracking the Nyakagezi family is the terrain and vegetation. The family inhabits a relatively open area with less dense vegetation compared to other gorilla habitats. This not only makes trekking easier but also enhances the photography experience, offering clearer and unobstructed views of the gorillas in their natural environment.
Gorilla trekking begins at 8:00 a.m. with a briefing at the park ranger station. The duration of the trek varies depending on the gorillas’ location, usually taking between 2 to 7 hours. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, tracking the Nyakagezi family is a memorable adventure that offers close encounters with these magnificent primates.
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What else to do other than trekking Nyakagezi gorilla family?
In addition to trekking the Nyakagezi gorilla family, there are several other exciting activities to enjoy in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is rich in biodiversity and offers a variety of experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
One of the top activities is hiking the Virunga Mountains. Mgahinga is located on the lower slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, including Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. Hiking to the summit of these mountains provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hikes vary in difficulty, with the summit of Mount Sabyinyo being a popular challenge for trekkers.
For those interested in wildlife beyond gorillas, golden monkey trekking is a must-do activity. The park is home to a large population of golden monkeys, which are endangered species. Trekking to see these playful primates in their natural habitat offers a unique and memorable experience.
Birding enthusiasts will also appreciate Mgahinga’s diverse birdlife. The park is home to a variety of species, including several endemic to the region, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The combination of forest, grassland, and wetland habitats supports a wide range of bird species.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Batwa people, who once lived in the forest before it was gazetted as a national park. The Batwa Trail offers a unique cultural experience where visitors can learn about the Batwa’s traditional way of life, their customs, and their deep connection to the forest.
Where to Stay
Icumbi Hotel
Located in a peaceful environment, offering exceptional services and comfortable stays.
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Ikaze Cottages
Experience luxury and comfort in the heart of the city with great views and modern amenities.
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Casa Gorilla Lodge
A cozy retreat surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
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Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
Offering unique views of the lake, this lodge is ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.
See DetailsBest time to visit Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
The best time to visit the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the dry seasons, which occur from December to February and June to September. During these months, the park’s trails are less muddy and easier to navigate, making trekking more comfortable. The dry weather also means better visibility for wildlife and clearer views of the surrounding Virunga volcanoes. Additionally, this period generally offers a lower chance of rainfall, ensuring a more enjoyable trekking experience.
However, the park is open year-round, and gorilla trekking can still be done in the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), though it may be more challenging due to wetter trails. For those seeking a quieter experience with fewer visitors, the rainy seasons may be ideal. Regardless of the time, booking your permits in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
