Backpacking is an outdoor activity that involves carrying your gear on your back while hiking or trekking for more than a day.
In Mgahinga National Park, backpacking mainly focuses on trekking the endangered mountain gorillas and hiking the three volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Some of the essential items to carry in your backpack include clothing, drinking water, energy snacks, insect repellent, a camera, extra batteries, and food. It is important to keep your backpack as light as possible so that you have enough energy for the steep climbs, as Mgahinga is a mountainous area.
The journey begins at the park headquarters, where tourists receive a briefing and are led by an experienced guide into the rainforest to trek gorillas. Mgahinga is home to only one habituated gorilla family, known as the Nyakagezi Family, which has nine members. Gorilla trekking usually lasts between 30 minutes and 6 hours. Once the gorillas are found, tourists can spend one hour with them.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
After gorilla trekking, visitors can continue their adventure by hiking the three volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. It is recommended to start with Mount Gahinga, as it is the least challenging, then proceed to Mount Sabyinyo and finally Mount Muhavura, which is the highest and most demanding.
During the hikes, tourists walk through beautiful bamboo and Afro-montane forests where golden monkeys can often be seen. Hiking fees are USD 80 for foreign non-residents, USD 70 for foreign residents, and UGX 50,000 for East African citizens.
A complete backpacking trip in Mgahinga, including both gorilla trekking and mountain hiking, takes about 3 to 4 days.
Backpacking in Mgahinga National Park is an exciting activity that offers adventure travelers a true wilderness experience. It combines hiking, wildlife encounters, and the challenge of exploring Uganda’s beautiful volcanic landscape.
