How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga: Real Advice from a Local Guide

When travelers book gorilla trekking in Uganda, they often picture the moment they come face to face with a mountain gorilla, a deep, emotional moment that stays with you forever. But what most people don’t realize is how much your preparation affects your trekking experience.

As a local guide and photographer from Kisoro, I have led guests of all ages from children to senior travelers into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home of the charismatic Nyakagezi gorilla family. Over the years, I have learned exactly what helps visitors feel comfortable, safe, confident, and ready for the trek.

This guide will help you prepare the right way.

Understanding Mgahinga: A Mountain Park with Heart

Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Volcanoes, shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The trails here climb gradually through bamboo forest, mountain heather, and volcanic slopes.

The environment is:

Cool (especially mornings)

Moist with mist

Rich in vegetation and birdlife

Even if you have trekked in Bwindi before, Mgahinga feels different with open hillsides and wider views, sometimes even gorillas resting among wildflowers.

And for many trekkers, that moment is unforgettable.

Fitness & Trek Readiness: You Don’t Need to Be an Athlete

There is a common myth that gorilla trekking requires extreme fitness.
No. You simply need steady walking ability and patience.

However, since Mgahinga is mountainous, here are small habits that help:

Preparation	Why It Helps
Walking 30-45 minutes/day	Builds trekking stamina
Practice walking on slopes or uneven ground	Trails are natural, not flat
Carry water & walk slowly	Trekking is about pace, not speed

Remember: Rangers allow regular breaks. You walk as a group. No one is left behind.

What to Wear on the Trek

The right clothing makes your trek more enjoyable:

Essentials

Hiking boots or sturdy shoes (important for grip)

Long trousers (protect your legs from stinging nettles)

Long-sleeved shirt (bugs + branches)

Light rain jacket or poncho (weather changes fast)

Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation on steep parts)

Nice to Have

Gaiters to keep mud off your trousers

Binoculars for birds and monkeys

Reusable water bottle (minimum 1.5 liters)

I always advise guests the night before, and we adjust together based on weather and trail conditions.

Packing For Comfort

Bring:

Snacks (energy bars, biscuits, fruit)

Sunscreen + lip balm

Insect repellent

Camera or phone fully charged

If you are carrying a camera, I will help you choose the settings for forest light.
Good photography is about patience, angle, and calm movement.

Hiring a Porter is Not Optional, It’s Essential Support

A porter helps you:

Carry your backpack

Offer a hand during steep sections

Keep your valuables safe

Save your energy

But hiring a porter is more than convenience, it directly supports a local family.

Many porters are:

Former poachers who now protect wildlife

Young fathers earning school fees

Community members who rely on tourism to survive

Your choice to hire a porter changes lives.

Altitude: Take It Slow, Breathe, and Enjoy

Mgahinga sits higher than many forests, so:

Walk slowly

Sip water often

Keep your breathing relaxed

The trek becomes peaceful and meaningful when you move with the forest, not against it.

Photography Tips from Hillary the Local Photographer

Capturing gorillas in a shaded forest can be challenging. Here are simple tips:

Turn off flash (it disturbs wildlife)

Use continuous shooting mode

Focus on the eyes (emotion lives there)

Hold your camera close to your body for stability

If using a phone, tap the gorilla’s face to lock focus

If you want, I take professional portraits of you with the gorillas without disturbing them.

After the Trek: A Warm Kisoro Welcome

Many of my guests celebrate the trek with:

A relaxed boat ride on Lake Mutanda

A scenic lunch with volcano views

A sunset walk through Kisoro town

This is where you’ll feel the heart of the community.

Every Trek You Book Helps Support Local Families

When you travel with Hillary Uganda Trips, part of your safari cost goes toward providing food and clean water access for families in remote Kisoro villages.

Your journey helps: