Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the smallest park in Uganda, is located in the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA). This region also encompasses Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Congo. This park is found in Kisoro District, southwestern Uganda, and it is one of the best locations to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Established in 1991 with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a compact protected area covering about 33.7 sq. km. Mgahinga is one of four places where endangered mountain gorillas live. The park has more than mountain gorillas; it also supports golden monkeys, an endemic species to the Virunga Region.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is compact but naturally endowed. It boasts of its natural beauty, with unique vegetation consisting of bamboo forests, tropical forests, woodland, savanna grassland, bogs, afro-montane forests, marshes, semi-Alpine vegetation, and montane forest. Three of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes all exist in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda, including Mt. Muhabura, Gahinga Volcano, and Mt. Sabyinyo. Its location in the Virunga Region defines its high-altitude range of 2000-4000m.
History
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s history dates back to 1991, when it was officially gazetted as a national park in Uganda. Its creation was primarily to ensure the protection of endangered mountain gorillas. This noble cause, established simultaneously as Bwindi National Park in southwestern Uganda, is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
With a history that dates back to 1930 when the British administration declared it a Game Sanctuary, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has evolved significantly. In 1991, it was officially established as a National Park. Today, it is home to the Nyakagezi group, the only habituated gorilla family in the park.
Tourist Attractions
There are many amazing attractions in Mgahinga National Park worth exploring on safari. These include the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the Virunga, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura volcanoes.
Faunal species
Mgahinga National Park is compact but holds distinct animal species. There are unique mammal species not to be missed on an Uganda safari, including the rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys – these are spotted during gorilla trekking or a golden monkey tracking safari. Other mammals that freely roam within the Mgahinga National Park are buffalo, leopards, bush pigs, blue monkeys, golden cats, bush babies, bushbucks, forest hogs, spotted hyenas, patas monkeys, African porcupines, colobus monkeys, etc.
Birds
Mgahinga is a haven for birdwatchers, with about 184 bird species supported in various habitats. The park is home to myriad birds, including the Albertine endemic species. Birdwatchers can expect to identify a diverse range of birds, from the blue-headed coucals to the paradise flycatcher, making Mgahinga a paradise for birdwatching.
The People & cultures
The Bakiga, Batwa, and Bafumbira communities surround Mgahinga National Park. These local communities can even be visited during cultural or community walks before or after mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. The most popular cultural experience at Mgahinga is the Batwa cultural encounter/trail.
Tourist Activities or Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla trekking is the premier safari activity enjoyed by most tourists who visit Mgahinga. The park comprises only the Nyakagezi group, a gorilla family visited by a maximum of 8 people. This makes Mgahinga the best place for visitors interested in the least crowded gorilla trekking destinations. You can arrange a 3-day Mgahinga gorilla safari and have the best of a mountain gorilla encounter. On the other hand, Mgahinga is the best place for golden monkey trekking.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the charming golden monkeys in the wild. These are the blue monkeys’ subspecies endemic to the Albertine rift and Virunga Region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. They are a few playful, active creatures, and you should be keen enough to take pictures. At USD100 per golden monkey permit, you can be part of the enchanting golden monkey habituation experience. And normal golden monkey trekking permits are available for booking at USD60 per person.
Mount climbing/hiking safaris
Safaris in Mgahinga National Park don’t leave out mountain climbers or enthusiastic hikers. There are plenty of hiking/climbing opportunities at Mgahinga in the three volcanoes: Gahinga (3474m), Muhabura (4127m), and Sabyinyo (3674m). A 3-day Mgahinga hiking safari is best for hikers/climbers who want to conquer the peaks of the scenic Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park.
Birding
Birding in Mgahinga is an excellent opportunity to identify birds living freely in the park’s habitats. They include the western green tinker bird, white napped raven, and stone chat. Yellow-throated long claw, red-faced woodland warblers, scarlet tufted mountain masked apalis. Paradise flycatchers, Kivu ground thrush, red-necked spur fowl, and finch stonechat. Banded prinia, cape robin chat, crowned crane, fly eagle, Doherty’s bush shrike, Archer’s ground robin. Alpine chat, archer’s robin chat, Black kite, Brown crowned tchagra, double collared sunbird, and more.
Nature walks
Mgahinga National Park is beautiful with incredible trails that introduce visitors to its diverse habitats to explore the floral and faunal species. The key trail not to miss exploring this park on a safari is the border trail at Sabyinyo volcano slopes. This 5 5-hour nature walking trail allows you to see a variety of primates, enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding hills, and more.
Batwa trail
The Batwa trail offers the best of Batwa cultural encounter. Meet the Batwa pygmies to learn more about their ancient hunting and gathering techniques. On the Batwa trail experience, visitors are led by experienced Batwa pygmy guide who will share the unique stories, lifestyles, traditions, cultures and more about the Batwa.
Garama caves
Visit the Garama caves adjacent to Mgahinga. These unique historical sites are located 4 km from Mgahinga Park’s head offices. The 200-meter-long caves are renowned as sacred places for Batwa pygmies.
When to visit
Mgahinga National Park enjoys conducive weather and a climate all year round. However, its activities can be enjoyed ideally during the dry season: June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. However, the park can be visited at any time of the year. On the other hand, the wet seasons are associated with advantages like reduced traffic. Additionally, the lodges tend to offer discounts during low or rainy seasons. Could you talk to a travel consultant now for the best advice on when to visit the Park?
Where to stay
All lodging options exist near the park: budget, midrange, and luxury. Lodges adjacent to the park include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Virunga Hotel, Traveler’s Nest Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, and others.
Getting There
By road: Travel in a 4×4 tourist vehicle from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara to Mgahinga National Park. This Journey goes for about an 8-10 hour drive. Other than the road, you may visit the park by air transport. By air: Board the aircraft at Entebbe Airport or Kajansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip, then drive to the lodge or Mgahinga offices.
