Perfect Guide To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Experience the renowned Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a distinguished landmark among Uganda’s national parks. Located at a high altitude, Mgahinga National Park boasts stunning natural scenery and attracts annual visitors who enjoy taking on activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, mountain hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, and more. The park encompasses three Virunga volcanoes, an abundance of species, and breathtaking underground chambers. If you are seeking mountain gorilla trekking, an unforgettable wildlife experience, or a chance to connect with nature by hiking, trekking, or taking a nature walk in a stunning location, then Mgahinga National Park is the perfect destination for you. Mgahinga National Park is one of the four global reserves dedicated to protecting endangered mountain gorillas. There is a single gorilla population that is accustomed to living in the park. Due to the gorilla population in the park being the only habituated one, tracking these giant apes is only occasionally feasible. They frequently roam into the volcanic watershed and neighboring Rwanda for extended periods, sometimes even for a year. Over the last three years, the group has been located in Uganda, where it is feasible to engage in gorilla trekking. Mgahinga’s slopes possess a diverse range of animal species, making it feasible to arrange guided forest hikes.

Things to do in Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the predominant activity at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where visitors venture into the tropical rainforest to locate mountain gorillas while spending one hour observing them in their natural environment. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the residence of a single habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi, which may be visited for trekking every day. The activity of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park commences with a comprehensive briefing at the Ntebeko Park the head office, where visitors are informed about the specific norms and rules that must be adhered to. Following the briefing, you will commence your walk into the jungle beside a knowledgeable park guide who is familiar with several gorilla trekking routes. The trekking experience of mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park typically lasts between 30 minutes and 6 hours. During the trek, you will have the opportunity to observe various wildlife species, including primates such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and l’hoest monkeys. Additionally, you will encounter a diverse range of bird species, mammals, plants, and trees. Upon locating the mountain gorillas, you will have the privilege of spending one hour in their natural habitat. This special opportunity allows you to observe and study their lifestyle, behaviors, feeding habits, breastfeeding, grooming of young gorillas, playful activities, as well as capture photographs and videos to share with others upon returning home from the safari.

Golden Monkey trekking

Engaging in golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National area is an exceptionally captivating activity to partake in throughout a primate tour in the area. The golden monkey is a critically endangered species, with a remaining global population of approximately 3000-4000 individuals.

Their fur displays multiple colors, including black, grey, and a stunning orange-gold tone, which has earned them the name “golden monkeys”.” They reside in sizable collectives of up to 100 members, with an Alpha male as their leader. Unlike gorillas, they exhibit less mobility and tend to remain in a single site for an extended period. Golden monkeys mostly consume bamboo leaves, seasonal fruits, flowers, sprouts, leaves, lichens, and small invertebrates, which are plentiful in their woodland habitat.

Golden monkeys inhabit bamboo-rich habitats exclusively within the Virunga Volcanoes, where the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located. Golden monkeys are exclusively found in the Albertine Rift Valley and coexist with the equally threatened mountain gorillas. The park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda within the Kisoro district. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda offers the opportunity to engage in golden monkey tracking.

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park entails traversing the bush to locate the golden monkeys in their native environment. The activity commences promptly at 8 am with an informative session outlining the anticipated itinerary. Subsequently, participants embark on a quest to locate the elusive golden monkeys by traversing the Gahinga route. The forest teems with the cacophony and agile movements of the golden monkeys, as they frolic and feast, leaping effortlessly from one bamboo tree to another. Travelers are permitted a maximum of one hour to interact with the monkeys upon encountering them, after which they must return to the starting spot. The exercise is not physically demanding and often lasts around 3 hours due to the monkeys’ habitat being in lower regions. Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is restricted to anybody above the age of 12.

Bird Watching

Birdwatching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the smallest national park in Uganda, spans an area of 33.7 sq. km. It is located approximately 9 to 10 hours’ drive south of Kampala. Alternatively, you may prefer to fly from Entebbe Airport via Aerolink, either on an established or chartered flight, to Kisoro Airstrip, which is a nearby landing site close to Mgahinga. Primarily, the park is widely recognized as a prominent location for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. However, it is worth noting that the mountains, woodland, and vegetation in the surrounding area also offer exceptional opportunities for birdwatchers. The area is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a documented presence of more than 185 species, 12 of which are exclusive to the Albertine Rift. Furthermore, there are numerous organized mountain excursions available, providing birdwatchers with exceptional opportunities to observe Afro-alpine endemics such as the Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird. These hikes are particularly rewarding during the presence of migrating birds, which occurs from November to April. The following bird species are renowned for birdwatching at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Black Kite, Pin-tailed whydah, Double-collared sunbird, Speckled mouse bird, Paradise flycatcher, Ibis, and Speckled Mouse birds. The following bird species were mentioned: Fire Finch Stonechat, Waxbills, Grey Capped Warbler, Archer’s robin chat, Blue-headed coucal, Dusky crimson wing, Kivu ground-thrush, Olive pigeon, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori nightjar, Ruwenzori turaco, Alpine, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul.

Batwa Trail Experience

The Batwa Trail is situated in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, renowned for gorilla trekking. It was once the home of the Batwa people, an indigenous community. This nature walk tour acquaints guests with the lifestyle of many African tribes. During this cultural encounter event, visitors will gain knowledge about the Batwa’s cultural legacy. The profits generated by this tour contribute to a philanthropic initiative aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. Specifically, the monies are utilized to facilitate the acquisition of new property, as well as to enhance educational opportunities and access to books for these communities. Throughout this immersive trip, the Batwa showcase their distinctive cultural legacy through a range of activities and discussions, including hunting and demonstrations of bamboo cup making. Medicinal plants and their utilization are also highlighted. Visitors are now welcomed to the revered Ngarama Cave, formerly inhabited by the Batwa King. Here, the ladies of the tribe sing a mournful song that reverberates hauntingly within the depths of the cave. This experience evokes a profound appreciation for the diminishing cultural heritage.

Volcano Hiking or Mountain climbing

Within the terrain of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are three prominent volcanoes that are impossible to take in. The Virunga Ranges are located in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. The names given to these mountains have exact translations: Sabinyo means “Old man’s teeth,” Gahinga means “Pile of stones,” and Muhavura means “a guide.” Mount Muhavura is the tallest among the Virunga Mountains, offering the unique benefit of panoramic views of the other peaks from its summit. Visible from Kisoro town, this peak is aptly named the guide due to its role in leading to the other mountains in the group. Mount Sabinyo serves as a point of entry to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while in Uganda. When you reach its highest point, you are physically located in all three countries simultaneously – Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. To minimize the discomfort caused by the mushy vegetation along the path to the peak of Sabinyo, it is advisable to use waterproof hiking footwear. Ascending Mount Gahinga, on the other hand, necessitates traversing a bamboo forest. Each of these three mountains may ascend to their summits within a single day, provided that you are in decent physical condition.

Recommended packages Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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4 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Dian Fossey Trek

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5 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Golden monkeys & Bisoke hike

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Best Time To Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in south-western Uganda, is the smallest park in the country. Despite its tiny size, it offers exceptional sights and activities that allow visitors to fully experience the grandeur of Uganda’s national parks. Many individuals often contemplate the optimal period to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a perennial tourist attraction that is accessible throughout the year. The mild temperature enables a wide range of adventure activities to be pursued throughout the year, ensuring an enjoyable experience at all times.

You may be interested in visiting a location that offers a range of exciting activities like as gorilla trekking, the Batwa path, bird viewing, and nature walks. However, it is important to note that the main attraction for tourists visiting this park is gorilla trekking. Remarkably, every traveler has the opportunity to explore Mgahinga National Park and embark on a transformative trip. This extraordinary encounter promises to deliver utmost contentment and indelible memories that will leave you in awe. Mgahinga National Park is accessible for tourism year-round.

Optimal satisfaction is attained when the activity is carried out throughout the dry seasons, specifically from December to February and June to September. Tracking gorillas during these months is facilitated by the drier trails. However, it is important to note that rain can occur unexpectedly in the middle of the day due to the high altitude location of Mgahinga National Park, which is situated within a Tropical rainforest that experiences rainfall throughout the year.