Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Things to do in Mgahinga gorilla National Park ; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda, situated in the southwestern portion of Kisoro District, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991 and is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, as well as other primates such as golden monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The park also hosts forest elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, bush pigs, and over 115 species of birds. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides engaging activities for guests throughout their safari, including:
Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the predominant activity at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, wherein people traverse the tropical rainforest on foot to locate habituated mountain gorillas, subsequently spending one hour in their natural habitat upon discovery. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to a habituated gorilla family known as Nyakagezi, which is open for daily trekking. Trekking commences early in the morning with a briefing on the park’s rules, regulations, and expectations at the headquarters. Following the briefing, you will commence hiking in the jungle, which may last between 2 to 6 hours, contingent upon the gorillas’ location, as they frequently relocate in pursuit of food. While trekking, you will encounter various wildlife species, and upon locating the mountain gorillas, you will have the privilege of spending one hour in their natural habitat. This experience allows you to observe their behaviors and habits, witness their daily activities such as feeding, nursing, and grooming their young, as well as take photographs and record videos.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking ranks as the second most popular excursion in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Similar to gorilla trekking, travelers venture into the tropical rainforest to locate the golden monkeys and, upon discovery, are permitted to spend an hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat. Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park commences with a training on the rules and regulations to adhere to during the journey. Following the briefing, you will commence a journey in the forest with a seasoned park guide, lasting between 2 to 5 hours, contingent upon the location of the golden monkeys, as they are dynamic primates who frequently relocate. Upon discovery, you will be permitted to spend one hour in their habitat, during which you can observe their play, feeding, climbing in tree branches, and capture photographs and films to share with others at home.
Mountain hiking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park encompasses three volcanoes: Mount Muhavura, standing at 4,127 meters above sea level; Mount Sabyinyo, at 3,669 meters; and Mount Gahinga, at 3,474 meters. All three volcanic mountains are accessible for hiking to their summits, each capable of being ascended within a single day. Climbers will be rewarded with stunning vistas of crater lakes, swamps, diverse vegetation zones, the Virunga and Rwenzori ranges, Lake Edward, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, among other sights.
Batwa Trail Experience
The Batwa Path Experience is a captivating excursion in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, allowing you interaction with the Batwa people who formerly inhabited the Mgahinga forest prior to its designation as a national park. Throughout the Batwa trail experience, participants will acquire knowledge of hunting and gathering techniques, master the art of fire-making using sticks, identify medicinal herbs for various ailments, explore Garamba Cave to gain insights into the history of the Batwa people—historically serving as a royal palace and food repository—and enjoy performances by Batwa women, among other activities.
Bird Watching
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts around 115 documented bird species, including 14 indigenous to the Albertine Rift, as well as Afro-tropical highland biome and migratory birds. During birdwatching, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable bird guide who will assist you in identifying various avian species, including the Paradise Flycatcher, Black Kite, Double-collared Sunbird, Speckled Mousebird, White-necked Raven, Archer’s Robin Chat, Kivu Ground-thrush, Olive Pigeon, Blue-headed Coucal, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Olive Woodpecker, Rwenzori Turaco, Ruwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, African Hill Babbler, Western Green Tinkerbird, Handsome Francolin, Alpine Chat, and Yellow-billed Kite, among others
Nature walks
A nature walk is an engaging activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, allowing visitors to traverse the park on foot accompanied by an armed park officer and a knowledgeable guide. During the guided nature walk, you will encounter various creatures, monkeys, tree species, listen to melodious bird calls, observe vibrant butterflies, and capture stunning photographs, among other activities.
when is the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is accessible year-round; however, the optimal visiting period occurs during the dry season, specifically from June to September and December to February. During these months, precipitation is minimal, resulting in dry and navigable access roads, nature trails, and gorilla trekking paths, thereby facilitating easier hiking and trekking experiences. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is accessible throughout the rainy season, specifically from March to May and October to November, as this period offers optimal conditions for birdwatching, allowing enthusiasts to observe vibrant and migrating bird species.
Directions to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and can be reached via air travel by booking a scheduled or charter domestic flight with Aero Link or Bar Aviation from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a road transfer to the park headquarters.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be reached by road, traveling from Kampala through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro to the park headquarters, which takes approximately 9 to 10 hours in a safari vehicle. Access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also available via Kigali, Rwanda. You will fly into Kigali International Airport and subsequently travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale, which requires an approximate 3 to 4-hour drive.
Accommodation for your safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Numerous lodging options are available near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your safari stay. The accommodations encompass budget, midrange, and luxury options, including Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travelers Rest Hotel, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Lake Chahafi Resort, and Montana Guest House, among others. For additional information regarding activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda, please contact Gorilla Trekking in Africa