Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Gorilla Trek Destination

Set in Kisoro district, southwest of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national parK. It sits in an area of about 34sq.kms and makes up part of the extensive Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) which also covers Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park. It straddles between 2227 and 4127 meters, comprising of 3 of the scenic Virunga Mountain ranges Gahinga (3474m), Muhabura Volcano (4127m) and Sabyinyo volcano (3645m). Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991 primarily to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Today, this park hosts more than just mountain gorillas.

Wildlife species in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 76 mammal species and they include among others mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, black-fronted duikers, giant fronted hogs, bushbuck and many others.

Birdlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is comprised of approximately 180 bird species. The birds to identify in this park include the white starred robin, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, cinnamon bracken warblers, archer’s robin chat, olive pigeon, black-headed waxbill, western green tinker bird, cape robin, brown woodland warblers, white starred robin, stripped breasted tit, greater double collared sunbird, handsome francolin, red throated alethe, mountain masked Apalis, regal sunbird, montane nightjars, red faced woodland warbler, strange waver, Grauer’s swamp warblers.

Activities to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an exceptional safari experience offered to visitors on Uganda safari. Treks begin from Ntebeko with morning briefing on the set rules and regulations. Each gorilla permit costs $800 per person!

Golden monkey tracking in in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is ideal for golden monkey tracking. Golden monkeys are a few magical primate species any traveler on Uganda shouldn’t miss to catch a glimpse. Over 3000 to 4000 golden monkeys are confined within the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) and about 40 to 65 have been habituated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Tracking golden monkeys in this national park can last you about 2-4 hours including an hour of magical encounter. Alternatively, you can opt for a golden monkey habituation experience.

Bird watching in in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park involves spotting different bird species including among others the Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, cinnamon bracken warblers, archer’s robin chat, olive pigeon, black headed waxbill, western green tinker bird, cape robin, brown woodland warblers, white starred robin, stripped breasted tit, greater double collared sunbird, handsome francolin, red-throated alethe, mountain masked Apalis, regal sunbird, montane nightjars, red-faced woodland warbler, strange waver, Grauer’s swamp warblers.

Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is comprised of 3 magical Virunga Mountain ranges that make up part of the extensive Virunga Massifs which are shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They include Mount Muhabura and hiking through this volcano is about 12kms, approximately 8 hours. It offers amazing views over the scenic Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and other Virunga Mountain ranges. Sabyinyo Volcano is a 14kms round trip, approximately 8 hours hike and Mount Gahinga features a crater, giant lobelia.

Nature walks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is best to explore on guided nature walks. Visitors on Uganda safari can embark on nature walks in Gisozi hill, Lake Mutanda or walk via the Congo border and move down through the distinct vegetation zones.

Cultural encounters in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Pay a visit to the Batwa community and get the best of Africa’s unique cultures. A visit to this community offers you a chance to interact with the Batwa, explore their incredible cultures and traditions.

Caves

A visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also involves exploring the Garama caves. The Garama cave lies close to the park headquarters and it served as refuge to the Batwa pygmies and during war time, it protected them from the enemies.

Cultural encounter in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

A cultural tour in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park involves interacting with the Batwa pygmies-the renowned gatherers and hunters. Visitors can embark on the Batwa trail which also lets you explore a variety of plant species that are of medicinal importance.

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For any plans to embark on Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the dry and wet/rainy season are the two most important seasons you should put into consideration. The dry season is also known as the peak season is ideal for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking. The dry months of the year in Mgahinga National Park occur in June, July, August, September, and December, January, February. The rainy or wet season occurs from March to May and from October to November and these are ideal for bird watching.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The key lodges for visitors to spend a night while on Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo safari lodge, Traveler’s Nest Hotel, Mount Mgahinga Rest Camp, Mount Mgahinga Lodge.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated Southwest of Uganda approximately 510kms from Kampala. It is reachable by road or by air. By road, it is 8-10 hours’ drive from Kampala and from Kigali, about 3-4 hours’ drive. From Kisoro, it is 14kms to the Ntebeko gate. By air, there are flight services from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip where you can link to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road.

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