Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
The park is located in the south western Uganda’s Kisoro district boarding with volcanos national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. In altitude, the park ranges from 2227 to 4127 m and is part of the Nile river watershed area. Mgahinga national park derives its name from Gahinga a local word meaning piles of volcanic stones cleared from farm lands at the foot of the volcanoes. The park was designated to a national park in 1991 and has a radius of 33.7 square kilometer making it the smallest national park in Uganda.
Mgahinga national park is a home of 76 mammal species including forest animals , buffaloes, bushbucks, black fronted duikers, giant forest hogs, golden cats , primate species like the endangers mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and over 184 bird species. The park is also a home of three Virunga volcanos namely; mount Muhabura, mount Gahinga, and mount Sabinyo.
Attractions in Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga national park is a perfect destination where you can carry out Uganda gorilla safaris. Encountering these captivating mountain gorillas in the park requires one to have a valid permit that authorizes them to trek these playful creatures . The Nyakagezi family is the only habituated gorilla family available for trekking annually under the guidance of experienced guides.
Golden monkeys.
Hiking and trekking these joyful primates is interesting, and you will have a chance to see the monkeys feed , groom, and swing from one baboon to another. These joyful golden monkeys are very unique and loving primates characterized by having magnificent golden body. The park is one of the remaining national parks in east Africa where these captivating endangered golden monkeys are found. Seeing them is safe and easy since the golden monkeys feed on the lower slopes of the Virunga mountains.
Birds.
The park is known as the birders haven and rolling forest. The park is an excellent birding destination with a variety of in habitants. While on your Uganda birding safari in the park, most birding is done along Sabinyo gorge trails. Other trails for spotting can include; the bamboo trail, the buffalo wall trail, the boarder trail .the park in habits over 200 species of birds including those endemic to the Albertine rift. During the birding destinations, visitors will be amazed by different bird species which include double-collared sunbirds, white-necked raven among others.
Virunga volcanoes.
Virunga volcano offers three challenging peaks to climb including Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Mubabura as the best attraction for hikers on Uganda hiking safaris.
Batwa pygmies.
The Batwa pygmies’ community experience offers a unique cultural adventure that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life of the Batwa people. The experience highlights the Batwas historical connection to the forest , their survival skills , traditional medicine, and unique culture practices.
Activities in Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Gorilla trekking.
The park is one of the finest home to words endangered mountain gorillas making trekking easy for tourists . there are few guidelines to keep in mind before visitors go for the trekking which include keeping a distance of about 7 meters away from gorillas , all west must be buried 30cm deep , flashy photography not allowed , among others. Visitors a guided with the rang guides who led them to the gorilla family thy are to trek, one hour shall be given to to watch these great apes in the jungle . you will have unforgettable experience in life time with gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park.
Golden monkey trekking.
This is an active and exciting activity in the park which involves moving on foot into the forest in search of the habituated golden monkey families . The trekking activity starts with briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. It takes 30 to 3 hours to trek the golden monkeys in the jungle with an experienced guide depending on where they a located because thy like moving from one place to another looking for food. You are allowed to spend one hour with them after being located in their nature habitat, this gives you a chance to learn about their behavior, take pictures with them, and watch them jump from one tree to another.
Bird watching.
Mgahinga national park is one of the best places for bird watching and one of the best experiences birders never miss while in Uganda. Bird watching in the park is done yearly. When visiting for birding in the park, make sure you don’t miss such notable bird species which include; Rwenzori Turaco, Crowned hornbill, Black kite and many others. Birding in the park is done with trained guides in birding, taking you through the forest which requires a bit of hiking.
Batwa Culture experience.
The Batwa cultural experience is also one of the most done activities in the park unlike gorilla trekking safaris. The culture experience in the Batwa people was put in place by the Batwa people in support of educating their children and to share their unique heritage and traditions with the world. The Batwa experience also proves you on how on how the lived in the huts built with grass, trees. Through visiting the Batwa, you can learn how thy lived and hunted in the traditional manner.
Mountain climbing.
Mgahinga national park has dormant volcanoes with its heart where visitors can do hiking adventures including Gahinga the smallest of the 3 volcanos in the park and hiking taking 6 hours depending on the hiking speed, mount Sabinyo taking 8 hours to hike , mount muhavura the highest volcano taking about 10 hours to hike.
Accommodation in Mgahinga national park.
Accommodation options are available in the park ranging from luxury, midrange to budget friendly. The park delivers well appointed guest rooms and suits for comfortable stay at reasonable rates. Some of these lodges /accommodation facilities include;
Mount Gahinga lodge.
It’s a luxury facility that sits at the close of the park entrance making it the best option for you to trek the endangered mountain gorillas. The main facilities that makes this lodge classic and comfortable play of stay include; open fire place, restaurant and bar, outdoor sitting, sun room and many others.
Mucha hotel Kisoro
This is a mid-range lodging facility with comfortable amenities good for night over stay. The hotel is composed of 10 suite bedroom-single, double and twins.
It’s also featured with stable restaurant with professional chefs, garden area with banana trees, lounge, bar, coffee and private vegetable plantation and others.
How to get to Mgahinga national park.
You can get to Mgahinga national park by either road or air.
It usually takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive in a 4WD safari vehicle to the park along the masaka, mbarara, kabala, Kisoro road to the park headquarters.
The park can also be accessed from Lake Bunyonyi in kabala which takes about 2 to 3hours.
For a quicker route you can book a domestic flight with Aero link Aviation from Entebbe airport to the park. The flight usually lasts about 15 minutes.
Best time to visit Mgahinga national park.
The park is open throughout the year. The dry seasons June to October and the winter seasons mid-December to February are the ideal times for visitors because the trails tend to be easier to navigate and spending a given hour with the great mountain gorillas while its not raining , but before booking a Uganda safari to Mgahinga , the visitors should understand the weather and climatic conditions first.
