Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an invaluable resource and hidden gem found in the far south-west of Uganda in Kisoro district. It is always referred as the “place where silver meets gold” and you will find out why.
The Size and location of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This is so far the smallest National Park in Uganda spanning for only 13 square miles but protects some of the most sought-after wildlife species as well as three Virunga Volcanoes. These mountains include the 3474-meter Gahinga Volcano, the 3645-meter Sabyinyo as well as the 4127-meter Muhabura Mountain. The Park specifically sits on an area ranging from 2227 to 4127 meters above sea level. Being part of the Virunga Conservation Area, this Protected Area borders Virunga National Park of DRC and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda
The History of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park itself is 31 years old but was first declared a Game Sanctuary in 1930. Its name originated from one of the Virunga Volcanoes-Gahinga, to mean a pile of small volcanic stones that were supposedly cleared from several farmlands on the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes.
Remarkable things to marvel at within Mgahinga National Park
Breathtaking vegetation
There are stunning vegetation types across the varying altitudes of Virunga Volcanoes and these include the Bamboo forest along the lower slopes, montane forests, the Rwenzori-Virunga Montane moorlands made up of heath and finally the Alpine zone in the high altitude areas.
Animals
As unbelievable as it sounds, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has over 75 mammal species roaming within its 13-square mile area. It is where gold meets silver (both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are found here. Other animals here are duikers, bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, leopards, African golden cats, forest buffaloes, black and white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, golden cats and African civets, to mention but a few.
Birds
Recognized for being one of the 33 Important Birding Areas of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has about 180 bird species that include 14 Albertine Rift endemics as well as 39 Afro-tropical highland biome species. Typical birding tours introduce tourists to regal sunbirds, Grauer’s swamp warblers, mountain masked apalis, Yellow-billed Kites, Grey-capped warblers, pin-tailed whydah, montane nightjar, Archer’s ground robin, handsome spurfowl, streaky seed-eater, blue-headed sunbirds, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, Rwenzori batis, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Alpine swift, Kivu Ground Thrush, Paradise flycatcher, yellow-vented bulbul, Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky crimson-wing, to mention but a few.
Top things to relish during Mgahinga Gorilla National Park safaris
Gorilla trekking tours
Journey into the verdant jungles of Mgahinga National Park and experience what it feels like to meet face to face with the Giant Apes. Nyakagezi is currently the only habituated gorilla group in this Park and therefore only 8 permits are sold each day. For $700, you can get a gorilla permit and join other visitors at Ntebeko Visitor Center by 7:00am for briefing before starting the trek by 8:00am.
Tracking Golden monkey and the Habituation Tour
Golden monkeys are also trekked within the small Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a lower cost ($90 per person) and this offers one hour observation and photography. The activity also begins with briefing at 7:00am then the actual trek starts by 8am but visitors who are interested in spending more time in the presence of Great Apes can book the habituation Experience at $100.
Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes
This is the most rewarding experience for visitors of all ages, longing to add a bit of adventure to their Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Tour. Relish uninterrupted views of the peaks of different Volcanoes, the dense and verdant rainforest and several animals/birds while tackling Sabyinyo, Muhabura or Gahinga.
Visit the Batwa Community/Village
The Batwa village introduces travellers to its rich history, breathtaking cultural dances, local cuisines, thrilling hunting techniques, use of herbal medicine in treating different ailments, making of Bamboo cups and so much more.
Birding tours
Birding tours are undeniably popular throughout Uganda but in the jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is unforgettable. There are Albertine Rift endemics and Afro-tropical highland species to be spotted here including the pin-tailed whydah, Streaky seed-eater, montane nightjar, Bronze sunbirds, Dusky turtle Doves, Black-headed waxbills, Kivu ground thrush, Yellow-billed Kites, Grey-capped warblers, Cape Robin-chat, Archer’s ground robin
Hiking or Guided walks
There are a number of well-maintained hiking trails and walking paths in Mgahinga National Park, that allow travellers to explore the roots of south-western region. Check-out the outstanding plant species used for herbal medicine, birds and several animals. Walking through the Golden monkey track, the Sabyinyo gorge as well the guided walk to the Congo border is eye-opening and very rewarding.
Sleeping options for travellers to Mgahinga National Park
Most of the sleeping options for travellers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are based within the nearby Kisoro Towns and few in the Park. These places are Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Montana Guesthouse Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Muhabura Hotel, Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge, Mucha Hotel and Kisoro Travellers Lodge among others.
What is the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga National Park is the smallest ecosystem in Uganda and can be visited at any time of the year, although there are varying months that are more suitable for certain people. However, the peak tourist season in this spectacular safari destination is between May and September because they are dry months whereby weather is warmer and rains lower. The downside of visiting this Park in dry season is that it draws larger crowds who yearn to relish the Wonders of the jungles without being bogged down by the downpours.
On the other side, temperatures rise and downpours increase during the wet months, making travellers to avoid them. Nonetheless, the forest is lusher and without huge crowds.
How can travellers reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Travellers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the south-west of Uganda can get there by air or road. For users of air transport, book for scheduled or chartered flights arranged from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip after which drive through a dusty and rough road to Mgahinga National Park.
For users of road transport, expect 8-10 hours’ drive from Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro road. From here the journey branches-off to a rough murram road until this magnificent Park.