Frequently Asked Questions about Mgahinga National Park

Frequently Asked Questions about Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park, though the smallest in Uganda, offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for tourism. The park covers 33 square kilometers of land and is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes: Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo.

What wildlife can be found in Mgahinga National Park?

Mgahinga National Park is renowned for being one of the last remaining habitats of the world’s mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated gorilla group open for tourism in the park, although they occasionally cross into Rwanda. Besides gorillas, the park is home to various other primates, such as golden monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and more.

What are the popular activities to do in Mgahinga National Park?

The main activities in Mgahinga National Park are:

• Gorilla Trekking: A highlight of the park, where visitors can trek through the dense forest to observe and interact with the mountain gorillas.
• Birding: The park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 79 bird species, including rare Albertine endemics, making it a birders’ paradise.
• Hiking: Mgahinga is surrounded by three volcanoes, and visitors can hike to the summits of Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga, each providing stunning views and unique plant life along the slopes.
• Golden Monkey and Primate Walk: Observe the rare and amusing golden monkeys in their natural habitat, along with other primates like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and more.
• Batwa Trail and Garama Cave Walk: Experience the ancient life of the Batwa pygmies with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the historical Garama Cave and witnessing their traditional practices.

How to book gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga National Park?

Gorilla trekking permits for Mgahinga National Park are sold and issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Due to high demand, it is recommended to book your permit well in advance, sometimes even up to a year ahead of your planned trek. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga National Park is USD800 per person per day.

How to get to Mgahinga National Park?

By Road: The park can be accessed by road from Kampala to Kabare and then to Kisoro. The drive from Kampala is approximately 540 km and takes around 8 to 9 hours. From Kabale, it is about 80 km, taking around 2 hours on a bumpy road.

By Air: Daily domestic flights depart from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. Transfer vehicles can be arranged to take you to Mgahinga National Park, or charter flights can be organized upon request.

What accommodations are available in Mgahinga National Park?

Mgahinga National Park offers a range of accommodations, including luxury, moderate, and budget options. Some of the available accommodations include Volcanoes Camp, camping options, Traveler’s Inn, and Kisoro Tourist Hotel. Visitors can choose accommodations close to the park or in Kisoro town.

When is the best time for booking a gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga National Park?

Mgahinga National Park is open for tourists year-round, as the Nyakagezi gorilla family has been consistently present in Uganda. However, trekking can be more challenging during the severe rainy seasons when the gorillas move to steeper slopes seeking bamboo for food.

How long does gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park take?

The duration of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park can vary from 2 hours to three-quarters of the day, depending on the mobility of the gorillas. Finding the gorillas is not always predictable, as they might search for new feeding grounds or hide after conflicts with other wild families. Once located, a ranger guide leads the group of tourists to the gorillas’ location.

What should visitors pack for activities in Mgahinga National Park?

Visitors to Mgahinga National Park should pack the following essentials:

• Sturdy trekking boots suitable for walking on volcanic and muddy terrain.
• Rainproof gear, as rain showers can occur unexpectedly.
• Water bottle for staying hydrated during hikes and treks.
• Camera and binoculars for capturing wildlife and scenic views.
• Energy snacks for sustenance during forest walks.
• Local currency for transactions.
• Warm clothing, such as long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, to protect against forest stingers.
• Insect repellent for protection against bugs and mosquitoes.
• Masks for COVID-19 safety measures during gorilla trekking.

For further information and assistance with Mgahinga National Park, visitors can contact Trek Africa Expeditions through phone or email, or visit our TripAdvisor Review page to learn about previous clients’ experiences with their services.