Why Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an extraordinary destination in Uganda that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. This park is home to some of the most incredible natural wonders, including gorillas, golden monkeys, and towering volcanoes. The park boasts three unique volcanoes – Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Sabinyo – each of which offers a distinct and breathtaking experience for visitors.

Mount Gahinga is known for its beautiful swamp, while Mount Muhavura is home to a stunning crater lake. The summit of Mount Sabinyo offers an unparalleled view, and is the only place where one can set foot in all three gorilla countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park is situated at a high altitude, ranging from 2,227m to 4,127m, and is surrounded by lush cloud forests, making it one of the most picturesque parks in Uganda. The park is also home to the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, and visiting these magnificent creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But the park has much more to offer, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of wildlife adventures, hiking, and nature walks in this beautiful game reserve.

Mountain Gorillas

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is known for its unique opportunity to track and observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to only one habituated group of gorillas, known as the Nyakagezi group. This group of gorillas was once a mystery to track, due to its unpredictable availability as it moved across the border between countries. However, it eventually made Mgahinga its home, providing visitors with a reliable and exclusive opportunity to track and observe this group of gorillas.

The Nyakagezi group comprises of three silverbacks, two adult females, two blackbacks and two infants, this group has been habituated to human presence and is safely observed by visitors. The park’s ranger guides are experts in the local ecology and will provide visitors with detailed information about the gorillas and the surrounding environment.

Golden Monkeys

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not only home to the endangered mountain gorillas, but also to a troop of habituated golden monkeys. These monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift and are found only in the Virunga Mountains. The park is one of the few places where visitors can track and observe these elusive primates in their natural habitat. The Golden monkey is a subspecies of the Sykes monkey, it is known for its striking golden-orange fur and lively, playful personalities.

The park’s ranger guides are experts in the local ecology and will provide visitors with detailed information about the monkeys and the surrounding environment. The trek itself can be challenging, as visitors will need to hike through dense jungle, climb steep inclines, and cross challenging terrain, but the effort is well worth it when you finally come face-to-face with these fascinating primates. Visitors will be allowed to spend an hour with the golden monkeys once they are located, it’s a magical experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique and exciting adventure that offers visitors the opportunity to see one of the most elusive and endangered primates in the world. The park is one of the few places where visitors can track and observe these primates in their natural habitat, and it’s a must-do for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. Golden monkey can also be tracked in Volcanoes National Park, which is located in Rwanda.

Flora and Fauna

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park boasts a diverse and unique ecosystem, characterized by its varied climate and vegetation. The park is home to an Afromontane forest, which is a rare vegetation type found only in a small area on the continent. This forest is characterized by an open canopy with dense ground cover consisting of woodland and only a small area of pure montane forest at the base of Mt. Muhabura. However, this area has been affected by human population growth and encroachments, leading to a ground cover composed of grasses, mosses, lichen and liverwort.

The park’s three volcanoes, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Sabinyo, each offer unique natural features. Mount Gahinga has a beautiful swamp at the top, Mount Muhavura has a crater lake, and Mount Sabinyo provides visitors with a spectacular and unforgettable experience, as climbing to its summit sets one’s foot in three countries; Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

In terms of wildlife, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 39 mammal species, including mountain gorillas, buffaloes, elephants, the endangered golden monkeys, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-fronted duikers, golden cats, side-striped jackals, and bushpigs.

Why you need to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

“Where Gold and Silver unite”, the park is a sanctuary for both the rare mountain gorillas and the elusive golden monkeys. This park is a destination that offers a unique combination of experiences, all in one location. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as:

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an unforgettable experience that offers visitors the opportunity to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to a habituated group of gorillas known as the Nyakagezi group, which is made up of three silverbacks, two adult females, two blackbacks, and two infants at present. This group of gorillas was known for their migratory patterns and crossing the boundaries of countries but now it has settled in Uganda making it readily available for tracking by visitors.

The trek itself can be challenging, as visitors will need to hike through dense jungle, climb steep inclines, and cross challenging terrain, but the effort is well worth it when you finally come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures. The park ranger guides will lead the visitors on the trek, and visitors will be allowed to spend an hour with the gorillas once they are located. It’s a magical experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a must-do for anyone visiting Uganda and interested in wildlife and conservation.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique and exciting adventure that offers visitors the opportunity to see one of the most elusive and endangered primates in the world. The park is home to a habituated group of golden monkeys, which are known for their striking golden-orange fur and lively, playful personalities.

Visitors can embark on a guided trek through the park’s lush, mountainous terrain to track the habituated group of golden monkeys. The trek itself can be challenging, as visitors will need to hike through dense jungle, climb steep inclines, and cross challenging terrain, but the effort is well worth it when you finally come face-to-face with these fascinating primates.

Golden monkey trekking is a different experience compared to Gorilla trekking, as the monkeys are more active, fast and it’s a bit harder to locate them, but once the group is located, visitors will have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology from expert park ranger guides.

Just like Gorilla trekking, visitors are allowed to spend an hour with the golden monkeys once they are located. It’s a magical experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a must-do for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.

Birding/ Bird Watching

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is widely considered as a birding paradise, offering visitors the opportunity to spot a wide variety of bird species in a breathtaking natural setting. The park’s most popular birding area is the gorge trail between the Sabyinyo and Gahinga volcanoes, which offers spectacular views and a diverse array of bird species.

The park is home to a rich variety of birds, including the Dusky turtle dove, Cape Robin Chat, Black-headed Waxbill, Streaky Seed-eater, Blue-headed Sunbird, and Regal Sunbird, amongst many others. The gorge trail is an ideal spot for bird watching, providing visitors with an opportunity to spot a wide variety of bird species in a single location.

The park’s ranger guides are experts in the local birdlife and will provide visitors with detailed information about the different species that can be found in the area, as well as tips on how to spot them. The park’s birding trails range from easy to challenging, and visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy the park’s birding. The park is a haven for birders and nature lovers, and the birding trails provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the park’s natural beauty firsthand.

Nature Walks

Nature walks and hiking at Mgahinga National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The park’s hiking trails take visitors through thick forests and along rugged terrain, leading to the Sabyinyo gorge, which is widely considered as one of the best birding spots in the park.

The hikes through the park’s diverse vegetation zones, which are located along the Congo borders, offer visitors the chance to see a variety of flora and fauna, and to explore the stunning calderas that are found in this region. The park’s ranger guides are experts in the local ecology and will provide visitors with detailed information about the plants and animals that can be found in the area.

The hiking trails in the park range from easy to challenging and visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy the park’s nature walks and hiking. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems, including lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and beautiful valleys. The park is a haven for nature lovers, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts, and the hiking trails provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the park’s natural beauty firsthand.

Volcano Climbing

Volcano climbing at Mgahinga National Park is an exhilarating adventure that offers visitors the opportunity to conquer one of the three mighty Virunga Mountains and experience breathtaking views from their summits. The park is home to the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura volcanoes, each of which presents a unique and challenging climb.

The most popular volcano to climb is Mount Sabyinyo, standing at 3,669m, the summit can be reached in 8 hours, and it offers an unforgettable experience. The climb itself is a challenging but rewarding experience, as visitors will have to hike through dense jungle, climb steep inclines, and cross challenging terrain, but the effort is well worth it when you finally reach the summit and are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

On the way to the summit, climbers will pass through swamps full of craters and giant lobelia, and will have the opportunity to see clear scenic views of lake Edward, the Virunga volcanoes, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the Rwenzori Mountains. The park ranger guides will lead the visitors on the climb, providing them with detailed information about the local geology, ecology and history of the volcano.

Volcano climbing at Mgahinga National Park is a must-do for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience that offers visitors the opportunity to conquer one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the region and experience breathtaking views that can only be seen from the summit.

Cultural Encounters

Cultural encounters at Mgahinga National Park offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and unique culture of the Batwa community, who are the indigenous people of the area. Visitors can take part in cultural community walks and interact with the Batwa pygmies, who are known for their ancient lifestyles and deep understanding of the local environment.

One of the most popular ways to experience the culture of the Batwa community is by taking a Batwa trail, which is a guided tour that takes visitors through an exploration of the community’s ancient customs, beliefs and ways of life. Visitors will learn about the history and traditions of the Batwa people, as well as their relationship with the natural environment.

The Batwa trail is an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the area, and is a great complement to the park’s other activities such as gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking. The park is home to both gorillas and golden monkeys, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of natural wonders and attractions in one location.

Cultural encounters with the Batwa community is a unique and enriching experience that allows visitors to connect with the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the area. It is an opportunity not to be missed while visiting Mgahinga National Park.

How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern part of Uganda in the Virunga Massif, is easily accessible by both air and road. The park is situated near the borders of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

By Air: The park can be reached by air using scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airfield, or by chartering a flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip via Aerolink in Entebbe or at Kajjansi Airstrip.

By Road: For those who prefer to travel by road, the park is located at the far end of the southwestern part of Uganda, and the drive from Kampala to Kisoro is about 8 hours. From Kisoro, it takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach the park. The most commonly used route is through Kabale and Kisoro, and the road from Kisoro town is a mountainous tarmac road with steep ascents and descents, offering panoramic views. The distance between Kampala and Mgahinga Park is 510 km.

Accommodation Options in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a popular destination for those interested in wildlife and conservation, as it is the only place where the remaining mountain gorillas can be found. The park attracts many enthusiastic travelers in search of these endangered species. The park offers a variety of lodging options for visitors, both near and around the park. Some of the options include:

• Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge
• Amajambere Iwacu Camp
• Lake Mulehe Safari Resort
• Mutanda Lake Resort
• Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Hotel
• Countryside Guest house Kisoro
• Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel
• Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
• Mubano Hotel
• Mucha Hotel
• Muhabura Motel
• Montana Guest House
• 3 Way Gorilla Resort
• Landmark Guest House

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on the type of activities you plan to do. For those interested in gorilla trekking, the dry season from late May to early October and December to February is the ideal time to visit. The trails are drier, passable and less slippery, which makes it easier to navigate and track gorillas.

However, the rainy season from late February to early May and mid October to November is not recommended for gorilla tracking. The tracking trails tend to be slippery and muddy during these months, making it more challenging to navigate and track gorillas. It is also important to note that during the rainy season, the gorillas tend to stay in the dense forest making it harder to spot them.

Therefore, if you’re planning to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking, it is best to plan your trip during the dry season, but if you are interested in other activities like hiking, bird watching or cultural encounters, visiting during the rainy season is still possible.