MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK GORILLA

The smallest of the three national parks in the Virunga conservation area, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Kisoro district in southwest Uganda. The other two parks, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, make up the 434 square kilometers of this conservation area.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority oversees the 33.7-square-kilometer park, which was created in 1991 and is situated between 2,227 and 4,127 meters above sea level. It includes Mt. Muhavura (4,127), Mt. Gahinga (3,474), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645), three of the Virunga volcanoes.

The Kinyarwanda term “Gahinga,” which translates to “Pile of volcanic lava stone heaps where cultivation is carried out,” is the source of the name Mgahinga. In addition, “Muhavura” means “Guide,” and “Sabinyo” means “the old man’s teeth.” Mgahinga National Park was created primarily to safeguard mountain gorillas, but it also serves as a habitat for endangered golden monkeys.

As previously said, it is a very breathtaking location with three volcanoes, and climbing to the summit of them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Gahinga has a stunning wetland at its peak, Muhavura boasts a crater lake, and the Sabinyo offers the most incredible adventure imaginable, requiring you to cross three nations—Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda—to reach its summit. There are beautiful views of the greenery along the hills as well. During your three-day Mgahinga gorilla tour, stop at this gorilla park.

About 39 animals may be found in Mgahinga National Park, including endangered golden monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, and mountain gorillas. Black-faced duikers, leopards, spotted hyenas, enormous forest pigs, and bushbucks are a few more. There are about 79 bird species there as well.

Only the Nyakagezi gorilla group is tracked in the park; years ago, this group could travel from one country to another until it had to settle in Mgahinga. However, permits to track gorillas in this park are now available in Uganda, and reservations are encouraged.

Directions to Mgahinga

The park is 510 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and may be reached by air or road.

It takes around 9 to 10 hours to travel from Kampala to Mgahinga, which is about 8 hours to go to Kabale town, which is 434 kilometers away, and a further 76 km to get to Kisoro town. The road is paved and rather steep and mountainous.

Another option is to take a road from Kabale town that passes by the stunning lake Bunyonyi before rejoining the Kabale-Kisoro tarmac. Ntebeko, the park’s main entrance, lies about 14 kilometers from Kisoro.

The park is reachable by air, and reservations may be made in advance for flights that travel from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Air Field. Taking planes is less taxing and saves more time.

Activities for Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga

Only the Nyakagezi gorilla troop is tracked in this park, making it the most spectacular action there. Gorilla tracking begins in the morning, with trackers departing from Ntebeko to follow these enormous primates. Trackers are encouraged to ask questions and be open with guides and park officials who are knowledgeable about the gorillas and the park as a whole. Because this activity is physically demanding—such as going through forests, valleys, and steep slopes—it should only be done when you are in good health.

Depending on the mountain gorillas’ location—they often travel in search of food—the surveillance period may last two, four, or even a day. Make sure you have everything you need, including light clothing, waterproof cameras, a packed lunch, enough of water to drink, surgical masks to wear while around gorillas, and anything else the guides might recommend.

This is an amazing activity; you will hear the sounds of monkeys, birds in trees, and other creatures as you navigate the forests. It will be an unforgettable experience!

Note: reservations should be made in advance since the gorilla permit costs US$600.

Climbing mountains and volcanoes
Climbing the three volcanoes is the most exciting and daring thing there is. Each of them may be climbed to the top in a single day.

“The Guide” is the name of Mount Muhavura.

Climbing this 4,127-meter volcano, which is around 12 kilometers in length, takes about 8 hours. You will experience some of the best views in the nation as you ascend this mountain, which is mostly covered in small shrubs, grasses, and rock.

At the summit, you will be able to see the peaks of Mt. Rwenzori, the Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi forest, L. Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and other features. It is recommended that hikers bring sleeping gear, water, a tent, and food before beginning the lengthy trek, and that they spend the night at the base camp after the trip.

“A pile of lava stone heaps around which cultivation is carried out” is how Mt. Gahinga is known.

It takes around six hours to ascend this mountain, which is roughly eight kilometers long and passes through a bamboo forest before reaching a marsh at the summit. As you can see, the word “Gahinga” was formed from the stone heaps seen in some gardens.

“Old man’s teeth” is the meaning of Mount Sabinyo.

Hiking the eroding Sabinyo and sliding to the gorges and ravines is an exciting and thrilling experience. The walk takes about eight hours, and getting to the summit is rather difficult. Reaching the summit results in a breathtaking journey that transports you to three different countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Observing birds
There are around 79 distinct bird species in Mgahinga National Park. Birdwatching is possible in the bamboo forest, the canyon between Mts. Sabinyo and Gahinga, and the montane forest, where the Rwenzori Turaco is plainly seen.

Nature treks and hiking
Hikers can enjoy stunning views of surrounding lakes, such as Lake Mutanda, and forest birds while hiking through the wild vegetation, bamboo forests, and Rugezi swamp. This is a very interesting activity that takes place around the mountain’s edges.

Tracking golden monkeys
While on a safari in Mgahinga, one should not miss the opportunity to observe the endangered golden monkeys in this park. They are fascinating to watch in the trees.

Intercultural Exchanges
The indigenous Batwa people have lived in Mgahinga with its thickets for many years; they hunt, eat, and engage in all other activities there. Visitors can thus visit the Batwa’s homesteads while in Mgahinga to observe their way of life, attire, cuisine, and dancing, among other aspects of their unique culture.

Where to stay

Campsites, budget, midrange, and luxury lodges and hotels are among the several lodging options available.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Located on the Nteko Ridge near Kisoro, in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable, this resort offers opulent amenities. Six of its eight stone cottages are suitable for double or twin occupancy, while the other two are suitable for families. All of them have lovely interiors and fireplaces. You may travel by road as part of a safari or fly from Entebbe to Kisoro and then transfer to the resort, where you can engage in all of Mgahinga’s activities.

Safari Lodge Nkuringo
This resort offers stunning views of the volcanoes and is situated close to Mgahinga National Park on the banks of Lake Mutanda. The accommodations are lovely and reasonably priced, and the quality has recently increased significantly. The tents and the rooms are self-contained. Among the additional amenities provided are laundry and room service.

There is a camping area as well, but only those with private camping amenities are permitted to stay there. Because the food is prepared and kept in a clean, well-equipped kitchen, the meals are exceptionally tasty. The food, particularly breakfast and lunch, is prepared locally.

The Traveler’s Nest Hotel
Located just outside Kisoro in southwestern Uganda, this hotel is one of the country’s oldest. It is a peaceful spot with breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes, and it features cozy rooms and a fireplace.

Mgahinga Rest Camp on Mount
It is close to Mgahinga National Park and consists of three tents with private amenities and nine grass thatched Bandas. The majority of the villas are equipped with individual balconies and face Lake Mutanda. By staying at this rest camp, you may experience life in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Solar panels are used to create the power.

All of the activities are available here, including tracking golden monkeys, mountain climbing, gorillas, and birds.

Lodge Mount Mgahinga
Situated on the outskirts of the Virunga mountains, this resort offers stunning views and a wonderful atmosphere. The lodge offers wonderful meals that are worth telling about, and the rooms are just pleasant.