What makes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park so renowned?
What Makes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Stand Out? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, nestled at altitudes ranging from 2,227 meters to 4,127 meters in the southwestern region of Uganda, specifically in Kisoro district, adjacent to Virunga National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla Mountain became a national park in 1991. It is one of the smallest national parks in the country, spanning a total area of 34 square kilometers. The park features three majestic volcanic peaks that draw visitors in, including Mount Sabinyu, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.
Mgahinga National Park is ideally explored from January to February, June to August, and December, when the rains are minimal. This timing ensures uninterrupted tours and increases the likelihood of spotting wildlife, as animals often seek shelter during wet weather.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park boasts a variety of attractions that captivate travelers, drawing them from across the globe to explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Among these remarkable sites are Mount Sabinyo, towering at 3,669 meters above sea level, Mount Muhavura, reaching an impressive altitude of 4,127 meters, and Mount Gahinga, which stands proudly at 3,474 meters high. Additionally, the mountains create an exhilarating backdrop for hiking and climbing adventures, allowing visitors to soak in stunning vistas of the peaks, the Ntebeko visitors center, and the intriguing Garama Caves. Mgahinga National Park is a vibrant sanctuary, home to over 76 mammal species, including forest elephants, Golden Monkeys, Olive pigeons, bushbucks, buffaloes, Giant forest hogs, and I’hoest monkeys. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting 180 bird species, such as the blue-headed coucal, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, cape robin chat, speckled mouse bird, and African Paradise flycatcher, along with 300 mountain gorillas and countless other wonders.
Where to find accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides a range of cozy and budget-friendly lodging options, including Volcanoes Mount Gahinga safari lodge, Amajambere Lwacu camp, Bird nest Bunyonyi Resort, Bunyonyo overland Resort, Kisoro traveler’s Rest Hotel, Countryside Guesthouse, and Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel.
How to reach Mgahinga National Park.
Tourists venturing to Mgahinga National Park, nestled in the southwestern region of Uganda, can reach it by air or road; a journey by car takes approximately 8 hours and covers 494 kilometers from Kampala via the Kabale-Mbarara road.
Exciting experiences await you while exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Exploratory experiences and community interactions.
Tourists eager for cultural encounters and community visits can embark on the Batwa trail, where they have the opportunity to meet the Batwa people, renowned as the Pygmies, skilled hunters, fierce warriors, and exceptional foragers.
During these cultural encounters, tourists have the chance to engage with the local people, gaining insights into the rich history of their culture and the vibrant daily lives of these communities. The local people captivate their visitors with vibrant cultural dance performances and share enchanting tales of their heritage.
Embark on a thrilling journey to encounter the majestic Mountain Gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to just two habituated mountain gorilla groups: the Nyakagezi and Hirwa groups. The Hirwa gorilla group journeyed from the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, with these remarkable gorilla groups distributed among three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla trekking at this park kicks off from the visitor centre at Ntebeko, the park’s headquarters, starting at 8am daily. However, tourists are encouraged to arrive by 7am for registration and a brief orientation from the head Ranger. During this time, tourists are organized into groups of no more than 8 members, based on the specific gorilla group they will be tracking.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the adventure of trekking gorillas comes at a cost of USD 700 per person. The tracking experience lasts around 2-5 hours, and once a gorilla group is assigned, tourists are granted one hour to engage with these magnificent creatures, while being advised to maintain a distance of 7 meters for safety. Additionally, they can capture photos and videos to share with their loved ones back home, although the use of flash on phones and cameras is prohibited while near the gorillas.
Scaling Volcanoes.
Visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have the exciting opportunity to engage in volcano climbing, with three majestic peaks to conquer: Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Moreover, ascending these mountains requires climbers to be fit and strong, as it can take an entire day to reach the summit. While climbing, tourists might encounter the breathtaking sights within the park, including bamboo forests, golden monkeys, the caldera, and giant lobelia.
Exploring the avian wonders of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga National Park is a perfect destination for bird enthusiasts, boasting more than 180 bird species. Visitors can immerse themselves in bird watching activities to observe these fascinating creatures. Birding activities in Mgahinga offer tourists an exciting chance to observe remarkable bird species such as the Regal sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Brown-crowned Tchagra, olive thrush, Blue-headed sunbird, and Bronze sunbird. Additionally, enthusiasts of avian wonders in Mgahinga National Park are invited to contribute USD 30 per person.
Exploring the great outdoors through hiking and guided nature walks.
Embarking on hiking and guided nature walks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park begins at the park’s headquarters in Ntebeko, where adventurous tourists can join in for a fee of USD 30 per person. While hiking, visitors have the opportunity to discover the incredible sights within the park, including the Rugezi swamp, lush bamboo forests, vibrant forest birds, and the stunning nearby lakes like Lake Mutanda. As visitors embark on nature walks around the park, accompanied by the knowledgeable park guide, they traverse the enchanting foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our trusted tour operators for your Gorilla Trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife of Uganda as you explore the wonders of nature.