Getting to Mgahinga National Park
Accessing Mgahinga Gorilla Park is one of the easiest ways for travelers who are planning to enjoy the park’s unique adventure experiences. Getting to Mgahinga National Park is possible either using road transport or air transport. Mgahinga is located in southwestern Uganda at the border of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The major draw of the park is the endangered mountain gorillas which attract several visitors globally to come and witness the magical experience of tracking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Besides gorilla trekking, other activities to do include golden monkey trekking, hiking/mountain climbing, golden monkey trekking, and nature walks among others.
Getting to Mgahinga by Road
Mgahinga National Park can be reached from Kampala or Entebbe by plane or road, with about 509 kilometers to drive. The journey takes around nine hours using the Mbarara-Masaka-Kampala highway. Buses are available daily from Kampala to Kisoro town for individual travelers. Once in Kisoro, you can find special hires or motorcycles to take you to the park gate. The road from Kisoro to the park is rough and requires a strong 4X4 vehicle to navigate comfortably. Although the drive seems lengthy, the beautiful scenery and opportunities for quick stops make it worth it. Another recommended route is from Kigali International Airport, taking less than four hours. Recently, more Rwandan tourists have visited Mgahinga due to lower gorilla permit costs.
Getting to Mgahinga National Park by Flight
You can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip in Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip, which connects to the park. Flights operate every Monday and Friday from Entebbe and Kisoro, provided by companies like Aero Link Uganda, Bar Aviation, Kampala Executive, and Eagle Air. It’s important to book tickets for the local flight in advance. Tour operators can help arrange ground transport from Kisoro airport to the park and the local flight. Mgahinga National Park has fewer visitors, allowing for peaceful exploration. There are many activities available, such as bird watching, mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, and cultural visits, which often do not require reservations. The activities usually begin at the visitor center in Ntebeko, and you can also check out a three-day gorilla trip package there.
Climate of Mgahinga National Park
One of the coldest places in Uganda is Mgahinga because of its high elevation. With daytime highs of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows of 9 to 15 degrees Celsius (48 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit), the park experiences a tropical climate. The mountains and thick forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park create a climate with frequent rains and a nice breeze. The park has several streams that flow from crater lakes, making it an important water source. Rivers like Ntebeko, Kabiranyuma, and Nyabirerema supply water to nearby communities.
Activities to do in Mgahinga
Gorilla trekking
Uganda has two national parks, Bwindi and Mgahinga, where visitors can trek to see mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park has around 80 mountain gorillas with fluffier coats because they live at higher altitudes. The Nyakagyezi gorilla group in Mgahinga is the only one available to tourists. This group is one of the largest habituated mountain gorilla groups in the region, including Rwanda and Congo. Previously, they were nomadic but settled in Uganda five years ago. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga starts at 8:00 a.m. with a briefing, and park rangers help locate the group. It takes 2 to 3 hours to find the gorillas, and trekkers may see other wildlife along the way. A good camera is recommended for capturing the experience. There is a gorilla trekking packing list and regulations to follow. Permits cost $800 for non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens, available through tour operators or the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The best time for trekking is from June to August.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are a popular attraction for tourists in Africa, especially in Uganda and Rwanda, where they can be seen in Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Tracking these monkeys takes between thirty minutes to three hours, starting with a briefing at 8 a.m. Rain increases the chances of finding them, as they seek cover from eagles. Visitors can watch and take photos for one hour after spotting them.
Mountain climbing/ Hiking
Hiking in the Virunga Mountains is a unique adventure that offers stunning views. A trip of up to 3 days is enough to reach the summits of three volcanoes. Hikers can enjoy the stunning sights of the Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Edward, and various natural features. Those planning to hike should be in good physical and mental health, and novice hikers need to be well-prepared with the right gear.
Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park
The park has several accommodation options ranging from standard, Mid-range, and Luxury options. These lodges include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Travellers Rest Hotel, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Burunga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Muga Eco Village, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Mondi Lodge Kisoro, Casa Gorilla Lodge and Campsite and many others.
