Top Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Besides Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s premier destination. Top Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include gorilla trekking experience, golden monkey trekking, birding and hiking. This is attributed to its rich biodiversity and a haven for the endangered mountain gorillas. This draws many international visitors to see these unique animals in their natural habitat. Located in southwestern Uganda, the park covers about 33.7 square kilometers and shares borders with Congo and Rwanda.
The park, which is the smallest gorilla park in Uganda, can be reached by a 9 to 10-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip and after connecting to the park on the road. It is one of only a few parks globally that hosts mountain gorillas, along with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, home to a stunning range of volcanic mountains shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a key location for viewing endangered mountain gorillas, making gorilla trekking in Mgahinga easy for visitors. The trekking experience begins at 8 am and can last from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Before trekking, it is important to follow certain guidelines: maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas, bury all waste 30 centimeters deep, avoid flash photography, and ensure trekkers are at least 15 years old. Each trekking group is limited to 8 individuals.
During the hike, a ranger guide will lead you to the gorilla family, and once found, you will have one hour to observe the gorillas, including possibly seeing the silverback. This can be an unforgettable experience. The park features one habituated gorilla family named Nyakagezi, led by a silverback who protects the group, mediates conflicts, and ensures they find food. Mgahinga is a popular destination that attracts tourists from around the world to witness the beauty of these primates.
Golden Monkey Trekking
This is one of top things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ,golden monkeys are small, fast primates, making them rare and special. Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga usually takes 2 to 4 hours and allows you to view and photograph these monkeys before heading back to your lodge or camp. The journey to find them often includes walking through attractive areas with young bamboo branches. It’s important to bring a camera, binoculars for birding, hiking boots, gloves, a rain poncho, and a long-sleeved shirt for safety and comfort.
This activity mainly occurs in Mgahinga National Park, the only place in Uganda where you can go golden monkey trekking. This unique experience lets you observe golden monkeys playing and foraging in their natural habitat. They are found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, and are endangered due to human threats.
Hiking- Top Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park offers a stunning experience with the three volcanoes of the Virunga Ranges: Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura. Sabinyo, meaning “Old man’s teeth,” is a gateway to Rwanda and DR Congo, where you can stand in three countries at its peak. Muhavura, the tallest, provides breathtaking views of the other volcanoes and can be seen from Kisoro town. Climbing the peaks involves navigating through thick vegetation, so wearing waterproof hiking boots is recommended. Hiking in Mgahinga through a bamboo forest is required to reach Mount Gahinga. All three mountains can be climbed in one day if you are in good health. Activities are available in Mgahinga.
Batwa Trail Experience
Before Mgahinga Gorilla Park’s establishment as a national park, the Batwa pygmies lived there as hunter-gatherers. They were later displaced, but some still reside nearby and work as trained porters and guides, for whom tipping is appreciated. The Batwa trail experience takes visitors through their history and includes a visit to the Garama cave, where they hid from invasions. For more adventure, visitors can explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Birding in Mgahinga- Top Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be small, but it is rich in bird life, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts. The park is home to over 180 bird species that can be seen throughout the year. Birdwatchers can find many unique bird species on the gorge trail. It is recommended to prepare for a full day of birding in Mgahinga by bringing a packed lunch and binoculars for better viewing. Visitors can see various bird species, including the Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Olive Pigeon, Cape Robin-chat, Black-headed waxbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, and Rwenzori Turaco, among others.
What is the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla Park
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December to February. During this time, there is little to no rain, making the trails for gorilla trekking and hiking in Mgahinga clear and accessible, unlike the slippery trails in the rainy season.
The rainy season, or low season, lasts from March to May and October to November. It offers birdwatching opportunities, hotel discounts to visitors, and fewer tourists, but also features heavy rainfall.
