Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; Things to do, Best time & Lodges
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all the parks of Uganda occupying an area of 33.7 square kilometers.
It is found in the country’s southwestern regions, near the village of Ntebeko in the Kisoro district.
It is bordered by Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.
The park was first declared as a game sanctuary in the 1930s by the British colonial government and later upgraded to a national park in 1991 majorly to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
It is part of the Virunga Masif which is a chain of volcanoes spanning three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Despite its small size, The park is home to 3 of the 8 major volcanoes namely Mount Muhabura also known as Mount Muhavura with a height of 4,127 meters (13,540 feet) above sea level, Mount Gahinga with a height of 3,474 meters (11,398 feet) above the sea level and Mount Sabyinyo 3,669 meters (12,037 feet) above the sea level.
Mgahinga gorilla National Park is blessed with a diversity of plants and wildlife species. It is home to about 39 mammal species inclusive of the the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, elephants, bushbucks, duikers, different reptiles, and amphibians.
It is a birding haven with over 180 bird species, including the notable Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, and several impressive species of sunbirds and weavers, making it a perfect destination for bird enthusiasts.
Very in plant diversity and is documented to hold over 115 tree species ranging from bamboo forests to montane woodlands.
Top 5 Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
A home to one habituated gorilla group called Nyakagezi group which has made gorilla trekking to the to-do list of most travelers to this destination. It is one of the four parks that offer gorilla trekking adventurous activity the rest being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Parking Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.
It all starts with a simple briefing at the park headquarters from an experienced knowledgeable about the safety and health guides, rules, and regulations governing the trek.
After, a group of 8 eight visitors, accompanied by a guide, porter and a park ranger follow the trails into the forests.
A gorilla trek lasts about 1 hour to 6 hours inclusive of the standard 1 hour for observation depending on how fast you have encountered with the gorillas.
During the trek through the forests, you get a very close view of different plant species, small mammals, different insects, birds, butterflies, and monkeys which make the trek more fun and relaxing at the same time.
Golden Monkey Trekking
In addition to gorilla trekking, a tourist can also embark on the golden monkey trekking of these impressive rare primate species in their bamboo habitats.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the two national parks that offer Golden Monkey tracking adventurous activity in Uganda with the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Just like gorilla tracking, golden monkey adventurous treks also start with a small briefing, then the trackers are led by a park guide and a range into the forest.
A golden monkey trek lasts about 1 to 3 hours depending on how fast you have encountered with them. Golden monkeys inhabit low areas in sparsely populated bamboo forests which makes tracking them very easy and fast.
However, this adventure is more active compared to gorilla tracking which is more of observing. With golden monkeys, you have to follow them swinging from one branch to another.
They are very active animals that hardly settle in one place for minutes requiring an active tracker. It’s fun watching them go on with their daily activities and they are not featured with much restrictions like gorillas. You can use flash cameras, move around, talk as you want, and run after them, among others which is so engaging.
Mountain Hiking
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the right destination for mountain hiking enthusiasts as it is featured with 3 dormant volcanoes.
Mountain climbers can embark on thrilling hikes to the summit of Mount Muhabura the tallest of them all 13,540 feet above sea level, taking 10 hours to get to its summit, Mountain Sabyinyo 12,037 feet above sea level taking 8 hours to the summit, and Mount Gahinga, the shortest with 11,398 feet above the sea level taking 6hours to get to its summit.
The hikes are featured with magnificent views of different wildlife creatures, as you pass through forests and vegetation.
Some of the wildlife sighted during the hikes includes monkeys, different bird species, duikers, small mammals, and reptiles, such as lizards and snakes on occasion, among others.
The summits offer panoramic views of other mountains, different lakes, the forest canopy, and so much more making it a very rewarding experience.
Bird watching
Mgahinga National Park is documented to hold about 180 bird species inclusive of the notable species making it one of the top birding destinations in Uganda.
The notable birds sighted at the park include Rwenzori Turaco Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-Chat, Olive Woodpecker, Regal Sunbird, Kivu Ground Thrush, Black-Headed Waxbill, Western Green Tinkerbird, White-Starred Robin and Scarlet-Tufted Sunbird.
Other birds include Yellow-Vented Bulbul, Baglafecht Weaver, White-Naped Raven, Speckled Mousebird, Brown-Crowned Tchagra, African Paradise Flycatcher, Augur Buzzard, Bronze Sunbird, Chubb’s Cisticola, Montane Oriole, Cape Canary, Blue-Headed Coucal, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Abyssinian Thrush, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Mackinnon’s Shrike, Malachite Sunbird, Red-Headed Malimbe and White-browed Crombec.
Cultural Encounters
Mgahinga Gorilla Park offers its visitors opportunities to engage with the Batwa Local community who were the first inhabitants of the forest before being gazetted into the national park.
A visitor to the Batwa people gets deep insights into the ancient traditional life of these people through storytelling, music, dances, and hands-on experience.
You learn about their hunting and honey-gathering skills and visit the Garamba cave which acted as a hideout during the ancient wars and at the same time as a food storage.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open for adventures all year round but we recommend visiting during the dry seasons for the best experience.
Uganda has two dry seasons ranging from June to August and December to February. They are usually characterized by very less occasional rainfall and less dense vegetation.
These seasons make trekking very easy around the park as the trails are less muddy or not muddy at all and they offer the best view for wildlife as the vegetation is less dense.
They are perfect seasons for bird watching, animal tracking, nature walks mountain climbing and so many other outdoor adventurous activities in the park.
However, travelers should note that dry seasons come with much traffic and hence we advise them to book permits, accommodations, and car rentals to facilitate their Uganda safaris in Advance.
Travelers can also visit the park during the wet seasons. Although they are characterized by heavy rainfall, they come with numerous benefits such as potential discounts on accommodations, park permits, and car rentals and they are also featured with very few crowds which ensures the availability of all different kinds of permits.
How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Mgahinga National Park is approximately 510 kilometers southwest of Kampala and can be accessed by both road and Air transport.
Using road transports, a traveler covers 4 districts to get to the park in Kisoro. You drive from Kampala to Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, and finally to the park headquarters. It is about a 9 to 10-hour featured with stunning scenery, best experienced in a 4×4 wheel drive.
Using Air, the park is accessed using a chartered flight with Aerolink Uganda, from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip from where you drive to the park headquarters.
Best 6 Accommodations in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a variety of accommodations to offer located both within and out of the park ranging from midrange to luxury options suiting all traveler’s needs. below is a detailed overview of the accommodations available;
Budget Accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp;
It is located about 1 km from Ntebeko Gate of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park only costing $10 – $40 per night.
it features camping grounds, excellent services, a dining area, and ample space.
It offers uninterrupted views of the wild and it is a good destination for nature walks.
Services offered at the camp include Community visits and cultural performances at the camp.
Kisoro Tourist Hotel
It is Located in Kisoro town about 14 km from the park, costing about $20 – $50 per night.
It featured a restaurant serving local dishes, a bar, Wi-Fi, Basic rooms that are well maintained to meet customer satisfaction, and a private bathroom.
Midrange Accommodations
Mount Gahinga Lodge
It is located about 1 km from the park entrance and its costs range from $100 – $200 per night
it features Cozy cottages and volcanic stone structures., Restaurant, bar, lounge, and beautiful gardens. it offers cultural experiences.
Travelers Rest Hotel
The hotel is located in Kisoro town, 14 km from the park’s main entrance. its costs range from $80 – $150 per night.
It featured Comfortable spacious rooms with private bathrooms.
it has a restaurant, bar, gardens, and free Wi-Fi.Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Located at Nkuringo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 35km from Mgahinga.
A night at the hotel ranges from $400 – $900 per night.
It features luxurious cottages with fireplaces and high-class amenities. it has fine dining, a stocked bar, a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, spa services, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and ample private space, among others.
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Located in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is about 30 km from the Mgahinga Park entrance. Its costs range from $300 – $600 per night and it is featured with luxury chalets