The mountain gorilla and golden monkey are the two strongest pillars that rise out of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in the southwest part of the country. The ideal location to hike the unique primate species, which includes over 4,000 golden monkeys in the jungle, is Mgahinga National Park. Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. The three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes have their northern slopes covered by the Park. The park is located about 10 kilometers south of Kisoro, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda both border it on the west and south, respectively. The 33.7 sq. km. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is made up of the mostly wooded slopes of three extinct volcanoes. The massive cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the area from a distance and beg you to come closer. Only 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate, the viewpoint at the park allows you to obtain a magnificent perspective of the surrounding area.
About 39 mammals can be found in Mgahinga National Park, including endangered golden monkeys, buffaloes, and elephants. Other animals include black-fronted duikers, leopards, gigantic forest hogs, bushbucks, and spotted hyenas. It features about 79 different species of birds. The Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only one that is tracked in the park. Years ago, this group of gorillas could move from country to country, but now that it must call Mgahinga home, permits for tracking gorillas in this park are now available in Uganda, and you are advised to make reservations in advance.
A total of over 250 bird species can be found in the Virunga conservation area, including the White-necked Raven, Black kite, Pin-tailed Whydah, Double-collared Sunbird, Speckled mousebird, Paradise, Fire Finch, Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Waxbills, Yellow-Vented Bulbul, Alpine chat Alpine, Archer’s Robin-ground-thrush, and numerous others.
Tourist Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Only the Nyakagezi gorilla group is tracked in Mgahinga National Park, making gorilla trekking one of the park’s most breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The tracking of gorillas begins in the morning, when the trackers leave Ntebeko to find these enormous creatures. The gorillas’ whereabouts will determine how long the track is; it could be 2 hours, 4 hours, or even a whole day. It’s an amazing exercise, and as you walk through the forests, you’ll hear the sounds of birds in the trees, monkeys, and other creatures. It’s a satisfying and unique experience.
Mountain Climbing
Nothing is more exciting or daring than ascending the three volcanoes (Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabinyo) in this area’s Mgahinga National Park. You can ascend each to the peak in a single day, which gives you the best experience but calls for good physical condition.
Bird Watching
Around 79 different bird species have been recorded at Mgahinga National Park, and birding excursions may be taken there through the bamboo forest, the valley between Mts. Sabinyo and Gahinga, and the montane forest, where you can easily spot the Rwenzori Turaco and other bird species.
Guided Nature Walks
Hikers engage in this fascinating activity around the mountain edges, passing through areas of untamed vegetation, bamboo forests, and the Rugezi swamp, which offers them the chance to see picturesque views of nearby agricultural areas, lakes like Lake Mutanda, and various species of forest birds.
Golden Monkey Tracking
This park serves as a refuge for the critically endangered golden monkeys, which are fascinating to observe in the treetops and should not be missed when on a safari in Mgahinga. It is a truly unforgettable experience.
Cultural Expeditions
The indigenous Batwa people have lived in Mgahinga with its thickets for many years, where they dwell, hunt, eat, and engage in all of their other activities in the forests. Visitors can visit the Batwa homesteads while they are in Mgahinga to see how they live, dress, eat, and dance, among other things; it’s a culture unlike any other.
Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Mgahinga National Park, there are a variety of lodging options, including Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travelers Nest Hotel, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, and affordable lodging. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp and the Kisoro Tourist Hotel.