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Mgahinga National Park, the smallest national park in Uganda, spans 33.7 square kilometers and is located in Kisoro District in the southwest of the country. It is approximately 519 kilometers from Kampala, which takes about 9 to 10 hours by road. The park extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The name “Gahinga” derives from a local term referring to piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the base of the three Virunga Mountains: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. This area is rich in unique flora and fauna, providing a habitat for various wildlife species.
Established as a national park in 1991, Mgahinga is home to a group of mountain gorillas, with the Batwa people historically residing in the park’s forests. Visitors can engage with the Batwa, led by local guides, to learn about the forest’s secrets. The park typically experiences its wet season from December to February.
Mgahinga National Park boasts over 76 mammal species, including elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, leopards, bushbucks, bush pigs, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers, and South African porcupines. Additionally, it is home to more than 180 bird species, such as the striking Rwenzori turaco, African olive pigeon, blue-headed coucal, and Kivu ground thrush, alongside 14 Albertine Rift endemics.
Visitors to Mgahinga can enjoy a range of activities, including gorilla trekking, the Batwa Trail experience, bird watching, volcano hiking, and golden monkey trekking. Mgahinga National Park offers interesting activities like Gorilla trekking, Batwa trail experience, Bird watching, Volcano hiking, and Golden monkey trekking.
Activities Carried Out Around Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
The main attraction of Mgahinga National Park is Gorilla trekking, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing from the UWA rangers. Then the guests embark on the trek through the montane forests with the ranger to trace out the Mountain Gorillas.
The amount of time spent hiking the forest before meeting the Gorillas is unpredictable depending on how far the gorillas have moved in search of food.
Each trek is limited to eight people, and once the gorillas are located, trekkers are rewarded with an hour to spend with them, watching them feed, playing and swinging on the trees, and juveniles fighting among other behaviors.
To ensure a respectful and safe experience, there are important guidelines to follow:
Avoid using flash photography to prevent scaring the gorillas.
Human waste must be buried 30 centimeters deep.
Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas.
Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
These measures help protect both the wildlife and the visitors, enhancing the overall experience
Batwa Community Experience in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
The local Batwa people, known as the forest keepers, once lived in the Garama Caves to escape from the Bantu people. They were traditional hunters, using spears and arrows to catch birds, monkeys, antelopes, and bush pigs, while the women gathered fruits and honey. Today, a few Batwa still reside near the park and have been trained as guides. They lead tourists through the forests, sharing secrets about nature, including the fascinating 342-meter-long Garama Cave.
Visitors also have the opportunity to engage with the Batwa, learning about their rich cultural heritage through traditional dance performances, storytelling, and insights into their hunting and gathering practices. A portion of the fee from the Batwa cultural trail directly supports the community, helping to promote their development and preserve their traditions.
Bird Watching In Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
Mgahinga National Park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 180 bird species. Birdwatchers can spot remarkable species such as the African olive pigeon, Alpine swift, Archer’s robin-chat, blue-headed coucal, dusky crimson wing, Kivu ground thrush, moorland chat, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori turaco, and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird. The park also features Albertine Rift endemics along the George Trail, including the black-headed waxbill, cinnamon bracken, bronze sunbird, streaky seedeater, white-starred robin, double-collared sunbird, and brown-crowned tchagra.
Essential items for bird watching include birding book, cameras, binoculars, a lunch box, and plenty of water to ensure a comfortable experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking In Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
Golden monkeys, known for their playful nature and amazing climbing skills, live in large groups of up to 62 individuals. These vibrant primates are found exclusively in the bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes, led by a dominant male, often referred to as the “commander in chief.” The females are particularly striking with their golden fur.
The golden monkeys share their habitat with predators like the African golden cat, serval cat, and African crowned eagle. Their diet consists mainly of bamboo leaves, bamboo fungi, red hot poker flowers, and various insects.
Golden monkey trekking lasts about four hours, allowing tourists to observe and photograph these agile primates as they swing from branch to branch. After an exciting trek, visitors head back to their lodge to relax and reflect on their experience.
Volcano Hiking In Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
Clients interested in hiking the volcanoes can choose from any of the three mountains in Mgahinga National Park and each Volcano has a different height with a different hiking durations are as follows:
Mount Sabinyo (3,669 m), known as “old man’s teeth,” is located near Lake Kivu in Rwanda and Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Approximately a 8 hours hike
Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), meaning “piles of stones,” is the smallest of the three, with its peak at 180 m surrounded by bamboo forests that are home to gorillas and golden monkeys. Approximately a 6 hours hike.
Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), meaning “guide,” is the tallest and offers stunning views that extend all the way to Kisoro town. Its summit features a crater lake that is 36 meters wide. Approximately a 10 hours hike
These hikes take you through stunning afro-montane vegetation, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as golden monkeys, forest elephants, and various bird species. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter gorillas along the way. Each hike provides a unique experience, showcasing the beauty of the region’s landscapes and ecosystems.
Nature Walk In Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
The nature walk in Mgahinga National Park is a rewarding day activity that takes you along designated trails through the forest, allowing for close encounters with the diverse wildlife that inhabits this stunning area. You may spot gorillas, golden monkeys, elephants, baboons, and over 180 bird species, including 12 Albertine Rift endemics such as the regal sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, handsome francolin, and Rwenzori turaco.
This experience is guided by a trained ranger who will enhance your understanding of the flora and fauna. It’s advisable to bring a walking stick for added support, especially if you start to feel weary during the walk.
Accommodations Near Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
There are several accommodation options near Mgahinga National Park to suit various preferences and budgets including Mgahinga
Mount Gahinga Lodge offers comfortable cottages with stunning views of the Virunga Mountains, along with amenities like a restaurant and spa services. Gorilla Lodge, located in Kisoro, is known for its warm hospitality and spacious rooms, making it an excellent base for trekking activities. Muhavura Lodge is eco-friendly and provides beautiful views, situated close to the park. For budget travelers, Kisoro Tourist Hotel offers basic accommodations in a convenient location. For a more adventurous experience, Ntebeko Camp provides tented accommodations near the park entrance, allowing for a closer connection to nature.
How To Get To Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
To get to Mgahinga National Park, you have several options:
By Road: The most common way to reach the park is by road. From Kampala, you can drive approximately 519 kilometers (about 9 to 10 hours). The route involves traveling via Mbarara and Kabale, then heading to Kisoro.
By Air: For a quicker option, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or other regional airports. From the airstrip, it’s a short drive to the park.
