Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Introduction

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a small yet significant conservation area covering approximately 33.7 square kilometers. Nestled within the Virunga Massif, it shares borders with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. Established in 1991, the park is renowned for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and as a critical habitat for endangered mountain gorillas.

Overview

Despite being Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. Dominated by three dormant volcanoes—Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mount Sabinyo (3,645 m)—the park offers stunning vistas and unique ecosystems. Its afro-montane environment supports a wide range of wildlife, including the Nyakagezi gorilla group, endangered golden monkeys, and over 180 bird species.

Visitors to Mgahinga can engage in a variety of activities, with gorilla trekking being the main attraction. Other popular activities include golden monkey trekking, volcano hiking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with the indigenous Batwa community.

Geography and Climate

Mgahinga’s diverse landscape ranges in altitude from 2,227 meters to 4,127 meters. Its terrain includes lush montane forests, bamboo zones, and alpine vegetation. The park experiences a tropical rainforest climate with daytime temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, while nights are cooler, ranging from 9°C to 15°C.

The region has two rainy seasons (February–May and September–December) and two dry seasons (June–August and December–February), with the latter being ideal for trekking and hiking. However, unpredictable rain is possible throughout the year.

Biodiversity

Mountain Gorillas

Mgahinga is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorilla. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group, a habituated family of nine individuals led by the dominant silverback, Mark. Visitors can observe these magnificent primates during guided treks, learning about their behaviors and social dynamics while spending an hour from them.

Golden Monkeys

The park also hosts the golden monkey, an endangered and strikingly beautiful primate known for its golden-orange fur. Golden monkeys primarily inhabit Mgahinga’s bamboo forests and offer a unique trekking experience. Visitors can also participate in the golden monkey habituation program, which provides a deeper understanding of their behaviors.

Other Wildlife

Mgahinga supports 76 mammal species, including forest elephants, buffaloes, bushpigs, and bushbucks, as well as smaller creatures like rodents and reptiles. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 180 species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori Turaco and Kivu Ground Thrush.

Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the park’s flagship activity, offering an intimate one-hour experience with the Nyakagezi gorilla group. Only eight permits are issued daily, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The prices range from $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for Rest of Africa citizens, and Ugx300,000 for East African citizens. Treks last 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, and are led by experienced guides.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking offers a less strenuous alternative to gorilla trekking. Permits cost $60 for foreign non-residents, $40 for Rest of African citizens and Foreign residents, and $40,000 UGX for East African citizens. The experience typically lasts 3–4 hours, including an hour spent observing the monkeys in their natural habitat. The permits are also issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which you must book in advance with Mukuru Valley safaris.

Volcano Hiking

Adventure seekers can climb Mgahinga’s three volcanoes:

• Mount Gahinga (3,474 m): A 6–8 hour trek through bamboo forests to a summit with a swampy caldera.
• Mount Muhavura (4,127 m): An 8–10 hour hike offering panoramic views and a crater lake at the top.
• Mount Sabinyo (3,645 m): A challenging 8–10 hour trek where hikers stand at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. This hike provides astonishing views of the three countries at one point.

Cultural Experiences

The Batwa Cultural Trail immerses visitors in the traditions of the Batwa people, the indigenous “keepers of the forest.” Guided by Batwa elders, the trail includes demonstrations of hunting techniques, herbal medicine, and visits to historical sites like Garama Cave. When you partake in this activity, you’ll see how these people exercise and exhibit their strong attachment with the gorillas.

Accommodation Options

Visitors to Mgahinga can choose from a range of accommodations:

• Shoestring Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.
• Budget: Travelers Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel.
• Mid-Range: Mutanda Lake Resort, Bunyonyi Birdnest Lodge.
• Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge, and Chameleon Hill Lodge.

Most accommodations are near Kisoro, 13 km from the park, and offer guided tours and transport services. Early booking is recommended during peak seasons. You wouldn’t to miss out a great experience because of not getting where to spend the night from!.

Contact us today so that we can book your accommodation for your Mgahinga safari.

How to Reach Mgahinga

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is accessible both by road and by air.

By Road

• From Kampala or Entebbe: A scenic 9–10 hour drive via Kabale and Kisoro. There are stopovers along the way that make the journey  fascinating.
• From Kigali, Rwanda: A 3–4 hour journey through the Cyanika border.

By Air

• Flights: Aerolink Uganda offers scheduled flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro Airstrip.
• Transfers: Lodges or safari companies provide transportation from the airstrip to the park.

If you book with Mukuru Valley safaris, your transportation will be covered wherever you’ll be on a safari.

Plan Your Adventure

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. Mukuru Valley Safaris specializes in customized tours, combining gorilla trekking with activities like volcano hiking and chimpanzee tracking in nearby parks.

Ready to explore the wonders of Mgahinga? Book your permits, activities, and other safari components and start planning your unforgettable safari today!