If you ever wondered why you should visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park, then this page shall give you all the answers. We recommend visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park because there are few places in Africa as magnificent as this place.
The stunning and untouched park located in south-western Uganda offers unrivalled opportunities for amazing golden monkey trekking and gorilla trekking safaris, within the same place. No wonder it was nick-named the park ‘where silver meets gold’ since it is the only place in Uganda where both silverback mountain gorillas together with golden monkeys exist. There are mysterious Batwa cultural encounters and forest walks that you won’t experience anywhere else.
When you visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will be stepping into a completely new world, one that locks away hidden treasures and sensation for the entire universe.
There are a million and one reasons to visit this secluded park on the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Whether it is to trek the only habituated family of mountain gorillas, track the charming golden monkeys, or get a glimpse of the interesting lifestyle of the popular Batwa pygmies, it will never disappoint. Don’t miss to experience other wildlife or spot some of the eye-catching bird species.
Therefore, below are some of the reasons why you visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda:-
Rich Biodiversity – a reason to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is teeming with rich biodiversity, with an estimated 39 species of mammals including the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and bushbucks among others. There are tropical bird species like the Albertine rift endemic species, several reptiles and amphibian species.
These attractions will make you stop underestimating this park’s small size and start appreciating it for its natural beauty. You will likewise fall in love with the various tree species, which are over 26 species in this park.
Mountain gorilla trekking
There is one mountain gorilla family habituated for gorilla trekking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The ‘Nyakagezi’ gorilla family has now settled in this park, unlike in the past when it used to move across Uganda and Rwandan borders. So it can be trekked by physically fit persons that are 15 years and above, and possessing valid gorilla permits.
Golden monkey trekking and the Habituation Experience
Golden monkey trekking and the habituation experience is another reason why you have to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park is the only place in Uganda that offers tourists a chance to trek the charming golden monkeys and spend up to one hour studying their mind-blowing characters.
Interestingly, this is the only place in the whole world to spend the whole day on a golden monkey habituation tour. Here, you will be watching these primates undergoing training process to make them used to humans, that’s what is termed as the ‘habituation process’.
The jaw-dropping Batwa Trail – visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The Batwa people were original inhabitants of the Mgahinga Forest before it was gazetted into a national park in 1993. So, during your visit to the park, you will undertake is the Batwa trail experience as one of the tourist activities to discover their slow-footed and relaxed life out of the forest.
The local Batwa guides who are conversant with the forest will take you through their past lifestyle that relied on the forest. You will get the chance to meet the traditional medicine man, local blacksmith, see how fire is made by rubbing sticks and be entertained in soul-touching songs and dances.
Thrilling Mountain hikes
The rugged terrains and well-maintained hiking trails within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer challenge and stunning sceneries. Onerous hikes to the peaks of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura Volcanoes reward hikers with breathtaking views of the lush surrounding vegetation. You will get to peaks of the different Virunga Volcanoes bringing you as far as to borders with Rwanda and DRC.
Birding opportunities
The slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, thick vegetation and rugged terrains in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer a rare treat of birding experiences. These can be enjoyed from January to December, although best sightings are guaranteed through March, as well as October to November.
In just a short walk through the forest is the beginning of the unforgettable birding moments. Therefore, abundant views of forest and Albertine bird species make this park a prime location for spotting Albertine Rift endemic species.
Details on Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
With an area of 34 square kilometers, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park situated within the south-western corner of the country. The park was established in 1991 and has since been a significant spot for wildlife, cultural encounters and prolific birdlife.
Surprisingly, over 30 species of mammals including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bushbucks, duikers and sitatunga are found in this tinny protected area.
The park lies within the massive Virunga Conservation Area that also includes the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Splendorous safari Lodges in Mgahinga National Park
As its small size, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a limited number of accommodation facilities, but the few are known for offering world-class comfort, good service and delicious meals, to make your safari complete. These facilities include Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mucha Hotel Kisoro.
How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Situated in the south-western district of Kisoro, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be accessed by air or road transport. When driving from Kampala, pass you will through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then Kisoro and to the park in a journey of about 8-9 hours.
By air, scheduled flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by road.