Mgahinga Gorilla national park is the referred to be the smallest national park in Uganda compared to all other nine national parks and it covers a total surface area of about 34 square kilometers. This national park is situated in the Kisoro area in southwest Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park was first established as a national park in 1991 and it is operated by a government agency program, which is known as the Uganda Wildlife Authority whose role is conserve, and protect all the national parks in the country. Mgahinga Gorilla national park is known an additional highest destination that is best for Gorilla trekking activities due to fact that it is home to over 300 mountain gorilla species apart from Bwindi Impenetrable national park, which is also well known to be a home to over 800 endangered mountain gorilla species.
Therefore, numerous visitors travel from all over different parts of the world to visit this park with an aim of trekking the endangered mountain gorilla species and this has also contributed a lot towards the development of the tourism industry of the country. Between 2,227 and 4,127 meters above sea level is the elevation at which this national park is located. More so, Mgahinga Gorilla national park is encompassed by dense forests, swamp vegetation that acts a good natural habitat for these endangered mountain gorilla species.
Apart from the endangered mountain gorilla species which act as the main tourists attraction, Mgahinga Gorilla national park has many other attractions that pull the attention of many tourists to visit and these include; caves such as the bat caves and the Gramma caves that are considered to be the commonly visited caves in the park, the Ntebeko visitors centre where many activities always begin from. More so, this national park is known as an excellent spot for bird lovers to visit because it is a home to over 180 bird species such as; the Rwenzori Batis,
Cape robin chat, Paradise flycatcher and also it harbors around 76 mammal species that attract many tourists such as; forest elephants, bush bucks, golden monkeys, buffalos, giant forest hogs and many others.
Mgahinga gorilla national park is also known to share borders with national parks, which are located in different countries for example; Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park that is situated within the Democratic Republic of Congo. More so, Mgahinga national park has around eight volcanoes, which also share boarders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo such as;
Activities to do in Mgahinga national park.
Gorilla Trekking.
One of the best safari destinations to see the worlds endangered mountain gorillas is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which makes gorilla trekking much simpler for visitors.
Gorilla trekking experience starts early in the morning at 8am and lasts 2 to 8 hours’ durations depending on the location of the gorillas. But there are few guidelines to keep in mind before you go for gorilla trekking, a few to keep in mind before then always keep a distance of about 7meters away from gorillas, all waste must be buried 30centermeter deep, flash photography is not allowed and all trekkers should be 15 years and above of age. Only 8 individuals per trekking group are allowed. You begin your hike at the forest trailhead with a range guide who will lead you to the gorilla family you are trekking. After you find them, you will have an hour to spend in the jungle observing these magnificent primates, possibly including a silverback from one family, and taking pictures. What a life-changing experience you will never forget. A safari to Mgahinga is worthwhile. Accommodations at the National Park of Mgahinga Gorilla.
Volcano Hiking/Mountain Climbing.
This is an outstanding experience done in Mgahinga gorilla national park that your eyes will not go missing such as the three volcanoes that form part of the Virunga Ranges in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Uganda. Their names include Sabinyo which means Old man’s teeth, Gahinga means Pile of stones and Muhavura which means a guide.
As the tallest of the three volcanoes, Mount Muhavura offers the benefit of a vantage point from which to observe the other Virunga Mountains. Additionally, it is visible from as far out as Kisoro town. However, Mount Sabinyo is a gateway to Rwanda and DR Congo while in Uganda, while at the peak you’re geographically standing in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo at same time. And the way that heads to the summit of Sabinyo is filled with mushy vegetation whose uncomfortable impact can be voided by dressing code in waterproof hiking
boots. Hiking through a bamboo forest is necessary to reach Mount Gahinga. All three of these mountain can be climbed up to their summits in a day as long as you are in good health.
Batwa Trail Experience.
Before the area gazette into a national park, the Batwa pygmies used to live here and flourished in these forests and mountain areas as hunter gatherers. They were later displaced but some of them still live around the park and have been trained as porters and guides. Tipping for their services is highly welcomed. A Batwa trail experience is an activity that takes you through their history, visit the Garama cave. Many years ago, during the Bantu invasion, they used to hide in the Garama Cave. Home is ideal for the Batwa, as seen by the way they glide uphill and bustle
through the forest.
Bird watching for Albertine Rift Endemics.
Mgahinga gorilla national park is small in size but boosts with variety of bird life which can be encountered during tourists visit at the park. Black-headed waxbill and streaky seedeater, Dusky turtle dove, Handsome Francolin, White Starred Robin, Kivu Ground Thrush and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Greater Double collared sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelly’s Dusky Crimson wing, Olive Pigeon, Archer’s Robins chat, Black-headed waxbill, Western Green Tinker bird, Malachite Sunbird, Cape Robin, White-starred breasted Tit, and Scarlet-tufted sunbirds are among the bird species to be spotted. Since the park havens with over 180 species of birds which can be sighted all year around. Mgahinga has a good list of the Albertine rift endemics that can be easily encountered on the gorge trail. Be ready for the fully day birding therefore you should carry your packed lunch and pair of binoculars for clear viewing.
Golden Monkey trekking.
Golden monkeys are an uncommon kind of ape because they are small and swift. When you are given the chance to see and take pictures of the primates before heading back to your lodge or camp, Golden Monkey Tracking can take two to four hours. The route you take to find the monkeys may be attractive where you tread looking for young bamboo branches. A hike is taken through the bamboo forest. Along this activity always remember to carry your camera to freeze your golden monkey tour memories, pair of binoculars for birding, hiking boots, hand
gloves, a rain poncho, along sleeved shirt thus making you safer on your visit to the park.
Where to stay at Mgahinga Gorilla National park.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park has many convenient and inexpensive accommodation facilities that are always available for the guests. However, these lodging facilities in this park are ranged and put in different classes such as; mid-range, budget and luxury hence helping out the guests to choose where to stay according to their preferences and where it matches with their budget. Furthermore, these accommodation options include the following: Amajambere Lwacu camp, Mount Gorilla safari lodge, Bird Nest Bunyonyi rest, Gahinga safari lodge, Bunyonyi overland resort, Countryside guest house, Kisoro travelers rest hotel, and many more.
