Located in the Virunga Mountains on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s 10 National parks worth visiting on your Uganda safari. The park spreads over 33.9 square kilometers covering Uganda’s share of the Virunga Conservation Area. Mgahinga is the smallest National park in Uganda. The small park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys hence the slogan” Where silver meets gold”. The small park is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Vegetation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is diversely comprised of montane forests, bamboo forests, and alpine moorlands. The lower slopes are covered in bamboo forests, while the higher elevations feature afro-alpine vegetation. The park’s unique ecosystem supports a variety of plant and animal life.
Top things to see and do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Choose from a variety of interesting things to see and do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with Authentic Africa Safaris. These include
Mountain Gorilla trekking
Sheltering the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the four national parks where endangered gorillas are seen. Mountain gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the park’s most popular activity. Enjoy the trek through the dense montane forests to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. The experience of spending an hour with these gentle giants is truly unforgettable and has been ranked as the best wildlife experience in the world.
Gorilla trekking starts at 8:00 am lasting for between 2-6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the hiking speed of the slowest person in your group of eight. Each day, eight travelers are allowed to visit the Nyakagyezi Gorilla family for a maximum of an hour. Each gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Golden Monkey trekking
YES, golden monkey trekking is another interesting adventure done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is the only place where these endangered primates are seen. Several golden monkey communities have been habituated for trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each permit costs $100 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered primates. The time allowed with the golden monkeys is also an hour
Volcano Climbing
Engage in hiking any one of the three Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park shelters three of the eight Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. The mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla Park are Mount Muhabura (4,127 meters) Mount Gahinga (3,474 meters) and Mount Sabyinyo (3,674 meters). Hiking starts with registration and briefing at the Ntebeko Visitor Information Centre of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Batwa Cultural Trail
Take part in the experimental Batwa cultural trail on your Uganda safari with Authentic Africa Safaris. The experience entails visiting the batwa pygmies, the Indigenous dwellers of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These short people guide travelers into the forest to perform their traditional norms, customs, and practices Among the activities done in the batwa cultural trail include picking fruits, collecting honey lighting fire, hiding in caves, and picking medicinal herbs among others. Also, traditional songs, poems, and dances are performed by batwa to tell more about their uniqueness and to welcome travelers into their communities. The trail costs $80 per person and it’s an indirect way of supporting local communities.
Bird watching
Bird watching is another interesting activity that draws travelers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga shelters over 180 bird species 12 of which are endemic to the Albertine region. Some of the notable birds seen in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include the Black Kite, Cape Robin Chat, African Paradise Flycatcher, Black Kite, Moorland Chat, African Olive Pigeon, Alpine Swift and Blu-headed Coucal among others. April to mid-May and October to November are regarded as the best time for bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. November to April is the best time to see migratory birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season, from June to September, is the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The weather is clear and dry, making it ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing. Trekking through the dense forest in the dry season is easier and less stressful compared to when it’s raining. Also, photography is best in the dry season. However, the park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its unique charm.
What to Pack to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Are you ready for your safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? Is your travel bag ready? Well, endeavor to pack the right things if you want to have a memorable Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The things you should carry to Mgahinga Gorilla Park include
- Warm clothing/Jackets/ Scarf and sweaters: Mgahinga Gorilla National park is generally cold! You therefore need to carry warm clothes to keep you warm. The park’s high altitude can make it quite cold, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Pack warm layers, including a jacket, sweater, and hat.
- Rain gear: Be prepared for rain showers, especially during the wet season. A waterproof jacket and rain pants are essential.
- Light-closed hiking boots: Good quality hiking boots with ankle support are crucial for trekking and volcano climbing.
- Hiking poles: These can help maintain balance and reduce strain on your knees during hikes.
- Daypack: A backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, a camera, and a first-aid kit.
- Insect repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
- Sunscreen: Shield your skin from the sun’s rays, especially at higher altitudes.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect your head and eyes from the sun.
- Personal toiletries: Pack essentials like toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap.
- Passport and visa: Ensure you have the necessary travel documents.
- Permit: Whether you are trekking mountain gorillas or golden monkeys, make sure you carry your permit to avoid disappointment.
How to book a safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Booking a safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be done directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for tourism and conservation in Uganda. Alternatively, you can book through Authentic Africa Safaris, a reliable tours and travel agency in Uganda. We help you customize gorilla tour packages and other wildlife safaris in Mgahinga at affordable rates
Conclusively, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a gem in Uganda! Book a Uganda safari to Mgahinga, trek the gorillas or golden monkeys, and enjoy other wildlife experiences in this small park
