Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda is Uganda’s smallest national park – just 34 km². The park is breathtakingly beautiful. Behind the dramatic volcanic skyline, in front Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and to the left of Mutanda and Bunyonyi. These lakes so scenic you can’t believe more people don’t know about them. Mgahinga is at the frontier of Uganda’s wilderness experiences.
The montane-woodland, montane-forest and large swathe of bamboo forests supports a large population of golden monkeys, found only here in Uganda. They are also home to the Nyakagazi family of mountain gorillas, the only habituated group outside of Bwindi.
Traditionally, Mgahinga was used as an ‘over-flow’ gorilla tracking destination for Bwindi, but that has changed for two reasons.
The first is that the increase in the cost of Rwandan gorilla permits to $1,500 per person has prompted visitors to explore Rwanda and then nip across the border to Mgahinga where the treks cost $700 per person (at time of writing).
The second reason is that Mgahinga is such a wonderful place to visit. Situated so closely to Mutanda and Bunyoni lakes that you can spend a week in the far southwest and save the rest of Uganda for a second trip.
In addition to gorilla treks and golden monkey excursions – both a standard visit and the longer habituation experiences – Mgahinga is an excellent general trekking destination. Challenging guided day hikes are available to the summits of all three of the mountains accessible from Uganda: Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura.
What is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park famous for?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.
What major tourist attraction is found in Mgahinga National Park?
The main attractions in the park are the mountain gorillas but Mgahinga National Park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Spotted hyenas, Serval cats, Red tailed monkeys, Patas monkeys, Mangabeys, Leopards, Golden cats, Forest hogs, Elephants, Bushbucks, Bushbabies, Buffaloes, and also Blue monkeys.
Out of the 18 habituated groups in Uganda, 17 groups are found in Bwindi and only one group has been habituated in Mgahinga national park and it called Nyakagezi group which is much easier to trek since it has now settled in the park though it has been having notorious movements crossing to Rwanda and Congo.
How difficult s gorilla trekking safari?
It is important to note that the mountain gorilla trekking might be a bit difficult especially Bwindi impenetrable national park as it will require to hike, climb through rough steep terrain hills and you will have to go deeper into the forest so as to locate and trek these gorilla groups in the wild as the trekking becomes fascinating and adventurous activity in the African wild
On the hand, some gorilla families in Bwindi have settled near to the headquarters thus it may take you less than two hours to sight them, so it not a must for every group you will need to a lot of hiking and for Mgahinga it granted that can easily be located it will not require only physically fit people to participate in the activity.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda will always start with briefing at 7:00 at the headquarters to take you through about the dos and don’ts before you begin the trekking. At the same gorilla trekking permits have to be booked in advance before you start the tour. It always advisable to organize your gorilla trekking tour with a tour operator to assist you planning and have a perfect gorilla safari.
How to access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
To access Mgahinga national from Kampala via kabale-kisoro it is a distance of about 510km and it an 8 hours’ drive. The park can also be accessed from Bwindi via Rushaga and Nkuringo which is 14 km to Mgahinga and it a 4 hours’ drive. Although a traveler can opt for a flight from Entebbe airport to Kisoro airfield.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
To fully enjoy your gorilla trekking safari, here are some of the things you need to park and come with for the gorilla safari; Hiking Boots, poncho, camera and accessories, energy snacks, long sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellant, hat, walking stick.
What is the minimum age for trekking of gorillas on a gorilla safari?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to track the gorillas as the trek might be strenuous for them and also since they are not mature enough to handle themselves in case of any incidents with the gorillas. We offer several affordable trip options for gorilla trekking in Uganda. You can send us an inquiry and we get back to you with the quotes as per your requirements. Our tours are designed to fit in the budget of each and every traveler.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking allows you explore the primate world in depth. You can start with a visit to Kibale forest national park, home of the chimpanzees and 13 other primates’ species. Or you can track the chimps in Kalinzu forest or Kyambura gorge, Queen Elizabeth national park then proceed to Bwindi impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking. The Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari requires five days if you are to enjoy it very well.