Mgahinga National Park
In the remotest Southwestern Uganda, Kisoro lies a lovely Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park was founded as a National Park in 1991 and it occupies around 33.7sq. km, which makes it the smallest Uganda safari park. Mgahinga National Park gets its name from the word “Gahinga” volcano and the word Gahinga is translated to the piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland on the foot of the volcanoes.
In 1930, Mgahinga became a Game Sanctuary and later, upgraded to a National Park in 1991. Its highest point ranges from 2227m to 4127m. Its establishment in 1991 was primarily to offer refuge to the unique mountain gorillas in its lushly dense rainforests and other flora and fauna. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located within the Virunga Conservation Area, Kisoro district. This location includes eight Virunga Volcanoes, three lying within Mgahinga making it also a desired trekking spot. The three Virunga volcanoes consist of Gahinga Volcano (3474m), Mount Muhabura (4127m), and Mount Sabyinyo (3645m). The Virunga Conservation Area additionally, spreads to cover the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda and Virunga National Park (Parc National des Virunga) in Congo.
Attractions in Mgahinga National Park
Wildlife
Over seventy-six (76) species of mammals make Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a unique location to go for guided Uganda safaris. The park supports amazing creatures together with mountain gorillas -part of the world’s 1063 individuals left on the earth; golden monkeys, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, elephants, giant-fronted hogs, golden cats, South African porcupines, bush pigs.
Birds
Mgahinga is compact but wealthier in birdlife a complete birdlife of 180 avifaunal species stay right here. These consist the paradise flycatcher, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori turacos, yellow-vented bulbul, pin-tailed whydah, stone chat, waxbill, blue-headed council, gray-capped warblers, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori nightjars, black kite, white napped raven, double collared sunbird, speckled mousebird, etc. 3 (three) Virunga volcanoes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is naturally picturesque. Consisting of scenic volcanoes such as Mount Sabyinyo, Mt. Muhabura, and Gahinga Volcano. These offer trekking possibilities to travelers on Uganda safaris or African safaris.
Activities to do in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking/tracking is interestingly ultimate experience Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has to provide to its Uganda safari holidaymakers. The park is home to more than 80 mountain gorillas and one habituated gorilla family is ready for gorilla tourism -the Nyakagezi family. Tracking Nyakagezi is possible on a gorilla safari, but valid gorilla trekking permits must be present. You can book permits in advance at USD 800 per visitor –contact your local tour operator Journey Beyond Africa Tours.
Birding tours
Birding in Mgahinga introduces you to its habitat for great bird sights of birds, especially the endemic Albertine species. The birds to observe range from Rwenzori turacos, double-collared sunbirds, white-necked ravens, black kit, Kivu ground thrush,
dusky crimson wing, yellow vented bulbul, etc. The key regions of interest for birders right here consist of the gorge trail set between Mt. Gahinga and Sabyinyo volcano.
Hiking
Volcano trekking is another spotlight of Mgahinga National Park holiday. You get to conquer Gahinga Volcano, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo. Sabyinyo volcano (3645m) is 14kms taking eight hours to hike, Gahinga (3474m) 6 hours and Muhabura (4127m) takes nearly eight hours.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey trekking is another epic Uganda safari experience awaiting you at Mgahinga. It is a little challenging primate adventure that allows you to enjoy a close encounter with strikingly beautiful golden monkeys.
Batwa trail
Batwa trial gives interesting cultural experience in the Batwa community. You get a chance to meet the Batwa in their community to explore how they lived in the dense forest of Mgahinga and Bwindi protected areas for years as hunters and gatherers. The cultural trial experience will be led by the Batwa.
Nature walks
Mgahinga also offers incredible nature walking experiences at its foothills. This comes with great sightings of birds, and flora, and a view of scenic Lakes in the surroundings. Hikes or nature walks at Mgahinga are better enjoyed while at the base of Sabyinyo Gorge which is rich in birdlife such as Rwenzori turacos.
Garama cave Excursion
For cave lovers, caving experiences in Mgahinga have you sorted. Located 3 km from the Ntebeko gate of Mgahinga is Garama cave 342m lengthy cave set below the plateau on the Northern edge of this park. The cave was once occupied by the Batwa and it is an important sacred place.
The best time to visit Mgahinga National Park
Every year, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences 2 dry seasons: the lengthy dry season from June to September and the short one from December to February. These are the best months and most preferred by most tourists visiting Mgahinga for gorilla trekking or golden monkeys/volcano trekking. Heavy rains are experienced during the wetter months and tourists tend to avoid them because it is when the park’s floor can be muddy, steep slopes slippery.
Accommodation
A list of budget, midrange, and luxury accommodations all exist in and at Mgahinga National Park. These include Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mount Mgahinga Rest Camp, and Mount Mgahinga Lodge.
Getting to Mgahinga National Park
By road: Driving from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro where Mgahinga is found takes about eight to ten hours. From Kigali, Mgahinga is about a 3-5 hour drive and you access it via the Chanika or Katuna border.
By air: quick access to Mgahinga is possible by flight that is from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip where you can be driven to the park to start your adventures.