If you are planning for your gorilla safari to Uganda, make sure that you visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; a famously smallest park. It covers only 33.7 square kilometers and lies in extreme south-western part of the country. Despite its size, the park is rich in terms of biodiversity and it is becoming one of the loveliest national parks visited by travelers exploring Western Uganda. The park protects the three of the eight great Virunga Mountains and it is the annex of Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A part from its rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, the park is also acknowledged for its 76 mammal species much as it isn’t easy to find them in the dense forest. These comprise of giant forest hogs, bush pigs, elephants, bush bucks, forest buffaloes, golden cats, side stripped jackals, black fronted duikers and African porcupines. For visitors in Rwanda, there is no need to worry on how to reach the park; you can choose to drive or fly from Rwanda to Kisoro airfield. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also interlinked with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda that reward travelers with extra ordinary experiences of a life time. Visiting the park proves the reality about Authentic African experiences for hikers, climbers, birders and primate lovers.
Things to See in Mgahinga National Park
To list some of Uganda’s top captivating parks, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cannot miss. Thousands of travelers from different parts of the world pack for a visit to Uganda mainly to uncover the ever praised thrills in Mgahinga national park. The park is geographically located in the Western part of Uganda along Uganda’s border with the vast Democratic Republic of Congo. If you are after a blend of nature, culture and Gorilla encounter this is actually a destination you should consider first. The tropical rain forests, savannah, and swampy areas are the reason why this Park is home to a range of Wildlife Species including the unrivalled species of Gorillas. Below are some of the attractions that can be seen in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga
Mgahinga has less number of Gorillas but there are attractive and easily seen. A number of Gorillas inhabit the lush habitats of Mgahinga but only one Gorilla family is habituated and open to be visited by travelers.
Since some parts in Mgahinga are occupied by Savannah and bamboo forests, this creates more space to see the Gorillas from a distance.
They cannot easily hide, there are always on display and found at a workable distance unless there is scarcity of food, that’s when they move deep in the forest.
The Virunga Volcanoes
There are three volcanoes that are located within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These three scenic volcanoes offer visitors with the great opportunity to go hiking in the park. These are;
Mt. Sabinyo; (3669m)
As locally known literally meaning ‘Old man’s teeth’ has an eroded Mt. Sabyinyo’s crown. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to expert climbers. Climbing up this mountain takes 0ne up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to the first peak. If you want to continue, the climb to the peak 2 involves walking along a ridge with breath-taking drops into Rwanda and Uganda`s gorges, a life time memorable dual hiking safari experience one can only achieve here in the world!.
Finally, the hike up to the steep peak 3 steep that has several ladders and mush scrambling, here you are guaranteed to get your hands dirty en-route to this peak. Once on top, you will be in three countries; Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda at the same time!!, yet an exclusive experience to only this destination. This hike takes about eight hours to cover the 14km stretch round trip.
Mt. Gahinga; (3474m)
This Mt`s name (Gahinga) literally means a pile of small stones according to the native people. On your way to Mgahinga National park, these small piles of stones are visible in the garden fields.
Mount Gahinga is reasonably bigger than the average ‘Gahinga’ but her proximity to Mount Muhavura makes her look small. This trek that takes you about six hours round trip goes through a good sample of a pure Bamboo forest. Mt.Gahinga had a Crater Lake on top some time past, but this has changed into a Lush swamp. This 8km Distance swamp is one of Gahinga`s attractions.
Mt. Muhavura; (4127m) (as called by natives literally meaning ‘The Guide’)
This mountain is seen from all over Kisoro and it acts as a guide. This typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country. Much of the climb traverses a rocky surface covered by short grasses and small shrubs. Once hikers reach the top, they get rewarded with the view of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the Rwenzori Mountain peaks. This 12km hike takes approximately 8 hours all rounds. Hikers are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before, the site has no facilities so one needs a tent, personal water, food and sleeping equipment.
Things to Do in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla Trekking Experience
This is every ones dream and a main highlight for most of visitors to Mgahinga National Park. For first timers, Gorilla trekking usually grants travelers grand opportunities to meet face to face with the species of Gorillas in the Jungles.
For conservation and to ensure tranquility, only eight people are allowed to visit one Gorilla family per day. A briefing is conducted first to advice trekkers on what to do and to avoid while in the Jungles.
After briefing, the Journey to the jungle starts in a group following the permanently established trails in search of the Gorillas.
Trackers are usually the first to go early in the morning to locate where these apes are, so they will communicate via radio calls with the ranger guide leading the trekkers about the exact location of these apes.
After locating, expect to spend only one hour allowed. You will see these creatures as they feed, move around, fight, play and more.
Take a lot of photos and videos before you start the journey back after one hour with these apes. It’s advised you come along with packed food for eating while in the Jungle and drinking water.
Cave Exploration
Garama cave;
This cave is 342m in length and 14m deep, long ago, in this cave lived the crafty Batwa people who were warriors as they pursued their neighbors but now inhabited only by bats, From the park head-quarters to the cave entrance, is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours. Your guide will narrate to you how the Batwa lived and made their attacks out of the cave.
Viewing Platform;
This point is about 800 meters from the Park gate. Once one gets to the top, you will be rewarded with a good view of the Park and the surrounding environment. The activity is free and doesn`t require a guide. Information about this spot can be gotten from the displaying panels at the hill point.
Border Trail; – Visa Not Required
This 5 hours hike covers 10km a distance. It takes you first toward Sabinyo and climbs up the base of Sabinyo for a while through fine montane forest before turning toward the Congo. Along the trail you will get a great view of Mt. Sabinyo’s gorge and peaks. When you get to the Congo you get back along the international border. The route back to the Park Head Quarters is a great section for birding with a wide range of bird species. There are 2 rest huts along the way that are good places for taking a break. Common on the same route are the golden monkeys and elephants.
BIRDING IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK UGANDA
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a prime birding safari spot in Uganda blessed with 79 unique bird species that have been recorded within the park; these include several species endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Over 295 species have been recorded in the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole and are endemic to the Albertine Rift Afro-montane region representing 59% of the region`s total of known endemic species.
Please contact the Park Management for a guide who will take around and tell you all about these birds. Ensure you carry binoculars for the best view!!!
Free Birding IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK;
Now available on request is free birding along the edge of the park . The guides are always happy to take you out from 5-6 p.m (in the evening) if you book by 10:00 a.m. the morning of the day you wish to go for this activity. You have a choice to go for a long walk or simply relax in the campground. If one takes the long buffalo wall toward the Congo you get to a wetland area where you have a splendid view of a wide range of birds such as Fire Finch, Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse bird, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul. Do it at your own pace-relaxed and your guide can show you the best spots are.
How to get there
Travelers from Kampala, you will get to Mgahinga National Park in the Western part of Uganda either by road transport means or air transport.
By road it is about 495 km and it takes about 8-9 hours’ drive from the Kampala Uganda’s capital city to Mgahinga via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway.
This jaw dropping journey includes a layover at the equator to soak up some brief information about it, take photo, and as well take a cup of coffee.
As the journey continues, you will have another stopover in Mbarara for lunch and later continue with the Journey to Mgahinga.
If you are nervous about long distance then you should not even think about road transport instead you will go by air transport.
Private charters are arranged from Entebbe up to Kisoro airstrip where you continue from up to the suburbs of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Other than reaching Mgahinga from Kampala, you can alternatively land in Rwanda at Kigali international airport and cross to Uganda – Mgahinga, this is the shortest route when compared.
When is the Best time to trek Gorillas in Mgahinga?
Like other Gorilla hosting destinations, Gorilla trekking can be done all year but it’s more convenient, rewarding and exceptional in the periods when there is low rainfall drops (low season).
Rainy seasons are hectic, Gorillas tend to hide in their huts to escape the coldness, trails are muddy, slippery and sometimes it can rain and interrupt with the starting time for Gorilla trek.
To have an unusual Uganda Gorilla Trekking experiences consider a visit to Mgahinga in low season.
What’s required for Gorilla trek?
As usual to be part of Gorilla trek, you must buy a Gorilla permit.
The permit in Uganda costs $700 USD per person, valid for use by one person, booked in advance and only provided by Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is more secure when you book with a local tour operator.
Another thing to know is that for anyone to trek must be fifteen years and above. You must also be free from infectious diseases.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trek
There are important you must pack for Gorilla trek in Mgahinga, these include strong hiking shoes, insect repellents, nose capes, sunglasses and huts, long sleeved shirts and trouser, shocking, vests, waterproof bags, jackets and gloves.
Where to stay
Mgahinga has abundant lodging facilities that are nestled in different locations around the park. There are all reserve for tourists to stay on their visit to Mgahinga National Park an enthralling gorilla trekking Tour. Enjoy beautiful moments in Mgahinga with the Gorillas.