Located at the foothills of the giant Virunga Chain Mountains; sprawling through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National park is one of the most rewarding National parks in Uganda. The park was gazetted as a game sanctuary by the British administration in 1930 and turned national park in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain Gorilla species. Mgahinga joins the list of over 10 national parks in the country.

It is situated in far corners of southwestern Uganda, neighboring Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The park occupies 33.7 sq.km land, with lush misty forest cover, swamps, marshes, mountains and water streams. It is the smallest, yet one of the most gifted safari destinations in Africa, with amazing weather, profusion of flora and fauna.

The park’s name was derived from the local word “Gahinga” which means “piles of volcanic stones from the farmland”. This destination offers asylum to a profusion of rare mountain gorillas, the rare golden monkeys, birds, plants, forest mammals, several primates and the Batwa pygmies. The park is open for honeymooners, Primate Lovers, birders and students; foreign and locals alike.

ACTIVITIES IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK.

Gorilla Trekking.

Gorilla trekking is the prime safari activity in the park. It runs all year round, with one renowned gorilla family open for trekking for 8 tourists, aged fifteen years and above, with a valid trekking permit per day. Mgahinga is an asylum to about a quarter of total number of endangered mountain gorilla species in the wild; with about three families habituated. The trekking exercise commences very early in the morning; with a pre trekking briefing by the park rangers at the park headquarters.

It is an exciting experience, which takes approximately 1-8 hours, plus an additional hour for watching the Apes, taking photos and asking questions. Mountain Gorillas can only be found in the continent of Africa, as they only adapt to high-altitude places. These creatures share approximately 98% human-like DNA are shy and have giant bodies, covered by plenty of fur.

The trekking permit, a compulsory trekking document for all trekkers cost 700 USD for Foreign non-residents, 600 USD for Foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.

Golden Monkey Trekking.

An unforgettable escapade in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; golden monkey trekking is only done in this park in Uganda. These monkeys are some of the most beautiful creatures on earth. They are very active, play full, and spend most of their time on the treetops. Golden monkeys are so shy, yet social. They can be got in the jungle after an approximately 1-4 hour search.

Trekkers are expected to stay alert from the start to the end of the search, considering hour swift the primates are. Golden monkeys have gold-like fur and small bodies. It is one of the premier safari activities at the Park

The Batwa Trail walk.

The Batwa Trail walk is one of the most rewarding ways of uncovering the life of the Batwa pygmies-one of the shortest people on earth who lived as hunters and gatherers in the tropical Jungle of Mgahinga, and Bwindi Impenetrable national park for decades. The walk is led by a Batwa elder with a great wealth of knowledge regarding the forest, and their ancestors who knew no other life than that of the Jungle, where everything was available.

Amid all the trekkers, the guide begins by making supplication to provoke the spirits of protection and guidance from the ancestors who are regarded as custodians of the forest. With a stick and some other machete; he leads the team through the forest. It is a unique and rewarding experience; as the guide helps you identify the different plants, roots and leaves in which they are used to feed on and use for medical purposes.

The 1-4 hour walk leads to the ancient caves, once used by the Batwa pygmies while still occupying the forest. Everyone in these walks is supposed to pay attention and follow the instructions as stated by the guide. On a Lucky day, Gorillas can come your way.

Birding watching experience.

Home to over 115 unique bird species in the Jungle; Mgahinga national park is one of the most rewarding birding destinations in the continent of Africa, Birders can encounter birds of their choice, those endemic and non-endemic to the Albertine Regions. Birding in the park runs all year round, with activities at the designated birding trails.

A birding guide helps you identify the different bird species by name, color, and sound from afar and near. The activity is done on foot, preferably in the morning hours when the birds have just risen to find what to eat and fly, and in the late afternoon when the sun has set, and they have returned to rest. The best birding months are March to May and November; when there is an abundance of feeds for the birds and arrival of migrant birds from across the world.

The bird you stand a chance of encountering during your birding escapade is not limited to; Black kites, cranes, the Turacos, Kivu ground-thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, olive woodpecker, paradise flycatcher, speckled mousebird, ibis, white-necked ravens, egrets, whydah, speckled mousebird, and the double-collared sunbird.  Birding is one of the cheapest activities done in the park; with children with the ability to hike, and adults all allowed to engage in it.

Birding costs 10,000ugx for Ugandans; 30usd for foreign non-residents and 30usd for foreign residents. This fee can be paid on arrival, or as part of the package price.

Guided nature walk.

One way in which one gets to appreciate Mother Nature is by drawing closer to it on foot. A guided nature walk can last for a whole hour or more; observing the flora, the magnificent landscape, mammals and so much more, stretching the legs, listening to the silent echoes from the wild and taking in the sweet scents.

Through a designated trail, the ranger guide helps to explain what is not clear, showing you more of the attractions you may miss, and so on as you take photos, and appreciate Mother Nature. Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country with a variety of breathtaking sceneries.

Mountain hiking.

Mountain hiking is one of the most interesting activities offered at the Park. Challenging yet very much rewarding, and unforgettable experience, as one gets the opportunity of having an aerial view of Mother Nature, flora & Fauna and a vast part of the park.

You will have a chance of hiking to the peak of one of the most magnificent mountains in the Virunga chain, Mount. Sabinyo. This is one of the tallest mountain summits in the Virunga chain of mountains.

It is a dormant volcano and hiking to the very top takes about 8 hours, with amazing views of the beautiful gorges, shallow valleys and breathtaking landscape. As you hit the top, it is a photo moment, as well as admiring the beauty in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo by a single sight.

Cultural adventure.

The African drum beat, thrilling dances; amazing dances and unrivaled cultural attire; cultural experience around Mgahinga national park is a great experience. This visit helps one relax, uncover another culture and interact with some of the shortest people on earth. The Batwa pygmies welcome visitors and entertain with dances, stories and songs. These are former hunters and gatherers in the Mgahinga forest; never knowing life outside the forest.

The Batwa has great knowledge about the forest and its residents. They spent their nights in the Caves, and feed on the fruits, stems, leaves, birds, and several other forest mammals. Clothing was not part of the Batwa attire as they stayed naked or cover their private parts with leaves and animal skins. Once with them feel free to speak, smile, feed and donate in support of the community projects.

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The park is open for visitors all year round, with gets open by 06:00hrs very early in the morning, and closing at 19:00 hours local time. June to October and December to February are the most ideal months for visiting the park. Rainy months come with a great challenge of slippery terrain and heavy rains that affect the walk.

Accommodation.

There is a pool of accommodation facilities in and around the park, with amazing lip-smacking cuisine and comfortable beddings. There are lodging, amazing campsites and homesteads. During the peak season, you should book your accommodation facilities at least 3 months before the trekking experience.

Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of the premier gorilla trekking destinations in African continent. A visit to the park offers amazing views and a variety of flora and fauna, primates and breathtaking sceneries.

You need to visit this amazing national park during your family tours, honeymoon, research, summer vacation, winter and business break.