Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Introducing
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
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. As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivaled. Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery. Mgahinga boasts of over 76 mammals which include elephants, giant forest hog, bush pigs,bush back. Buffalos, leopards, A bird checklist of over 180 species including the 14 endemic Albertine rift notably the Kivu ground thrush and turaco.
Highlights
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m.
The park was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.
Mgahinga Gorilla national Park has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies..
Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda.
Wildlife Viewing:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This stunning park with the three volcanoes gives the hiking enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. It is not as popular for mountain gorilla trekking as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Mgahinga has only one family of mountain gorillas tracked in this area. However, visitors also have chances of spotting buffalo and elephants. Others animals that can be seen in the forest include; giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, black fronted duikers among others. It also has around 79 bird species. This only mountain gorilla family in this area, the Nykagezi gorilla family moves across the borders to Rwanda and DRC. It is therefore recommended to book permits on arrival to check where the family is. This is the most breathtaking activity done in the park, and it is only Nyakagezi gorilla group that is tracked here. Mountain gorilla trekking requires that you are physically fit since it’s quite challenging moving in the forest, valleys and the steep slopes. As you move through the forests you will hear the sound of birds in the tree, monkeys, and other animals, something memorable!
Best time to visit:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited all year round. Its pleasant climate makes almost every adventure activity possible throughout the year. Gorilla trekking is a year-round adventure, however, visitors prefer to come during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September because this is when the hiking trails are less slippery and muddy. The only downside is that though hiking conditions tend to be favorable, this season does not offer clear views because of the hazier air associated with the dry season. The Wet season from April to May and October to November is not preferred due to the unfavourable tracking conditions. The trails tend to be slippery and muddy, making tracking challenging. Because of mist and hailstorms during this season it is challenging to sight wildlife and birds from a far distance. This season however offers clearer views than in the dry seasons because after the rains, the clouds disappear, the mist lifts and the air becomes clear. The scenery is breathtaking and vegetation lush and green.
How to get to:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in far south western Uganda. It’s situated in 510km from Kampala; the most commonly used route passes through Kabale and Kisoro districts. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be reached in 8 hours on good tarmac. Its then a further 76km to Kisoro town on a mountainous tarmac road with steep ascents and descents. Ntebeko, the main entrance to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 14km from Kisoro at the end of a dirt road with some steep and rocky sections.
