Mgahinga Gorilla  National Park

Background 

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Established in 1991, Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of  Uganda's most exceptional national parks that you should consider visiting during your next vacation in Uganda. The park covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers making it the smallest protected in Uganda. Its establishment was mainly to offer refuge to most of its dense forests, mountain gorillas, the rare golden monkeys, bird species and many more.

About 80 rare mountain gorillas call this park their home and only one group is habituated and ready for visitors to track each day. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies at altitude of about 2.23m and 4.13m, south western Uganda. The park also features three of the eight Virunga Mountain ranges Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. These mighty Virunga volcanoes stretch up to the Virunga Volcano range of the East Central Africa, Albertine rift in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Uganda border.

Mgahinga National Park is popular for its thick vegetation, a reason why the area is one of the most rainfall catchment destinations in the country with several crater lakes on the mount Muhabura and swamp crater on the mount Gahinga summit as well as amazing swamps that lie within the 3 volcanoes. The park is also surrounded by the Batwa pygmies-the famous forest dwellers who are believed to have stayed in the jungles for over 500.000 years.

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Weather

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The climate in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mainly cold and wet. The high altitude makes this one of the coldest destinations in the country. It is on average 20°C/68°F during the day, becoming cold in the evening (9°C/48°F). The climate is quite varied because of the park’s wide range of altitudes. Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The lower altitude range is the area most visited by tourists.

The park experiences no real dry season, so rain is always possible! However there tends to be less rainfall in December to January, while June and July receive the least amount of rain. There are two recognisable Wet seasons: from February to May and from September to November. It is advised to pack waterproof clothing.

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Activities

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1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking 

A visit to Mgahinga National Park rewards visitors with lifetime travel experiences in mountain gorilla tracking adventures. Mountain gorilla adventures in this park attract about 75% of the travellers from across the world to experience the rare apes while in their natural habitat. In Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is the second gorilla destinations after Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park . For interested visitors, you will track the Nyakagezi habituated gorilla group and your treks start from the Ntebeko entrance gate.

 

2. Nature walks /Hiking Adventure

Hiking adventures at Mgahinga National Park offer you a chance to hike through the thick forest to the Sabyinyo gorge that also features as the best site for birding safaris. Visitors can catch a glimpse at Mountain Rwenzori . The hikes through this park last for about 4 hours through the Rugezi the popular spot for birding. The hikes also allow you to explore the transcending vegetation zones along the Congo borders where you will glace several calderas. Other incredible wildlife species for you to spot out include the rare golden monkeys at the Bamboo jungle.

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3. Bird watching 

If you are a bird enthusiastic, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is undeniably one of the birders paradises that you shouldn’t miss. The most popular birding area is mostly the gorge trail between the Sabyinyo and the Gahinga. Visitors on birding adventures in Mgahinga National Park are rewarded with spectacular views of the Dusky turtle dove, cape robin chat, black headed waxbill, streaky seed-eater, blue headed sun bird, regal sun bird.

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4. Volcano Climbing 

All the 3 mighty Virunga Mountains are located in Mgahinga National Park. Volcano climbing features among the safari highlights in the park especially on the summit of mount Sabyinyo about 3669 for 8 hours is such amazing adventure for you; you can as well do mountain climbing in mount Gahinga about 3474m and chance to glace swamps full of craters and giant lobelia. Most interestingly here is that you will glace the rare golden monkeys as they head to the Bamboo jungle or you can choose to climb mount Muhabura one of the highest peaks of about 4127m and experience a lot of clear scenic views of the lake Edward, Virunga volcanoes and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as the several peaks of the Rwenzori mountains.

 

5. Cultural Ecounters

After mountain gorilla adventures at the park, never miss to a chance to encounter one of the cultural communities adjacent at the park and interact with the Batwa pygmies. There is Batwa trail, that takes you through cultural exploration with the Batwa the famous forest dwellers, hunters and gatherers to explore more about their ancient lifestyles. Your presence in the cave is such an incredible moment that you will never wish to leave but rather opt for yet another return to the destination.

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6. Monkey Tracking 

The other incredible activity that you shouldn’t miss out in this park is golden monkey tracking. Besides the rare mountain gorillas, Mgahinga National Park is also famous as one of the areas where silver meets gold due to its striking golden monkeys.
In conclusion therefore, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park that rewards visitors with variety of natural wonders. The park features wide range of attractions right from primates, volcanoes to bird life.