Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park at just 33.7km2. The Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. It is a preferred primate destination worth adding onto your Uganda safari. It was gazetted in 1991 and has the land area coverage of 33.7sq.km, lying not far from Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. This park takes its name from Gahinga which is a local word for the piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the volcanoes. 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. Out of the mountain gorilla population that are found in the Virunga Massif, there are about 3 gorilla families that are known to be living in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

In addition to the Golden monkeys and the mountain Gorillas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters over 39 species of mammals including Forest elephant, leopard, buffalo, bush pig and primates like Golden monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys but these are rarely seen and 79 bird species recorded including the Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite and crowned crane

The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northern Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). It is about 10 km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and to the west by the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. When you reach the park, you can get a great overview of the area by walking up the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation area that spreads over the three countries. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the Virungas, in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo respectively. The three parks together form the 434-sq. km. ‘Virunga Conservation Area’ or VCA. Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the VCA. The entire Park is in Bufumbira County of Kisoro District. Mgahinga Park has great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.

There are several things to do within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and some are;

Gorilla Trekking

Mgahinga’s most exciting and memorable activity is tracking the mountain gorilla in thick jungle. The park has one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagyezi) which is visited by tourists. This consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants.

Gorilla trekking is the most popular adventure activity that attracts most visitors to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The treks begin at Ntebeko, taking trekkers between 2 and 6 hours with guarantee of one hour of up close and personal with mountain gorillas. Valid gorilla permits are needed for anyone interested in tracking mountain gorillas, each costing USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkey tracking is the other active primate adventure that you shouldn’t miss while in Mgahinga National Park. This is the next big adventure to seeing the mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. Golden monkey tracking starts from Ntebeko at 8.00AM to 9.00Am daily. The activity usually takes about 2 to 4 hours with one hour of close encounter with the monkeys.

Scenic Viewing:

Within the park, there is a viewing platform that has been developed in the park. This platform is about 800 metres from the park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and the activity is free. Displaying panels at the hill point will give some information about what you can see.

Border Trail Hike

This hike takes you first toward Sabinyo. The trail climbs up the base of Sabinyo for a while through fine montane forest before turning toward the Congo. Along the way you will get a great view of Sabinyo’s gorge and peaks. Upon reaching the Congo you cut back along the international border. The return leg to the Park Head Quarters is a great section for birding. The two rest huts along the way are good places for a break. Look closely for the golden monkeys and signs of elephants. Hiking time is 5 hours and distance 10 km.

Batwa Trail and Garama Cave

The Batwa Trail leads from the base of Muhuvura Cave. This walk is conducted by Batwa guides who provide insights into their traditional forest life and culture. The 342m long Garama Cave lies beneath a plateau northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko. It is set in the former farmland zone but in earlier times, the cave forest when it was occupied periodically by Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their neighbors. Today the cave provides an atmospheric a performance of Batwa music at the end of the Batwa. A trip to Mgahinga isn’t complete without the Batwa trail experience. This is a cultural trail, most excellent for guests in need to experience authentic African cultures and traditions. The Batwa are original occupants of Mgahinga forest before they were evicted to allow it to be fully established as a national park in 1991. Following their eviction, they were rendered marginalized and embarking on this trail is a great opportunity to support them.

Birding

A bird check-list of 184 bird species resides in this park, and includes mostly Albertine rift endemic species. These include handsome francolins, western green tinker birds, yellow billed kite, Rwenzori Batis, olive woodpeckers, bronze sunbirds, Rwenzori Turacos, cape robin chat, blue headed Sunbird, archer’s robin chat, dusky Turtle dove, and red-faced woodland warblers, etc.

Volcano Hiking

There are three Virunga Volcanoes to be climbed on Uganda safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These include Muhabura volcano 4127m, Mount Sabyinyo 3669m and Gahinga Volcano rising at an altitude of 3474m.

When to Visit Mgahinga National Park?

Wondering about the best time to visit Mgahinga? The park experiences two rainy seasons; March-May and September-November. October is the wettest month, with 250mm of rain and July the driest with just 10mm. Most tourists go for gorilla safaris during the dry months of June-October and December to March. It is advisable to book your gorilla passes at least 4 months to the travel period given that there is a high demand for the Mgahinga gorilla passes.