Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park encompasses the northern slopes three (3) of the Virunga Volcanoes and these include: Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, as well as Mount Sabinyo. It covers an area of 33.7 square kilometers and it’s the smallest park in the country. This park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which includes Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and D.R. Congo’s Parc National des Virunga that offers a safe habitat to the endangered Mountain Gorillas.
What to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Tours / Gorilla Tracking
This is the primary tourist attraction here. There is a habituated gorilla group called Nyakagezi living in this park that has 9 members among which are two silverbacks, three adult females, two juveniles as well as two infants. Unfortunately this group keeps crossing between Uganda and Rwanda which does not guarantee visitors seeing them each time.
Tracking of Gorilla at times can be a very tiring activity that may last the entire day. However there will be guides to lead you on this thrilling activity and these are much aware of the movement of the gorillas so they will help you track them. You will spend some time in the presence of the gorillas once you locate them, observing them, taking photos and recording videos. It is a very fascinating wildlife encounter.
Golden Monkey Tracking Tours
This park is home to the playful golden monkeys which are actually endemic to the Albert-Rift. The coats of these beautiful monkeys have a bright golden color tending towards orange which is also found on their cheeks and tails. You will get a chance to track them in this verdant forest and spend some tame observing them leap from one tree branch to another as well as interact with each other. Golden Monkey Tracking is a much loved activity here so don’t forget including in it on your itinerary while on Safari in Uganda.
Nature Walks to Garama Cave
You will find that there are a number of trails along which you can enjoy nature walks in this park. Led by the Batwa guides, you will ascend to the Garam cave following the trail from the bottom of Muhavura. We advise guests to carry a touch as they explore these beautiful caves.
You will also learn about the unique lifestyle of the Batwa pygmies who stay around this forest during these Nature Walks.
Another trail will take you along Rugezi Swamp and will offer you an opportunity to see some of the rare animal and bird species. Some of the commonly seen animals along this trail include the large hogs as well as elephants.
How to Get to there, Access
This National Park can be accessed either by air or road transport. It is situated within the southwestern part of Uganda approximately 540 kilometers from the Kampala – the capital city, and it is about 8 hours drive.
Those using air transport cab take charter flights into Kisoro airstrip from either Entebbe airport of Kajansi airstrip.
Where to Stay, Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
There are various accommodation facilities around the park especially in the nearby towns ranging from the budget, mid-range to the luxury accommodations such as
Kisoro: Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel and Countryside Guesthouse Kisoro,
Ntebeko: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge and Amajambere Iwacu Camp,
Bunyonyi: Bunyonyi Overland Resort and Birdnest at Bunyonyi Resort