Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The endangered mountain gorillas that make up more than half of the world’s population live in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in southwest Uganda. Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo are three inactive volcanoes that are part of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is located in the Virunga Mountains. The park is the ideal safari destination that should be explored by everyone because it has everything that visitors would expect from a Uganda Gorilla safari and can make their dreams come true.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park attractions.

Mountain Gorillas.

The primary draw of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is its population of mountain gorillas, which make up more than half of the species’ global population. Because the park is so important to the conservation of this endangered species, it was established by the government, and tourists value seeing it for its impressive natural inhabitants, including mountain gorillas.

Bird species.

With over 180 bird species, including the African olive pigeon, Alpine swift, Blue-headed coucal, Moorland chat, Olive woodpecker, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, and others, the Park is the ideal destination for bird lovers.

Other primates, besides the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, are present in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in a diversity. Other primates found in the park include bush pigs, south African porcupines, golden cats, forest buffaloes, bushbucks, and many others.

Virunga Volcanoes.

 The three dormant volcanoes of the eight conical Virunga mountains—Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo—can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mount Sabyinyo.

The main feature in Mgahinga National Park is Mount Sabyinyo, which has three summits and is known in Kinyarwanda as “Iryinyo,” which means “a tooth.” The three nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo all share Sabyinyo. The mountain is a popular tourist site since it serves as the Mountain Gorillas’ habitat.

Mount Gahinga.

Mount Gahinga, an attraction that is located between Mount Sabyinyo and Muhavura and on the boundary between Uganda and Rwanda, is where Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gets its name.The Mountain’s name comes from a regional term for a little mound of stones. The endangered mountain gorillas who reside in the park call Mount Gahinga home. The vegetation that covers the mountainous sections is referred to as afro-montane, with bamboo serving as the primary plant material. The mountain is not only recognized as the home of mountain gorillas; it is also known as the habitat of other wildlife, including golden monkeys and other bird species, making it the most alluring to travelers.

Mount Muhavura.

Mount Muhavura, also known as Mount Muhabura, is an extinct volcano that lies on the border between Uganda and Rwanda. It is known as the third highest of the eight major mountains of the Virunga ranges. Mount Muhavura is an attractive classic volcanic cone that is capped by a small lake. This lake is also a major attraction, especially as a reward for a 5-hour trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.  The magnificent alpine vegetation on the steep slopes serves as a landmark.

 Golden monkeys.

The main attraction where your safari can be fully spiced is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is a popular attraction for both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, who have a variety of colors on them including black, grey, and a stunning shade of orange gold. Golden monkeys live in large groups of up to 100 individuals led by the Alpha male and do not move around much because they stay in one place for extended periods of time.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park activities.

Gorilla Trekking.

The majority of visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park participate in gorilla trekking, which is the most well-liked safari activity there. Because mountain gorillas are known for their peace and tranquility, this safari activity is very safe and makes for the best trip ever to the Virunga region. Gorilla trekking is the most beautiful activity that can last you for the entire day. The guides take you through the gorilla’s world while explaining the ecology and their behavior along the way. The park has one habituated gorilla group that can be tracked by the tourists, and that group is Nyakagezi, which has 9 members, including 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 infants.

Golden monkey tracking.

One of the top activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is tracking golden monkeys. The golden monkeys are so distinctive and attractive with bright orange-gold bodies, cheeks, and tails, contrasting with black limbs, crowns, and tail ends. The most intriguing safari you should include on your trip to Uganda is tracking golden monkeys.

Volcano Hiking.

The best Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is volcano hiking, which begins from the park and is regarded as the best hiking option in Uganda thanks to the three volcanoes that are easily accessible from the park. Your choice will always depend on your fitness level and the amount of time you have, but this safari is so alluring that hikers should never pass it up because it is so amazing and rewarding. The three paths in the park—Sabyinyo, Mount Muhavura, and Gahinga—are all lovely and provide the best opportunities for a safari.

Bird watching.

The wetlands, forests, and buffalo walls in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provide a variety of birding habitats where visitors can get the best views of the park’s colorful bird species, including the fire finch and the speckled mous. Bird watching is best done in these inhabited areas as well as the park’s forests, swamps, and other inhabited areas.

Batwa trail.

After seeing the Batwa, you will see the forest in their lives and you will experience the ways that Batwa people lived in the forest and also explore their ancient cultures as these originally lived in the forest even before occupying the Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tourists are exposed with the Batwa trails leads from the base of Muhavura Cave, conducted by the Batwa guides who guides you in their traditional life and culture. Additionally, you may learn about the Batwa people, also known as fruit gatherers who relied on forests for shelter by going to the living museum. After the park was built, these people were evicted from the forest and forced to live in the settlements that surrounded the park.

Entrance fees

Adults.

Foreign non residents are charged $40 USD per person, foreign residents are charged $30 USD per person, and East African citizens are charged 20,000 UGX per person.

Children.

Foreign non residents must pay 20 USD per person, foreign residents pay 10 USD per person, and East African citizens pay 5,000UGX per person.

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The best months to visit the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are June through August and December through January. During these months, the trails are simpler to navigate because the ground is not slick and muddy.