THINGS TO DO IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK

One of the hidden jewels that is situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda is Mgahinga national park with approximately 33.7kms. It is sometimes referred to as where gold meets Silver. The park is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich destinations within the pearl of Africa. Known for its volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and rich biodiversity, Mgahinga is a hidden gem for travellers seeking both adventure, unique experiences and serenity

The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which is shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this article we are going to enlighten more about the things to do within Mgahinga national park and its unique wonders in details.

THINGS TO DO IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK

GORILLA TREKKING.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to some of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas thus making gorilla trekking one of the must do activities for those planning to visit the park. Gorilla trekking is the main activity to do within Mgahinga national park.

Gorilla trekking commences with a briefing at about 8am at the park headquarters (Ntebeko).  The briefing entails equipping people about the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest.

The activity can last approximately 2 to 4 hours however it depends on the location of these gorillas.  After the briefing ready with your trekking gears, you will join a group of 8 people and penetrate into the forest. On your hiking experience expect to see number of monkey species and bird species.

Upon meeting up with these gentle giants only one hour is offered to you to spend with them. here you will witness the gorillas engage with one another, forage, play, and rest which offers an incredible experience.  From here you will return to the park head quarters

WHY DO GORILLA TREKKING?

Gorilla trekking provides an immersive encounter (face to face) with the gorillas in their natural habitat.

BEST TIME TO DO GORILLA TREKKING

The best time for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is mainly during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. This is because the hiking trails are less muddy and easier to navigate thus making your trekking less strenuous.

GOLDEN MONKEY TREKING

Golden monkey trekking is among the best-done activities to carry out within Mgahinga gorilla national park. Golden monkeys are one of the amazing and wonderful creatures to have a look at on earth.

Just like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters where after you will start trekking in the jungle in search of the golden monkeys.

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where they nested the previous night. During trekking you will follow trails of left over bamboo leaves, shoots, fruits among others and once the golden monkeys are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you a chance to watch them jump up in tree branches. you will see them play, feed, take photos and record the beautiful moments to show people back home after the safari.

WHY DO GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING?

Golden monkey trekking is among the few activities that allow you to fully interact with these endangered species within their natural habitat.

BEST TIME TO DO GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING WITHIN MGAHINGA

The most ideal time for carrying out golden trekking is generally during the dry season from June to August and December to March. This is because during this period the trails are much clear thus better visibility for seeing the golden monkeys.

BATWA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE.

The Batwa people, also known as the Pygmies, one of the most ancient and distinctive indigenous groups of Central Africa. Today the Batwa can be seen near the parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga.

The Batwa used to live in these forests but they were late chased out and now they thrive near these parks. The experience involves moving through local families and hiking then meeting up with the Batwa. You will be accompanied with a Batwa guide who will provide you with vast knowledge about the route to use, history and tradition of the Batwa.

During the cultural experience, you will be able to learn how the Batwa used to live in the forest, demonstrate their hunting and gathering skills, see them make cups out of bamboo, make fire by friction using sticks, point out medicinal plants that were used to cure different diseases, visit the sacred Garama cave which was once a home to the Batwa king, hiding place during battles and food store.

A visit to the Batwa leaves you with many unforgettable and memorable memories.

WHY CARRY OUT A CULTURAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE BATWA?

The Batwa cultural encounter provides chances to tourists to discover more about the hidden treasures of the Batwa culture. This can be done either through music, dance and story telling.

BEST TIME TO CARRY OUT THE BATWA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

The best time to visit the Batwa is mainly during the dry season. This is because there are less rainfalls thus making the routes less slippery thus easy navigation while in the park.

BIRD WATCHING.

One of the best and incredible birding spots with in Uganda is Mgahinga national park. The park is a home of over 250 bird recorded bird species including Albertine rift endemics, migratory birds among others which can be seen with in the park.  Some of the bird watching spots in Mgahinga include the gorge between mount Gahinga and Sabinyo, the bamboo forest and in the montane forest.

While on your bird watching experience, you will be accompanied by an experienced park guide as you view a number of  bird species such as the Rwenzori turaco, regal sunbird, dusky turtle dove, cape robin Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, streaky seedeater, blue headed sunbird, brown crowned Tchagra, red faced woodland warbler, chubbs cisticola, banded prinia, olive woodpecker, archers robin chat, olive pigeon, yellow vented bulbus, grey capped warbler, double collared sunbird, pin tailed whydah, black kite, paradise flycatcher, white necked raven among others.

WHY CARRY OUT BIRDING?

Birding allows you to fully connect with nature as you explore the parks diverse eco systems. Furthermore, you have the ability to learn more about various bird species.

BEST TIME TO DO BIRD WATCHING: The best time to carry out bird watching in Mgahinga is generally during the wet season (April-mid May, October to Nov). This is because many migratory bird species arrive and the park’s birdlife is most vibrant.  Birding is highly recommended to be done very early in the morning since many birds are aways more active.

HIKING/VOLCANO CLIMBING

The park is a home to three Virunga volcanoes namely mount Muhabura which is 4,127 meters above the sea level, mount Sabinyo which is 3,669 meters above the sea level and mount Gahinga which 3,474 meters above the sea level. Hiking these volcanoes leaves you with many unforgettable and memorable memories.

Hiking mount Gahinga takes about 6 hours round trip and once you reach on top, you will be able to view a crater filled swamp and giant lobelia, hiking mount Sabinyo takes about 8 hours round trip and once you reach on top you will be standing.

Hiking offers you with a chance to meet a number of attractions such as the golden monkeys, bird species together with breath taking views of the Virungas and mountainous landscape of the region.

WHY CARRY OUT VOLCANO CLIMBING?

Hiking the Volcanoes offers an opportunity to fully have an adventure as you discover more about the diverse landscapes and vegetations.

BEST TIME TO DO VOLCANO CLIMBING: The best time for volcano climbing in Mgahinga National Park is specifically during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trails are drier and easier to navigate.  During the dry season the trails are dry thus less mud in the trails. This makes hiking easier and convenient.

NATURE WALKS

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey by carrying out nature walks with in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to abundant wildlife, tall volcanoes, and beautiful forests.

Every step immerses you in the park’s various ecosystems, from serene bamboo forests with playful golden monkeys to picturesque paths with breathtaking vistas of the Virunga Mountains.  Nature walks are usually carried out with an armed ranger and a professional guide who will provide vast information about the attractions of the park.

Nature walks offer a unique and serene way to experience Uganda’s natural beauty. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking an authentic connection with the wild, Mgahinga’s trails promise a truly captivating journey.

BEST TIME TO DO NATURE WALKS: The best time for carrying out nature walks is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when the trails are less slippery and the weather is more predictable thus easy navigating of the trails.

HOW TO GET TO MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a breathtaking place that provides visitors with a variety of natural marvels.

Although the park is located in the remote areas of southwest Uganda, it is easily accessible by either road or air.

BY ROAD

The drive from Kampala to Mgahinga national park is approximately 540 kilometres. The journey involves travelling from Kampala or Entebbe then to Kabale which is about 414 kilometres then connect with a winding road of about 80 kilometres to Kisoro. Here drive from Kisoro about 14 kilometres from here to Ntebeko the main headquarter of Mgahinga National Park.

BY AIR

The park can be accessed by means of air. You can board with daily domestic air transport from Kajjansi or Entebbe Airport. To Kisoro Airstrip. This flight schedule is conducted depending on available demand. Once you land in Kisoro, the park is just a 14 kilometres drive away. Here you can get a car up to the park.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK

The best time to visit Mgahinga national park is majorly the dry season. Different tourists usually love visiting in the dry season since many tourism activities are carried out with ease. During the dry season, there are less rainfalls, the roads are less slippery, thus easy movements of cars. The dry season is very ideal for people who want to witness the great wildebeest migration.

On the other hand, tourists can still visit in the wet season. The wet season is more ideal for prefer less crowds since few people usually visit the park. Further more during the wet season, some lodgings tend to offer discounts on their lodges.

WHERE TO STAY WHILE IN MGHAINGA NATIONAL PARK?

There are several lodging choices in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, from opulent resorts to reasonably priced campsites, all of which make excellent starting points for park exploration.

Some of the accommodations with in Mgahinga national park include Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge, Travelers Rest Hotel, Mutanda Lake Resort, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Chameleon Hill Lodge and many more.

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