Seating on a land size of 33.7km size, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park becomes the smallest of all Uganda’s national parks. The park derives its name from Gahinga which in the native language translates to piles of volcanic stones from farmland. Mgahinga national park is bordered by the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda; it was declared a game sanctuary by the British administration in 1930 and declared a national park in 1991. It has got only one habituated Gorillas family that can be trekked by Visitors.
It was designated with a primary aim of rendering protection to the surviving mountain gorillas that call its thick forest home, on top of that, is also home to several unique endangered golden Monkeys that enjoy their peace in this place roaming from one place to the other.
The park is part of the wide Virunga Conservation Area that includes the neighboring parks namely; The Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes slopes have a variety of ecosystems and are biodiversity with their peaks offering fascinating sights and t massive scenery.
The availability of the diverse resources support the following activities while on your tour to the park:
Gorilla tracking
This is the main activity done while in this destination, it has only Gorilla group that can easily be tracked without much hustle, that is the Nyakagezi gorilla group. Right, while at the park, you are expected to report to the park’s headquarters at approximately 8:00 am Ugandan time for a pre-trekking briefing before heading to the jungle for the ultimate experience the guides will render you protection and guidance all through to the end of the activity.
Tracking these primates requires some fitness because that will say have a great impact on how long you will take to find these animals. You should have enough items such as light clothes, waterproof professional camera, packed lunch, drinking water, surgical masks for wearing while in the presence of Gorillas, Good hiking shoes, and many more.
Volcano/Mountain climbing
No experience beats that of hiking three climbing volcanoes. you only need a day to reach the summit of each of these volcanoes which includes Mount. Muhabura at 4,127m high and can be climbed in 8 hours about 12km.
You will encounter small shrubs, grasses and the rocky ground, which will offer you a chance of having a close view of some of the best views in the country such as the peaks of Mt. Rwenzori, Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi forest, L. Edward in Queen Elizabeth national park and others.
Mt. Sabinyo Hike
Climbing Mount Sabinyo takes only 8 hours to reach the peak depending on your fitness, it is quite challenging though worth the efforts, brave experience you get while hiking the worn Sabinyo and inclining to the gorges and narrow valleys is interesting. As you get to the top, you are rewarded with a great opportunity of viewing 3countries at once, name; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Birding
Due to the biodiversity at Mgahinga national park, over 79 bird species are thriving in this destination which makes it a very recommendable birding spot, the birding activity can take place through the bamboo forest, in the ravine between Mts. Sabinyo and Gahinga, as well as in the montane forest where you spot the Rwenzori Turaco.
Golden monkey tracking
As the name states “golden”, it is indeed golden and tracking them is a real unique golden opportunity. This is the only home to the rare golden endangered golden monkeys, and trekking is done here at a very low cost. It is very interesting watching these primates’ play and jump from one tree to another in such food as well as enjoying their freedom.
Cultural Encounters
Mgahinga national park is recommended for offering shelter in its thick forest to the indigenous group of people called the Batwa, these people have lived a life of wandering and gathering in the forest, despite the existing modernity, they have chosen to stay and preserve their culture that is in spotlight now as the eviction message rings, however, these group takes visitors through authentic cultural performances as well as history
Mgahinga national park is found roughly 519 kilometers from Kampala on a 9-10 hours’ drive. Accessible by either the road or air
Accommodation available range from luxury lodges, mid-range to budget. But all offering quality services to their guests despite the color, religion, race and many more, take a step and book your trip to Mgahinga National park for an unforgettable experience.
