Mgahinga Gorilla National park is a well known park for gorilla safaris. At just 33.7km2, Mgahinga Gorilla is Uganda’s smallest national park. The park lies on the northern slopes of volcanic Mountains; Muhabura, Mgahinga and Sabyinyo, the three volcanoes that create an unforgettable regional backdrop. These peaks are three of the six Virunga volcanoes that mark the southern limit of the Albertine Rift Valley and are divided between Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.
The Virungas are home to more than half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorilla. 380 individuals roam the slopes of the volcanoes while the remaining 340 live nearby in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Fortunately for the gorillas, Mgahinga’s small area is supplemented by those of two larger, adjoining parks in Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) and DR Congo (Virunga NP).
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is undoubtedly the most accessible destination fromUganda and Rwanda. This park boasts of its unique attractions, especially the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Other faunal species that survive within this protected area include black fronted duikers, elephants, forest buffaloes, giant forest hogs, side striped jackals, bush bucks, forest buffaloes, black and white colobus monkeys, etc.
Though gorilla tracking is the park’s most popular activity, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park merits a visit simply to appreciate the scenery. A choice of hikes allows for all abilities, ranging from the 8 hour return trip to the summit of Mt. Muhabura, to gentle strolls across the lower slopes beneath the magnificent three peak backdrop. 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.
Flora and fauna in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Mgahinga’s slopes are covered with a series of distinct altitudinal bands of vegetation. The lowest zone is an area of grass and bush which was formerly encroached and cleared by farmers and is now regenerating. Undisturbed vegetation starts with montane woodland, followed by the bamboo zone, montane forest and the Ericaceous zone which contains giant tree heathers. The sequence culminates with the spectacular alpine zone which occurs only on East African mountains above 3000m and includes bizarre giant forms of lobelia and groundsel.
The park contains at least 39 species of mammal and 79 birds. Larger mammals include elephant, leopard, buffalo and bush pig but these are rarely seen. Mgahinga’s most famous resident is the mountain gorilla. Less famous but equally rare and deserving of protection is the golden monkey which is found only in the Virungas and in one other forest in Rwanda. Notable bird species include the Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite and crowned crane.
Birds –Mgahinga alone shelters up to 180 species of birds and is one of the ideal locations to find several Albertine rift endemic species of birds. The notable bird species that survive within Mgahinga NP include the black kite, African paradise flycatchers, pin-tailed whydahs, cape robin chats, Rwenzori turacos, Cinnamon bracken warblers, strange weavers, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, white necked raven, double collared sunbird, African green pigeon, tambourine dove, crowned hornbills, Kivu ground thrush, and more.
Local people around Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Kisoro District is heavily populated with 331 people/ km2. There are two main ethnic groups. The most numerous are the Bafumbira who are primarily farmers. The Batwa, who once practiced a subsistence hunter-gather life in the forest, form a minority group.
Mgahinga Peaks – alternative hiking
The peaks Mgahinga hasthreevolcanic peaks, Muhubura(4127m), Sabyinyo (3669m) and Mgahinga (3474m). These can all be climbed. Though no specialist equipment is required, a reasonable level of fitness is necessary if you intend to enjoy the experience.
Batwa Trail and Garama Cave
The Batwa Trail leads from t he base of Muhuvura Cave. This walk is conductoed by Batwa guides VI insights into their traditional forest life and culture. The 342m long Garama Cave lies beneath a platee northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko. It i~ former farmland zone but in earlier times, the cave forest when it was occupied periodically by Batwa as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their neighbours.
Gorilla Tracking
Mgahinga’s most exciting and memorable activity is tracking the mountain gorilla in thick jungle. Gorilla trekking is the key safari highlight during your visit to Mgahinga and Uganda as a whole. From Kisoro town, you can easily drive up to Ntebeko Area to meet the park authorities of Mgahinga National Park who will brief you on gorilla trekking guidelines. The gorilla treks begin at 8:00am and runs for 2-6 hours which includes an hour of up close and personal with Nyakagezi gorilla family group.
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. This group is mobile and sometimes crosses into Rwanda and DRC, so check for updates from Uganda Wildlife Authority (see contacts). Registration and briefing for gorilla tracking commences at Ntebeko at 07.45. Tracking starts at 08.30 and can take three to eight hours.
Bird Watching
Birding expedition in Mgahinga involves identifying amazing birds both Albertine rift endemic species and resident birds. Some of the birds to expect to come across while in Mgahinga include the grey capped warblers, double-collared sunbirds, black kite, fire finch stonechat, pin tailed whydah, Kivu ground thrush, yellow-vented bulbul, Rwenzori nightjars, Archer’s robin chat, paradise flycatchers, blue headed coucals, and many others.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Trekking golden monkeys in Mgahinga is a must-do primate adventure for any nature enthusiast. The park holds a significant number of already habituated golden monkey troops and treks begin from Ntebeko area, taking between 2-4 hours but inclusive of an hour of up close and personal with these apes in the wild.
Things to carry for primate adventures in Mgahinga NP
The essentials to have for gorilla and golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park include a pair of binoculars, bottled water, first aid kit, a good camera that is free of flashlight, waterproof bag, good and strong hiking/walking shoes NOT sneakers, snacks, insect repellents, gardening gloves, rain jacket, and others.
Other safari lodges; Mount Gahinga Lodge, Virunga Hotel, Montane Guesthouse, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, and others.