Exploring The Wonders Of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

In the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands as a testament to the country's commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Spanning over 34 square kilometers, this national park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, featuring diverse ecosystems, rare wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the wonders that make Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

All About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in the Kisoro district of southwest Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of the three national parks, comprising the 434-square-kilometer Virunga conservation area. The other two parks are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Established in 1991, the park spans 33.7 square kilometers, lies between 2,227 and 4,127 meters above sea level, and is overseen by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Included in the park are three of the Virunga volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 meters), Mt. Gahinga (3,474), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645).

Despite being a small park, Mgahinga is unique due to its natural beauty. Its features include semi-alpine vegetation, woodlands, montane forests, marshes/swamps, bamboo forests, Afro-montane forests, bogs, and Savannah grasslands. The park's three inactive volcanoes, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura, are part of the great Virunga mountain ranges, including Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo. Due to the three mountains, most of the park lies at high altitudes of 2,000 and 4,000 meters.

Mgahinga Park is essential to biology because, throughout the Pleistocene ice age's climate shifts, mountains like these served as a haven for alpine plants and animals, which traveled up and down the slopes in response to temperature variations. A wide range of species can be found in the Virungas, including around half of the world's severely endangered mountain gorilla population.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Kisoro district of southwest Uganda

Things To Do In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

One of the benefits of visiting Mgahinga National Park is that it is less crowded, allowing you to explore the entire area in peace. Many of the activities may be scheduled without reservations.

Gorilla tracking

The most notable activity in the park is tracking the gorillas, and only the Nyakagezi gorilla group is tracked here. The tracking process begins in the morning when travelers depart from Ntebeko to track these enormous primates. Since park rangers and guides are knowledgeable about both the gorillas and the park, travelers are encouraged to interact freely and ask questions about them.

Tracking time could range from two to four hours or even a full day, depending on where the mountain gorillas are at that moment—they typically wander around searching for food.

Like in Bwindi, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga can be complex and demanding. Bring enough gear, including light clothing, water-resistant cameras, a packed lunch, plenty of water to drink, surgical masks to wear while in the company of gorillas, and any other items that guides might recommend.

This is a fantastic adventure. As you go through the forests, you will hear the sounds of animals, birds in the trees, and monkeys. It will be unforgettable!

Climbing any of the three volcanoes in the park—Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura- located at the borders of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda—is one of the best activities in Mgahinga.

One of the benefits of visiting Mgahinga National Park is that it is less crowded

Mountain hiking

Hiking any of the three volcanoes in the park—Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura- located at the borders of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda—is one of the best activities in Mgahinga. The most straightforward ascent is Mount Gahinga, which takes around six hours. Reaching the summit of Mount Sabyinyo offers a unique opportunity to stand in Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda simultaneously.

Hikers who ascend the top of three volcanoes will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas over all three nations: the Rwenzori Mountains, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Virunga Mountain Range, crater lakes, marshes, and uncommon alpine plants.

Having food, water, a sleeping bag, and a tent is vital if you have to spend the night at the top. The cost of mountain hiking and climbing is $80

Golden monkey tracking

Golden monkeys are among the most sought-after primates by tourists in Africa. The only two countries that allow tourists to see them are Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Mgahinga National Park).

After discovering the monkeys, visitors have an hour to watch the group's activity and take pictures. Since they cannot hear eagles approaching during rainfall, the monkeys are 85% likely to be found.

Golden monkeys are one of the most sought-after primates by tourists in Africa

Garama Cave exploration

The 342 m-long Garama Cave is 3 km from Ntebeko, beneath the park's northern plateau. It was formerly an agricultural zone, but in the past, it was a cave forest inhabited by Batwa, who used it as a retreat and a council room. It is said that the Garama Caves extend to Rwanda.

Bird Watching

With about 79 different species of birds, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an excellent place to go birdwatching. You can go birding through the bamboo forest, the gorge between Mts. Sabinyo and Gahinga, and the montane forest. Some birds you can see there are ibis, speckled mous, fire finch, and many more.

The Batwa Trail

The Batwa Trail, which leads from the base of Muhavura Cave, allows you to see the people who originally lived in the forest. Guides from the Batwa people lead this trip and share information about their traditional way of life and culture in the forest. The Batwa people once lived in harmony with gorillas in the Mgahinga Forest.

Where To Stay In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There are several different lodging options, from luxurious lodges and hotels to budget, midrange, and campgrounds. The following are some of the lodging options in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

There are several different lodging options in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

This lodge is in Kisoro, in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, on the Nteko Ridge. It offers plentiful services and about eight stone cottages, six ideal for double occupancy and the other two suitable for families. All of the cottages have lovely interiors with fireplaces.

Nkuringo Safari Lodge

Situated along the banks of Lake Mutanda and near Mgahinga National Park, this Mgahinga safari lodge offers breathtaking vistas of the volcanoes. The self-contained rooms and tents are charming and reasonably priced. Other services provided include room service and laundry services.

Traveler’s Nest Hotel

Among the oldest hotels in Uganda, this one is located outside of Kisoro in the southwest. It is peaceful, with a fireplace, cozy rooms, and breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Mt. Mgahinga Rest Camp

Near the Mgahinga National Park, this rest camp offers the experience of being in three different countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It comprises three tents and nine grass-thatched Bandas, all with private facilities. 

You can engage in all the activities here, like tracking golden monkeys, climbing mountains, tracking gorillas, and birdwatching.

Mount Mgahinga Lodge

Situated on the edges of the Virunga volcanoes, this lodge offers a fantastic atmosphere paired with breathtaking views. The accommodations are pleasant, and the delectable meals are a culinary tale.

When To Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The park is open all year and experiences two rainy seasons: March-May and September-November. With 250 mm of rain, October is the wettest month, whereas July is the driest with only 10 mm.

Most tourists opt for gorilla safaris and observe the diverse wildlife in national parks during the dry months of June-October and December to March. It is advisable to book your gorilla passes at least 4 months before the travel period due to the high demand for Mgahinga gorilla passes.

Conclusion

Exploring the wonders of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an immersive journey to Uganda. From the awe-inspiring encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, the park offers a holistic experience for nature enthusiasts. 

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