Mgahinga Gorilla National Park “Where Gold meets Silver”
Sited in the Southwestern part of Uganda, Kisoro district and neighboring DRC and Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla national park, also renowned as the place where “gold meets silver” is Uganda’s smallest national park and one of the homes to the gentle yet highly endangered mountain gorillas of Africa. It was gazetted as a national park in 1991 with an aim of protecting the highly endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area.
Mgahinga national park covers an area of about 33.9km2 and is one of the 2 national parks in Uganda that harbors mountain gorillas together with Bwindi Impenetrable national park. This national park is home of about 39 mammals including the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, and about 115 bird species and 3 Virunga volcanoes, that is Mount Muhavura which is 4127meters above sea level, Mount Gahinga which is 3474meters above sea level and Mount Sabinyo which is 3645 meters above sea level.
Activities done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
It is the major activity carried out in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Mgahinga is one of the destinations in Africa that harbors the endangered Mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking starts in the morning with the briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After briefing, you will start trekking in the jungle with an experienced guide which takes about 30minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search for food. During trekking you will be able to see other primate species, birds, different plant and tree species among others and once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breast feed, play, take photos and record the moments.
Golden monkey trekking
Mgahinga gorilla National Park is the only place in Uganda where golden monkeys can be trekked and also offers a unique wildlife experience focused on observing these vibrant primates, the golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
Golden Monkey Trekking is an interesting and active activity which involves moving into the forest in search of the golden monkeys, trekking through bamboo –rich montane forests searching for habituated golden monkey troops. The trek starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a search for the golden monkeys. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the location of the monkeys. Unlike gorillas, the monkeys live at lower altitudes in bamboo zones hiking is easier and usually shorter.
Mt. Climbing
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has three dormant volcanoes within its heart where visitors can do hiking adventures. They include Gahinga volcano,3474 meters above sea level taking 6 hours hiking and the smallest of the three. Mount Sabinyo, 3669 meters above sea level and takes about 8 hours and mount Muhavura the highest volcano.
Bird watching
Is a home of more than 115 species which makes it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. Different bird species include bronze sunbird, blue headed sunbird, olive thrush, crowned crane.
Batwa trail experience
Mgahinga National Park was formally a home of the batwa tribe or pygmies before it was gazetted into a national park. The batwa trail experience begins with a prayer and gives you a chance to meet with the batwa people, experience their ancient cultures. During the Batwa Trail experience, The Twa guide will demonstrate their hunting, honey harvesting and gathering skills, show off how to make bamboo cups, fire by rubbing two sticks against each other.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MGAHINGA
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season; this is in the months of June to September, and December to February. During these months, the trails are drier and less slippery, making trekking easier.
The low season which involves months of March, April, May, October and November receives heavy rainfall hence lodges offer discounts and it’s the best time for bird watching where bird lovers will be able to view migratory bird species.
Accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla national park:
Mucha Hotel Kisoro
This is a mid range lodging facility with comfortable amenities good for night overstay. It lies suitably along the banks of River Mucha and provides perfect breath taking views of its surroundings and beautiful flora. Mucha Hotel is located about six kilometers from Kisoro town and provides gainful views of the volcanoes as well as River Mucha.
Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro
Is a mid range accommodation facility and one of the oldest hotels in Uganda. It is positioned within Kisoro town, just few kilometers away from Mgahinga gorilla national park. This hotel offers 11 rooms well furnished and ranging from single, double, twin, suite, triple among others. It has restaurant, laundry, garden, and others.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
This is a comfortable camp suitable for those who like camping and it lies close at the entrance of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Spending your night here, you will be provided with rewardable views of Virunga mountain ranges of Sabyinyo, Muhavura and Gahinga.
Kisoro Tourist Hotel
This hotel has comfortable amenities that lies within Kisoro town and provides for stay for visitors on their gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Mutanda Lake Resort
This resort is cool play of stay where you can be filled with cool breathe taking air and great views of the islands, fishermen. It has pocket friendly accommodation options and this accommodation derives its name from the beautiful lake Mutanda
Mgahinga Rest Camp
Mgahinga Rest Camp sits close to the park and it comprises of grass thatched bandas and 3 tents with private facilities. Visitors who spend a night here have a great chance of visiting to other parts of Rwanda and the DRC.
How to get to mgahinga gorilla national park
By Road transport: When using road transport, you will drive from Kampala via Masaka Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro and then connect to the part headquarters at Ntebeko which takes about 8 to 10 hours drive.
By air; Charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip
CONCLUSION ABOUT THE PARK
Mgahinga proves that size doesn’t limit impact. It seamlessly blends conservation, pristine landscapes and community heritage into a compact unforgettable destination.. Whether trekking gorillas, scaling volcanoes, or discovering Batwa traditions, Mgahinga delivers a profound and personalized safari experience.