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 famously 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 travelers 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 with in Mgahinga national park and its unique wonders.
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 within the park. Gorilla trekking is the main activity to do while at Mgahinga national park.
The activity 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 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 are free to take photos, see these gentle giants feed, jump and how they go about their activities. From here you will return to the park headquarters
GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKKING
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 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.
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.
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 within 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.
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 breathtaking views of the Virungas and mountainous landscape of the region.
NATURE WALKS
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey with nature walks 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.
HOW TO GET TO MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK?
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.
You can still board-chartered flights from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip Kisoro airstrip.
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.