Renowned as the second to the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the popular national parks in the country tucked away in the southwestern corner of Uganda. Mgahinga spans just 34 square kilometers but protects astonishing amount of biodiversity including two endangered primate species, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, a popular habitat protecting golden monkeys and mountain gorillas with a chain of volcanoes known as The Virunga Volcanoes. This conservation area stretches far beyond the Uganda borders into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is made up of two other protected areas; Virunga National Park in DR.Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established as a protected area in 1991 stretching the slopes of 3 of the Virunga Volcanoes which are Mt. Muhavura (4,127), Mt. Gahinga (3,474), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645).
Mgahinga protects a wide range of biodiversity including about 39 mammal species including mountain gorillas, endangered golden monkeys and elephants among other, and over 180 bird species.
Geography and Climate
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s afro-montane terrain is marked by steep slopes, lush montane forests, and bamboo vegetation providing a rich habitat for different wildlife species. The varied altitudes create different ecological zones, supporting diverse flora and fauna. The higher elevations are home to unique plant species such as giant senecios and lobelias which thrive in the cooler temperatures above 3,000 metres.
Mgahinga experiences a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures usually ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the day, Night time temperatures often drop to around 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F). Due to its altitude, Mgahinga is one of the coldest areas in Uganda, the microclimates here can vary depending on altitudinal zonation and specific location.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s altitude ranges from 2,227 m to 4,127 m, with climate characterized by two rainy seasons (February to May and September to December). The driest months are generally June to August and December to February, making these periods ideal for activities like gorilla trekking and volcano hiking. However rain can occur any time of the year, so visitors should be prepared for wet seasons regardless of the season.
Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks
Mountain gorilla are endangered primate species found in only two populations, one in the Virunga Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mgahinga is home to only one habituated gorilla group, the Nyakagezi, this gorilla group is relatively small currently 9 individuals: four silverbacks, two adult females, one juvenile, and two infants under the leadership of the dominant silverback Mark. He took over leadership from Bugingo, the oldest silverback of the group believed to be over 54 years old.
Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The cute golden monkeys are another primate species found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, these creatures inhabit in the bamboo and they feature striking golden-orange fur and playful antics. The population of golden monkeys is estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals living in the bamboo forests of the park.
Mgahinga is home to a single habituated golden monkey troop estimated to comprise around 60-80 individuals, allowed visitors to observe them up close on golden monkey trekking experience.
Birdlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park boats an impressive avian diversity, with approximately 180 bird species recorded, making it a prime destination for bird watching in Uganda. The park is home to 12 Albertine Rift endemics, species unique to this area. Other birds species found in the park include Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu Ground Thrush, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Archer's Robin Chat, Olive Pigeon, the Black-headed Waxbill, Western Green Tinkerbird, and various sunbirds such as the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird and the Greater Double-collared Sunbird among others.
Uganda Safari Activities to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Tracking mountain gorillas which make the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park their home is a highlight of any Uganda Safari visit, and is a must do experience for anyone interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda. The forest canopy in Mgahinga is less dense than in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it is easier to spot the mountain gorillas through the trees.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi open for visitors on a gorilla trekking experience. Gorilla trekking starts in the morning with briefing at the park headquarters, the trek in the forest to looking for the gorillas starts from Ntebeko and lasts about 2 to 4 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. You are allowed to spend only one hour in the presence of this gorilla family watching them groom, feed, play among others.
To take part in gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park you need to be physically fit since its quite challenging such as moving in the forest, valleys and the steep slopes.
Note: To take part in this exhilarating adventure, each visitor is required to get a gorilla permit which costs $800 per person and it is advisable you make your bookings in advance.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey trekking is another thrilling primate adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the park is home to one of three populations of the endangered golden monkeys which are only found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Region.
The guided trek to find these lively, bright-furred primates offers a lively experience, with the sounds of rustling leaves and flashes of golden as they leap overhead.
Volcano/Mountain Climbing
The three volcanoes in Mgahinga, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura stand like sentinels over this forested park. Each of these volcanoes offers a different challenge.
- Gahinga’s peak is an easier climb, through bamboo and heather to a crater swamp at the top.
- Mount Sabyinyo’s rugged route, with its deep valleys and steep ridges, is a tougher hike, while Muhabura’s steep ascent rewards individuals with the stamina with sweeping summit views across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Relatively good fitness is required for these two treks, especially for Sabyinyo (3,669m) and Muhabura (4,127m), but the effort is well worth it.
Bird watching
With over 180 bird species including the rare Rwenzori turaco and regal sunbird, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best places for bird watching in Uganda. These walks leave early morning, with the call of the forest waking around you, early hours of the morning are prime times for bird sightings.
Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer an incredible opportunity to observe several bird species up-close including Black Kite, Pin-tailed whydah, Double-collared sunbird, Speckled mouse bird, Paradise flycatcher, Ibis, Speckled Mouse birds, Fire Finch Stonechat, Waxbills, Grey Capped Warbler, Archer's robin chat and Blue-headed coucal among others. Remember to carry binoculars.
Meet the Batwa People
A visit to the local Batwa Community, the indigenous forest dwellers of the region is an enriching experience, offering the opportunity to learn about their rich culture and deep connection to the land. Visitors get first-hand insight into their traditions, from ancient fire-making techniques to stories of survival in the forest.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is approximately 510 km away from Kampala – the capital of Uganda and it can be accessed by road or air.
By Road – it is approximately a 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala to Mgahinga. There is an alternative of using a route from Kabale town passing near the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and joining again Kabale – Kisoro Tarmac. From Kisoro to the park is a round 14km to Ntebeko the park main entrance.
By Air – there are charter and domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, then connect to the park by a vehicle.
