Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park. The park was established to preserve mountain gorillas that roam freely across the Virunga area. The park is bounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The British administration named it a game sanctuary in 1930, and it was gazetted as a national park in 1991. There is just one habituated trans-border gorilla population in the park. Visitors may also experience the Batwa visit, which is a far more exciting tour with a Batwa guide to learn about the forest’s mysteries. The mountain gorillas are the park’s main draw.
Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla Trekking
The most interesting and unforgettable activity in Mgahinga is tracking mountain gorillas through the bush. Tourists may see one habituated gorilla troop (Nyakagyezi) in the park. This group has 11 members: two silverbacks, three adult females, four adolescents, and two newborns.
Gorilla trekking is the most popular adventure activity that draws the majority of people to Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The expeditions begin in Ntebeko/Muhabura starting point and last between 2 and 6 hours, with a one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas guaranteed. Anyone interested in following mountain gorillas must first get a valid gorilla permit, which costs USD700 per person.
Golden Monkey Trekking.
The second active primate activity that you should not miss while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is golden monkey tracking. This takes between 2 and 4 hours, with one hour of intimate interaction. These primates are endangered and indigenous to this area, where they coexist alongside the world-famous Mountain Gorilla, as well as buffalo, forest elephants, and other animals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. It was difficult to find the monkeys at first and for many months afterwards because, unlike gorillas, they are small, do not make nests, leave little evidence of their presence on the forest floor, and can be quiet at times, especially in the presence of their main predator, the eagle. They would also flee if they were not used to humans.
The group has become used to our presence, allowing us to get insight into their everyday life. The monkeys decide how the day will unfold, and no two days are ever the same in the wild. We never know how the working day will unfold, which is what makes the experience so fascinating. You will face difficulties on a regular basis. The weather is one of our most serious issues. Trekking at a height of roughly 2,500 metres will expose you to severe winds, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures, making it the greatest area to see golden monkeys or gorillas, albeit not always trustworthy.
The weather has a significant impact on how the day will unfold. The wind makes it easier to monitor the monkeys as they traverse the hills; they keep quiet and in the middle of the canopy because they have difficulty hearing predators, and when the trees move, you don’t know if it’s the monkeys moving or the wind blowing, or both.
When it rains, the monkeys seek refuge and do not move, allowing for a closer look. The woodlands walk every day, no matter what the weather conditions are, even on public holidays. Despite this, when it rains in the forest and the mist falls amid the moss and overhanging plants, it is without a doubt the loveliest location to be.
A golden monkey permit in Uganda costs $60 per person for foreign non-residents, $40 per person for foreign residents, and Shs 20,000 for East African citizens embarking on a primate safari in Uganda. This price includes admission to the park, a guide, and one hour with the golden monkeys. These permits may be purchased on-site at the park headquarters in the Ntebeko Visitor Centre. Tourists who want to spend more quality time with the golden monkeys and learn more about them can visit this Park for the fascinating golden monkey habituation experience, which costs only $100 per person.
Hiking the Border Trail
This trail leads you first to Sabyinyo. For a time, the route climbs the foot of Sabyinyo through magnificent montane forest before heading towards the Congo. You’ll have a magnificent glimpse of Sabyinyo’s gorge and peaks along the route. When you approach the Congo, you take a diversion along the international border. The return trip to the Park Headquarters is ideal for bird watching. The two rest stops along the trip are ideal for taking a break. Keep an eye out for golden monkeys and elephant signals. The walk takes 5 hours and covers 10 km.
Batwa Trail Experience and Garama Caves
The Batwa Trail Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park begins at the bottom of Muhuvura Cave. This trip is led by Batwa guides who share information about their traditional forest life and culture. The 342m long Garama Cave is located beneath a plateau on the park’s northern side, 3 km from Ntebeko. It is placed in a former farming zone, but it was once the cave forest, where Batwa utilized it as a council room and a hideaway after attacking their neighbors. At the conclusion of the Batwa, the cave now hosts an evocative performance of Batwa music.
Birdwatching
This park is home to about 184 bird species, the majority of which are Albertine rift endemics. Beautiful francolins, western green tinker birds, yellow-billed kites, Rwenzori Batis, olive woodpeckers, bronze sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, cape robin chat, blue headed sunbird, archer’s robin chat, dusky turtle doves, and red-faced woodland warblers are among them.
Mountain Climbing.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda has three Virunga Volcanoes that may be climbed on Uganda safaris. Muhabura volcano (4127m), Mount Sabyinyo (3669m), and Gahinga Volcano (3474m) are among them.
How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the very south-western corner of Uganda. It is located 510 kilometers from Kampala, with the most typical route passing via Kabale and Kisoro districts. On good asphalt, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be reached in 8 hours. The last 76 km to Kisoro town are on a rugged tarmac road with difficult ascents and descents. The main entrance of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Ntebeko, is located 14 km from Kisoro at the end of a gravel road with some steep and rocky areas.
Charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi) to Kisoro airstrip.
