Mgahinga gorilla national park – what you need to know

Mgahinga gorilla national park is one of the smallest national parks located in the southwestern part of Uganda. The park was founded in 1991 covering a bigger area since its one of the African parks that harbours the beautiful endangered mountain gorillas. The park has 1 habituated gorilla family with 7 members called Nyakagezi. The other parks include Virunga national park in Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda. The park basically lies in Virunga mountains that is blessed with unique features like Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mt Sabyinyo with the most extraordinary peaks and spectacular scenery. The park is also blessed with unique primates like the funky golden monkeys that give the most beautiful experiences during the visit. Mgahinga also offers the best adventure with a visit at lake Mutanda with the most amazing landscapes, the incredible gorilla habituation experience that gives tourists a chance to stay with the gorillas for four hours and the best cultural experiences with the Batwa people.

Best time to visit Mgahinga national park:

The best time to visit Mgahinga national park is throughout the year but most importantly in the dry season in the months of June to August and December to February, suitable for gorilla and golden monkey trekking. With in these months, the trekking trails are always easy to access so the permits should be bought in advance before the trekking day.

Cost of permits:

The gorilla trekking price in Mgahinga national park is $800 for foreign non residents, $500 for residents of Africa, $700 for foreign residents and 300000shs for East African residents. The gorilla habituation prices are $1500 for foreign non residents, $1000 for residents of Africa, $1000 for foreign residents and 750000ugx for East African community.

Golden monkey trekking price is $60 for foreign non residents, $50 for foreign residents and 400,000ugx. The habituation experience price is $100, foreign residents $60 and east African community at 100,000ugx.

Activities in Mgahinga  gorilla national park:

Gorilla trekking:

This is the most done activity and major in the park, it’s one of the destinations in Africa that harbour the beautiful endangered mountain gorillas that offers the most unique experience. Gorilla trekking normally starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters about the do and don’ts of trekking. After briefing, the trekking starts with experienced knowledgeable park guides, park rangers for security and porters that assist/ give a hand to tourists in case of anything. Gorilla trekking normally takes 4-7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas since at times they move in search for food. Some times during trekking, tourists always get a chance to have clear spots of different bird species so for bird lovers don’t forget to carry binoculars. Tourists are always given one hour with the amazing mt gorillas in their natural habitats, purposely to learn their behaviours, watch them feed, breast feed their babies, take photos and record the extraordinary experience.

Golden monkey trekking:

Golden monkey trekking is one of the most fantastic experiences that involves moving in the forest in search for the funky golden monkeys. Mgahinga national park is the only park in Uganda that offers the amazing experience of golden monkey trekking. Normally trekking starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. After briefing, trekking starts in search for the funky golden monkeys which takes 2-3 hours depending on the location of the golden monkeys. During trekking, normally the tourists accompanied with guides and rangers always search for the bamboo shoot leftovers that were left. Once found, tourists are given one hour to spend with the golden monkeys, observe their behaviours, jump from tree to tree, take photos and record the fabulous experience.

Birding:

Mgahinga national park is one of the paradise spots for birders in Uganda. The park has over 110 bird species found with in its natural attractions like lakes, caves, forests and mountains of Mgahinga national park. The best time for birding is mainly in the months of April to May and October to November. Bird species like Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori nightjar, olive pigeon, fly eagle, olive thrush, wax bills, streaky seed seater, thrush and cinnamon bracken warbler, green tinkerbird, white starred robin, white necked raven and yellow throated longclaw and so many others.

Mountain climbing

Mgahinga national park has 3 dormant volcanoes basically for hiking experiences. Gahinga volcano is the smallest amongst the 3 volcanoes, hiking it takes 6 hours. Normally tourists hike on the top of the summit where they find the crater filled with a swamp and giant lobelia creating unforgettable experiences. Mt Sabyinyo hiking trails take 8 hours, during the hike, you pass through afro -montane vegetation giving the most scenic views of primates like golden monkeys jumping from tree to tree and different bird species. Always at the top of the summit, tourists stand in 3 countries Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of CONGO. Mt Muhavura is one of the highest volcanoes in the park, hiking normally takes 10 hours. When hiking, you always pass through different vegetation zones and normally the summit offers the most spectacular views of other Virunga volcanoes, Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Edward and the mt Rwenzori ranges.

Batwa cultural experiences

Mgahinga national park was formerly a home of the Batwa people before it was turned into a national park. Normally their trail starts with a prayer and tourists are given a chance to meet with the Batwa people [greet and talk]. During the whole experience, tourists are told about their ancient cultures, customs and norms.

The Batwa basically have heads that speak out whenever they have exclusive visitors like the elected Twa guide that mostly demonstrates the hunting techniques, honey harvesting, gathering skills, making fire using 2 dry sticks by rubbing them and show off the hand skills of making bamboo cups. As the trail continues, tourists also get a chance of visiting the Garamba cave that acted as a food storage. When its ending, the tourists listen to a story, dance and presentations of the Batwa women.