Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the South Western part of Uganda and known famously to offer amazing Gorilla Trekking Adventures to all travelers on safari. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park neighbors Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers (13 square miles) forming part of the Virunga Conservation Area which includes the Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (DRC). The Park is found in Kisoro District South West of Uganda requiring you to transfer for a distance of 510 km (317 miles) from Kampala. It is elevated ranging 2,227 to 4,127 meters (7,300–13,540 ft) above sea level.
The park includes three dormant volcanoes i.e Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 m) that can be hiked by all travelers on vacation holiday. The park includes flora and fauna species ranging from Montane forest (2,200–2,800 m), Bamboo zone (2,800–3,400 m), Mountain gorillas ,
Heather zone (above 3,400 m), Golden monkeys, Buffaloes, forest elephants, bushbucks, duikers, and leopards. Other than these, you shall watch bird species like Rwenzori turaco, Handsome francolin, Dusky crimsonwing, Red-faced woodland warbler, Archer’s robin-chat.
Gorilla Trekking is the main safari adventure carried out in the park and involves transferring to the park headquarters where you are welcomed by a park ranger who informs you about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. After he shall take you through precise briefing on conduct around the Gorillas then later allocate you into groups of 8 with lead park ranger guides who transfer you to the starting points where you leave from to enter the green forest vegetation to trek the rare species of Gorillas in their natural habitat following varying trails. After a while, you shall meet the Gorillas and stay in their presence taking various photos to keep. After trekking the Gorillas, you shall return to the headquarters to obtain your trekking permit.
Other then Gorilla Trekking, travelers can go Golden Monkey Tracking as you track the amazing rare Golden Monkeys in their natural forest habitat. Track these following varying trails from one point to another for a period of 2 to 4 hours. After a period of time, you shall meet them and take various photos of the Golden Monkeys. After tracking the Golden Monkeys, you shall return to the park headquarters for your tracking permit then head to lodge for relaxation, Dinner and Overnight.
Mgahinga National Park is ideal for travelers interested in Mount Volcano Hiking along the various volcanoes in the park which include; Mount Sabyinyo Hike (3,669 m), Mount Muhavura Hike (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga Hike (3,474 m). The Mount Volcanoes give you a chance to get to the highest points in Uganda and en-route the hike you watch the green terrain vegetation, bird species. The Hiking period along these volcanoes varies from one to another depending on the physical fitness of the hikers.
Bird watching is very exceptional to do in the park hence very ideal to be visited by all travelers. The bird watching experience let’s you transfer along various trails watching various birds which include; Kivu ground thrush, Olive pigeon, Rwenzori batis, White-starred robin.
Batwa Cultural Encounters are exceptional for all travelers interested in exploring the local Batwa people who will introduce you Before the park’s establishment, the Batwa Pygmies — an indigenous forest people — lived and hunted in these forests. The Batwa Cultural Trail allows visitors to experience their traditional way of life, guided by Batwa themselves.
Hiking and Nature walks are exceptional to do in Mgahinga National Park and these start at the Ntebeko gate. These include: the Sabinyo Gorge Trail which is a moderate hike through bamboo forests leading to a spectacular gorge with waterfalls and birdlife. Border Trail which follows the Uganda–Congo border for stunning views of the rift valley and the Garama Cave Trail that leads to the historical cave where Batwa rituals were once held.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the Best Time to visit the Park is during the dry season months of (June–September and December–February). This is the Best as the trails are easier to navigate and trek as they are drier and less muddy.
