Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda near the town of Kisoro, is part of the broader Virunga conservation region. This region also includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Originally a game reserve, Mgahinga was upgraded to a full national park in 1991 primarily to safeguard the mountain gorillas that frequently clashed with human communities both within and outside the park.
Despite its small size (covering an area of 34 square kilometers), Mgahinga stands out for its natural beauty. The park features diverse ecosystems, including savannah grasslands, woodlands, tropical forests, montane forests, marshes, bamboo forests, Afro-montane forests, bogs, and semi-alpine vegetation. The three inactive volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura—are prominent features within the park. These peaks are part of the extensive Virunga Mountain range, which also includes Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo.
Due to the presence of these mountains, much of Mgahinga lies at high altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 meters. The thick forest cover on the slopes of the mountains significantly influences the park’s climate, resulting in frequent rains and a refreshing breeze. Additionally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park serves as a crucial water catchment area. Streams flow from the crater lakes and swamps on the mountain summits down to the rivers and lakes on the valley floor. Indigenous tribes living adjacent to the park, such as the Bafumbira, Batwa, and Bakiga, rely on these water sources.
While the mountain gorillas are the main attraction, Mgahinga National Park is also home to other wildlife, including endangered golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, spotted hyenas, serval cats, red-tailed monkeys, patas monkeys, mangabeys, leopards, golden cats, forest hogs, elephants, bushbucks, bushbabies, buffaloes, blue monkeys, baboons, African porcupines, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Reptiles such as snakes, geckos, and chameleons also inhabit the park.
Unfortunately, population pressure and the lack of alternative income sources have led to human encroachment and deforestation near the park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has implemented community tourism programs to foster a harmonious relationship between local tribes, park authorities, and the park’s diverse creatures.
Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
For Those on a Tight Schedule:
Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Mgahinga National Park offers a unique experience due to its fewer crowds, allowing visitors to explore in peace and quiet. The park boasts several exciting activities that don’t require advance booking. Let’s delve into some of these activities:
Gorilla Trekking: Mgahinga is home to approximately 80 mountain gorillas. These majestic creatures have adapted to the high altitudes, resulting in thicker fur coats compared to their counterparts in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The Nyakagyezi gorilla group, one of the largest habituated mountain gorilla groups in Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda, is open for tourism in Mgahinga.
Gorilla trekking starts at 8 am with a briefing. Park rangers guide visitors to locate the gorilla group. The tracking duration varies (2 to 3 hours) based on the group’s location that day.
Bring your camera to capture this incredible wildlife encounter! Gorilla permits cost $800 and can be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or through tour operators. The best time for gorilla trekking is between June and August.
Golden Monkey Tracking: Golden monkeys, a subspecies of blue monkeys, inhabit the Albertine Rift and Virunga ranges in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These playful primates have beautiful golden coats and weigh around twenty pounds. They thrive in large groups of up to 80 individuals.
Golden monkey tracking begins at 8 am after a briefing. During rain, they tend to hide from eagles, making the chances of spotting them 85%.
Visitors have one hour to observe their behavior and take photos. Golden Monkey Permits cost $100.
Only Mgahinga National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) offer habituated golden monkey groups for tourists.
Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga National Park: One of the captivating activities in Mgahinga National Park is ascending one of its three volcanoes: Sabyinyo, Gahinga (3474 meters), and Muhavura (4127 meters). Sabinyo is believed to be the oldest, while Muhavura is the youngest. These three volcanoes straddle the borders of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. At an elevation of 3669 meters, Mount Sabyinyo is the most popular among hikers. Reaching its summit offers a unique opportunity to stand in all three countries simultaneously. The easiest climb is Mount Gahinga, which takes approximately six hours.
Three-Day Volcano Hike: Hiking to the summits of all three volcanoes within three days rewards adventurers with breathtaking views of the three countries with the following views: – the Virunga Mountain range, crater lakes, swamps, rare alpine vegetation, the Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Lake Edward.
Mental preparedness and physical fitness are essential for completing these hikes. While seasoned hikers may find the summit of these mountains relatively easy, inexperienced hikers should be well-prepared. Carrying packed food, water, a sleeping bag, and a tent is crucial in case an overnight stay becomes necessary. The cost of climbing each volcano is $80.
Bird Watching: Mgahinga National Park is a prime birding destination in Uganda. With over 110 bird species, the park’s caves, forests, lakes, and mountains offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. The best time for birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is between April and May, as well as October to November. Many birds nest from November to April, while European migrants arrive around the same time. Keep an eye out for species such as the Yellow-Vented Bulbul, Yellow-Throated Longclaw, White-Starred Robin, White-Necked Raven, Western Green Tinkerbird, and many others!
Nature walks: Explore the pristine forests, lakes, rivers, swamps, and mountain slopes of Mgahinga National Park through invigorating nature walks. One of the trails leads to picturesque village plantations, allowing you to connect with local communities like the Batwa. Another trail, along the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo, takes you to a point where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo converge. This scenic route, approximately five hours long, traverses’ various vegetation zones and provides opportunities to spot primates such as golden monkeys and the caldera on Gisozi hill. From the summit of Gisozi hill, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the park, Bwindi impenetrable forest, and the majestic Virunga Mountain range. Some trails, like the challenging 5-hour Sabyinyo gorge walk, lead to steep sections of the park, demanding good fitness levels. The Sabinyo gorge trail winds through Mount Sabyinyo’s slopes, offering glimpses of diverse vegetation, birdlife, and volcanic features. As you explore these trails, stay alert to the melodious calls of resident birds and the playful antics of monkeys leaping from tree to tree. Who knows—you might even encounter elusive large mammals like antelope and elephants!
The Batwa Trail and Cultural Visit: In the vicinity of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, several tribes reside, but the most captivating among them are the Batwa people. Their history is intricately tied to the park. For thousands of years, the Batwa thrived as hunters and gatherers within the Mgahinga forest until their eviction in 1991. They were resettled on the outskirts of the forest. While in the forest, life was abundant and straightforward. Each morning, they would wake up to harvest honey, pick fruits, hunt animals, or collect medicinal forest leaves. They moved freely without restrictions, and conflicts with other tribes were rare.
However, their idyllic existence came to an abrupt halt when the forest was designated a national park. The government believed that the Batwa’s presence hindered conservation efforts and posed a threat to mountain gorillas. Hunting, once a way of life, was now considered poaching. Consequently, the Batwa were evicted from the forest and resettled in areas surrounding and beyond the park. Unfortunately, their adaptation to life outside the forest was challenging. They had to interact with tribes they had avoided for centuries, learning new survival skills like agriculture and trade. Marginalized by other tribes, the Batwa struggled, leaving them significantly poorer than their counterparts.
In response to their plight, local and international organizations initiated livelihood projects. These programs aimed to help the Batwa explore alternative income sources, such as goat rearing, chicken farming, and beekeeping. Some organizations even acquired land (with titles) for the landless Batwa.
The Batwa Cultural Trail offers a profound experience, allowing visitors to encounter an authentic indigenous African tribe. Supported by organizations like USAID, this cultural journey sheds light on the Batwa’s past and their current challenges outside the forest’s safety. Unlike the visit in Bwindi, the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga is more comprehensive. Led by Batwa guides, it takes you into the forest, where you learn about their historical life as hunters, warriors, and gatherers. The trail includes a visit to the ancient Ngarama caves, where their leaders once held war meetings and made sacrifices to their gods.
After exploring the forest, visitors are led to the Batwa community for cultural entertainment. Here, sorrowful songs recount their lost way of life, fading culture, and the unfamiliar new world they face. Being with the Batwa is a moving experience, prompting reflection on the success of their resettlement. The Batwa Trail costs $80, with part of the proceeds directly benefiting Batwa entertainers and guides, while the rest contributes to the community fund for acquiring books and paying fees for Batwa children.
Feel free to explore these captivating activities during your visit!
Share this tourAt Gorilla Trek Safaris, we specialize in crafting unforgettable adventures to witness one of nature’s most majestic creatures – the mountain gorilla. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, our journeys take you to the lush forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where you’ll embark on a life-changing experience, trekking through pristine wilderness to encounter these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
E: info@gorillatreksafaris.com
T: +256 787 356 511
X: x.com/GTreksafafaris