Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Places for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a captivating national park located in southwestern Uganda. It is part of the larger Virunga Massif, a transboundary protected area shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park offers a unique and intimate gorilla tracking experience, combined with stunning volcanic landscapes and rich cultural encounters. It provides a memorable and conservation-focused adventure for those seeking to explore Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures.
Location
Mgahinga National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometres (13 square miles).
Mountain Gorillas
The park is renowned for its population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. It is one of the few places in the world where visitors can have an opportunity to track and observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The park is home to one habituated gorilla group, which can be tracked by a limited number of visitors each day.
Volcanic Mountains
Mgahinga National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains, a range of volcanic mountains that includes three major peaks: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. These towering mountains offer stunning views and serve as a scenic backdrop to the park.
Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is home to a population of endangered golden monkeys. These primates have a striking appearance with their bright golden-orange fur. Visitors can embark on golden monkey tracking experiences to observe and learn about these unique creatures.
Bird Watching
Mgahinga National Park is a haven for bird watchers, with over 180 bird species recorded within its borders. Bird enthusiasts can spot various colourful and endemic species, including the Rwenzori turaco, Kivu ground thrush, and the beautiful blue-headed sunbird.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The park offers a range of hiking and nature trails that take visitors through its diverse landscapes, including bamboo forests, montane forests, and open meadows. These trails provide opportunities to explore the park’s flora, fauna, and volcanic features, with Mount Sabinyo being a popular hiking destination.
Batwa Cultural Experience
The indigenous Batwa people, also known as the “Pygmies,” have a rich cultural heritage in the region. Visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can engage in cultural experiences and learn about the Batwa’s traditional way of life, including their hunting techniques, music, dance, and storytelling.
Accessibility to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park can be reached by road from the nearby town of Kisoro or from Kabale. It takes approximately 8-9 hours by road to reach the park from Kampala, the capital city. The nearest airport is in Kisoro, which serves domestic flights.