Uganda Safari In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda Safari In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southern Uganda’s Kisoro District. It was designated a national park in 1991 and has a radius of 33.7 square kilometers, making it the smallest national park in Uganda. It is well-known for being a haven for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is also home to over 390 bird species, 184 of which have been seen. The crested ibis, black-faced ibis, waxbills, chickadees, and Rwenzori batis are among them. More so, the Park is home to 76 mammals among which are buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, leopards, civets, golden cats, jackals and porcupines however due to the difficult terrain and most being nocturnal, they are rarely seen.

Highlights for a Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in the main highlight for a Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Additionally, the park is home to two gorilla families such as he Nyakagezi and the Hirwa. This activity is a guided tour by an armed ranger and it involves walking through the jungles of the forest on foot to search for gorilla habituated families.  Gorilla trekking safari in this remarkable national park starts early in the morning at 8:00am with a briefing about the rules and regulations as well as the expectation while in the forest. After the briefing you’ll be located an armed guide who will lead you to the forest to search for the gorillas in tire natural habitat.

During your gorilla trek, you’ll also have the chance to meet with other creatures that dwell n the park such as golden monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, leopards, civets, golden cats. You’ll also have the chance to sight different bird species as well as encounter with the Batwa people.

Once you have found these fascinating primates, you will be allowed1 hour interaction with them as you watch how they do with their daily activities such as feeding, breast feeding, playing and interacting with each other among others.

 For one to embark on this thrilling activity while on a Uganda safari in Mgahinga is required to perches a gorilla trekking permit. This permit allows you to see these gorillas in their natural habitat.  The gorilla permit for trekking in Mgahinga cost same like for Bwindi that $800 pp for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African Resident.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden Monkey tracking an exciting adventure you can enjoy after going gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This unique activity takes place only in this national park. Just like with gorilla tracking, this also begins early in the morning with briefing about the rules and regulation and also expectations. There after, you’ll be allocated an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger who will lead you to the forest in search for these playful endangered monkeys.  If your interested in participating, you can easily buy permits when you arrive at the park headquarters. The Golden Monkey tracking permit cost $60 pp for foreign non residents, $50 for foreign residents and 40,000 Uganda shillings for East African Resident.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is also another safari highlight to the park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best places for bird watching in Uganda, the park is home to over 360 bird species with various Albertine endemics. During your bird watching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot different bird species such as African olive pigeon, alpine swift, black kite, cape robin chat, pin-tailed whydah, Albertine owlet, double-collared sunbird, yellow-billed kite, African paradise flycatcher, black kite, alpine chat, grey crowned hornbill, hadada ibis, malachite sunbird, speckled mousebird, grey capped warbler and more.

Batwa Trail Experience

Batwa Trail Experience is another safari highlight to this national park. the Batwa are also known as Pygmies famous for their hunting, gathering skills, and ferocious warriors who have lived in the park’s woodlands for ages. During your visit, you’ll get to be entertained by their traditional dance, music and story telling.  You will also have the chance to explore the forest to learn about the medical plants and the use to human body, you also get opportunity to see and participate in traditional cooking methods among others.

Volcano hiking

Climbing a volcano is one of the unique experiences you can have at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. the park is home to three impressive peaks: Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. Each of these hikes can fill an entire day with adventure and stunning sights.

Mount Gahinga stands at 3,474 meters and typically requires around 6 hours to hike up and back down. During your hike, you’ll encounter lush bamboo forests, interesting calderas, playful golden monkeys, and striking giant lobelias. The experience is not just a workout, but a chance to immerse yourself in nature.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also tackle Mount Muhabura, which towers at 4,127 meters. This hike is about 12 miles long and generally takes about 8 hours for the round trip. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views that include Lake Edward, the ancient Bwindi Forest, the majestic Virunga Mountain range, and even Mount Rwenzori in the distance.

For those considering Mount Sabinyo, it’s important to come prepared, both in body and mind, for the challenging eight-hour trek. This mountain has an elevation of 3,669 meters and involves a round trip of 14 kilometers.

Best time to go for a Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park in Uganda is open throughout the year. The dry season, from June to October, and the winter season, from mid-December to February, are the ideal times for visitors. This month makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown

Where to stay while on a Uganda safari in the park

While there are a range of accommodation options available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the accommodation facilities in the park ranges from luxury, mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here includes majambere Iwak Camp, Volcano Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge, Bird’s Nest Bunyoni Resort, Bunyoni Overland Resort, Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Countryside Guest House, and Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel mong others

How to get the park

You can get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park either by road or by air. The park is situated roughly 15 kilometers south of Kisoro and about 55 kilometers to the west of Kabale District. If you’re coming from Kampala, the distance is around 494 kilometers, and it usually takes about 8.5 hours to drive there along the Kabale-Mbarara road. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a quicker route, you can book a domestic flight with Aero link Aviation from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield straight to Kisoro Airfield. This flight usually lasts about 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Uganda Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your gorilla safari in Uganda.