Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a captivating destination nestled in southwestern Uganda, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. It is the second home of gorilla tracking in Uganda, but with fewer and migrating mountain gorillas.
Key Attractions:
The park has an iconic Volcanic landscape dominated by three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo, offering stunning vistas and diverse habitats and a breathtaking scenerary is extremely exceptional. Hikes are arranged to some of these mountains as a way of experiencing the beauty of the park.
Mountain Gorillas: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can track and observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga is richly rewarding.
Golden Monkeys: The park is also home to the unique and elusive golden monkeys, another endangered primate species that is only in the virunga ranges. The good way of enjoying this park is by doing golden monkey tracking.
Diverse Wildlife: Beyond primates, the park supports a variety of mammals, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards,
Rich birdlife, a good spot for birding of the rare endemic species of birds. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is renowned for its diverse birdlife, boasting over 180 species. Among these are 14 Albertine Rift endemics, making it a birder's paradise. Here are some of the notable endemic bird species you might encounter: Rwenzori Turaco: A vibrant bird with a striking green and purple plumage; Handsome Francolin: A ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive call; Rwenzori Batis: A small, olive-green bird with a yellow belly; Kivu Ground-Thrush: A shy bird with a beautiful song; Blue-headed Weaver: A small weaver bird with a distinctive blue head; Black-collared Apalis: A small warbler with a black collar; Dusky Crimsonwing: A small, colorful bird with a crimson wing patch; Red-throated Alethe: A shy bird with a reddish throat; Regal Sunbird: A small sunbird with a metallic green head and a red throat. These being part of the big list of endemic bird species that can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park also offers opportunities to see other fascinating bird species, such as the crowned hornbill, the African paradise flycatcher, and the double-collared sunbird.
For a bird enthusiast, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is definitely worth a visit.
Batwa Trail Experience: Mgahinga Gorillas National park provides opportunities for cultural experience. Batwa Trail Experience is a cultural program to enable visitors interact with the Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest, and learn about their traditional way of life. The trail gives visitors a glimpse of the former ways of living in forest, they will show you how they lived in the forest, where they stayed, how they got food, how they to used to hunt, how they got mecidines to keep them healthy while in the forest. The Batwa people lived and survived in the forest before they were resettled out of the forest for conservation purposes.
Activities to do in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla Trekking: An unforgettable experience, tracking mountain gorillas through the dense forest.
Golden Monkey Tracking: A chance to observe these playful primates in their natural bamboo habitat.
Volcano Hiking: Challenging but rewarding hikes to the summits of the three volcanoes, offering panoramic views.
Nature Walks: Explore the diverse ecosystems of the park on guided nature walks.
Cultural Visits: Meet the Batwa people and learn about their traditional customs and beliefs.
FAQ:
When is Best Time to Visit?: The dry seasons (December to February and June to September) offer the best weather for trekking and wildlife viewing.
How do get Permits: Permits are required for gorilla and golden monkey tracking and must be booked in advance, once you book a safari with us, we book all permits for you.
Accommodation: A range of accommodation options are available within and around the park, from budget-friendly campsites to luxurious lodges.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a truly special place, offering a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the African wilderness and contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
