Mgahinga Gorilla National Park set along the south-west tip of Uganda is a premier destination known for mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking experiences, volcano hiking, birding and Batwa cultural expereince. At 34 sq km, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park that protects a section of the greater Virunga mountain ranges namely; Mt. Gahinga (3475m), Muhavura (4127m) and Sabyinyo (3669m).
It is on these slopes of Mgahinga NP where the bulky silverback mountain gorilla occur alongside the charismatic golden monkey – where Silver meets the Gold!
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Biodiversity
Mgahinga Gorilla NP is the oldest park in the country gazetted in the 1930’s as a gorilla sanctuary but upgraded to the national park status in 1992 to protect a unique ecosystem that lies above 2280m altitude line. The park sits within the Albertine Endemic Rift a biodiversity hotspot of various wildlife, birdlife and plant. The diversity at Mgahinga Gorilla NP up to 76 mammal species includes mountain gorillas and the largest population of the golden monkey, mountain buffalo, duiker, Three-horned chameleon and more.
Maghinga NP is an excellent birding hotspot with over 120 species out of which 14 are restricted Albertine Endemics.
Quick Facts
- Size: 34sq km
- Altitude: 2280-4127m
- Mammals: 76 animal species
- Birds: 115 bird species
Attractions and Activities to do at Mgahinga Gorilla NP
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Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience
Gorilla trekking experience is a popular activity and major highlight to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park currently hosts only one habituated mountain gorilla group named Nyakagyezi that roam across the secondary forest on the lower altitude of 2650 all the way to 4127m on Mt Muhavura. Daily trek activities start from the visitor’s offices of Ntebeko or Muhabura leading to the home range where gorilla group feeds and on encountering them, get to spend an hour watching their interactions and behavior.
It worth noting that, Mgahinga gorilla trekking permits are a high demand product that require early booking and payment.
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Bird Watching on Mgahinga Gorilla NP
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best birding hotspots and features on most Uganda birding tours. Highlights her include a quality list of montane specialists and Albertine Endemics. The vegetation zones across the park altitude ranges include; bamboo zones, heath and high-altitude swamps, and moorland hosting a variety of bird species.
Bird highlights include; Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Archers Robin Chat, Handsome Spurfowl and more. One of the popular and fruitful birding trail at Mgahinga Gorilla NP is Sabinyo gorge trail.
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Golden Monkey Trekking and Habituation Experience
Golden monkey trekking is another highlight for adventurers to Mgahinga NP where you get to trek up-close a troop of these habituated monkeys as they forage. Endemic to the Albertine Rift, golden monkeys are very active and social primates characterized by golden back and cheeks. Troops are led by dominant male feeding primarily on young bamboo shoots and peaceful occur along the giant mountain gorilla. Maghinga Gorilla NP supports the largest population of these primates.
Daily trekking experiences start from the ark offices of Ntebeko or Muhabura where duration varies from 4-6 hrs.
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Volcano Hiking
Mgahinga Gorilla NP offers several hiking options to suit all adventure fitness levels and adrenaline apatite. Daily hiking excursions begin early from the park’s offices to any of the 3 different volcanic peaks of Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Full hikes to the peaks range between 8-10 hours but Muhabura offers a chance to camp mid hike making it a multi-day hike. On a hike you will have excellent views of distant mountain ranges and chances to encounter local wildlife and birdlife as you hike through various vegetation types.
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The Batwa Cultural Walk and other guided Nature Walks
Mgahinga Gorilla NP offers an an excellent cultural experience with the Batwa, the original residents of most montane forests in the Albertine rift. This Batwa cultural tour is a demonstrative activity where the Batwa lead you along ancient footpaths showing hunting and fire-making, skills, point out useful medicinal herbs, warfare skills and storytelling.
The cultural walk reaches Garama cave compound, the former Batwa chiefdom headquarters and cultural site, where you will be invited to participate in the earth-shaking warrior dances. Lastly, do support the Batwa women’s group by purchasing some handmade crafts on display.