Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lying along the south-west tip of Uganda is the country’s smallest park known for thrilling mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking experiences, volcano hiking, birding and Batwa cultural expereince. The 34 sq km, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects the Ugandan side of the greater Virunga mountain ranges namely; Mt. Gahinga (3475m), Muhavura (4127m) and Sabyinyo (3669m) that lies at the intersection of three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.
Biodiversity of Mgahinga Gorilla NP
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 NPup to 76 mammal species includes mountain gorillas and the largest population of the golden monkey, mountain buffalo, duiker, Three-horned chameleon and more.
Birdlife is excellent with over 120 species where up to are 14 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
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 trk upclose 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. Maghainga 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.