Mgahinga Gorilla National Park : The park, which is covered with montane-woodland, bamboo, and montane-forest, contains a large population of the only golden primates located in the world.
In addition, the Rwandan Hirwa family occasionally joins the Nyakagezi family in Mgahinga, the habitat of both gorilla families. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is believed to have significant biological significance due to the fact that the Virunga mountains served as a refuge for mountain plants and animals that migrate upward or downward as the earth warms during the Pleistocene ice ages.
There are a large number of golden primates in the park\’s montane-forest, bamboo, and montane-woodland habitats. In addition, the Rwandan Hirwa family occasionally joins the Nyakagezi family in Mgahinga, the habitat of both gorilla families. It is believed that Mgahinga National Park has significant biological value because the Virunga mountains served as a refuge for mountain plants and wildlife species that moved up or even down the slopes as the planet warmed during the Pleistocene ice ages.
Mountains, forests, and wetlands in the national park serve as significant water catchment areas for a number of minor rivers and streams. Native Bafumbira, Batwa, and Bakiga inhabitants rely on rivers such as Ntebeko, Kabaranyuma, and Nyabirerema for the region\’s essential and scarce water supply.
Mgahinga is so essential to us because of its grandeur and diversity, which includes semi-Alpine vegetation, woods, tropical forests, wetlands, and bamboo. Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Sabyinyo, all of which are part of the larger Virunga Ranges, are among the park\’s many interesting features. Add Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi to the Rwandan side, and the constantly active Nyiragongo Volcano to the Congo side.
Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
We look up to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park because it receives so few visitors; whether you come for gorilla trekking, nature walks, mountain climbing, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, Batwa excursions, etc., the park will be empty. Aside from gorilla trekking, the preponderance of activities in Mgahinga do not typically require reservations.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National park
Mountain gorilla trekking is an activity that attracts visitors to Mgahinga. Each day at 8:00 a.m., it commences. Depending on the activity of the gorillas, the journey can last anywhere from one to seven hours. Once you have met and photographed the gorillas, you can spend at least an hour observing them. Trekking gorillas is a truly unforgettable experience that you will not soon forget.
In this region, there is only one habituated gorilla family, named Nyakagezi, consisting of eight individuals: an infant named Rukundo, Nvuyekure, Nshuti, Mutagamba, Bugingo, Mark, and Mathew. Bugingo, a dominant male silverback, is the family\’s leader. In Mgahinga, there have been reports of gorillas crossing from Uganda into Rwanda and vice versa.
In 2019, the silverback male Munyinya led the Hirwa gorilla family from Rwanda to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The Hirwa Gorilla Family was seeking for an abundance of fruit and new foliage near the Ugandan border. Mgahinga has more produce, but fewer gorillas than other regions. The family of Hirwa gorillas migrated into Uganda in quest of better opportunities, just as humans do.
Assume that the mountain gorillas have relocated from Uganda to Rwanda when booking gorilla permits. The Uganda Wildlife Authority will then either reimburse the visitors or offer them the opportunity to go Gorilla trekking in the adjacent Bwindi Forest National Park.
The best periods to go mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park are June through August and December through January. During the dry season, the trails are not boggy, making hiking easier, and gorillas are typically present. In general, it will be easier to travel through the mountains during the dry season than during the rainy season.
Golden Monkey trekking
Mgahinga National Park is the only location in Uganda where golden monkey trekking is permitted. Golden primates are observable in the vegetation regions of the Virunga Volcanoes. They have bright orange-gold hair and are engaging, inquisitive primates. Due to the propensity of golden monkeys to be active in bamboo forests in search of bamboo stalks as sustenance, golden monkey excursions typically begin at 6:30 a.m.
Although trekking with golden primates can be challenging, it will not be as difficult because you will be traveling at least 2,500 meters above sea level. The habituation of golden monkeys costs $100 per person, whereas golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park costs $60 per person. To acclimate these primates to human presence for conservation and tourism purposes, researchers and veterinarians must be present.
Mountain Climbing
A visit to Mgahinga is incomplete without trekking. In actuality, this is where many individuals who are interested in mountaineering in Uganda end up. Mount Gahinga (3,474 meters), Mount Muhavura (4,127 meters), and Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 meters) are among the park\’s frigid mountains. All of these mountains, including the continually active Nyiragongo Volcano in the Congo and Rwanda\’s Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi, are part of the larger Virunga Ranges.
The majority of visitors choose to hike Mount Sabyinyo because it is simpler and allows them to stand between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at an altitude of 3669 meters. The most challenging journey here is the ascent of Mount Muhavura, which begins at 7:30 a.m. and takes approximately 9 hours, depending on your schedule. After ascending 1,793 meters, hikers are strongly advised to take precautions against high altitude sickness in order to avoid becoming ill.
However, experienced hikers may find these trails tolerable and straightforward, whereas novice hikers must be mentally and physically prepared. An individual can hike these summits for as little as $80 per day. Some visitors may find it difficult to return the next day and end up spending the night on the summit, which could result in an increase in costs.
Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park
Some of the birds to watch here includes Stone Chat, Ibis, Pin-tailed Whydah, Regal Sunbird, Grey-capped Warbler, Firefinch, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Black Kite, Kivu-ground Thrush, Yellow vented Bulbul, Wax Bills, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, White-naped Raven, Dusky Turtle Dove, White-naped Raven, Malachite Sunbird, Mountain masked apalis, Handsome Francolin, and many more some of which are rift valley endemics. Perhaps you would like to observe birds in Rwanda.
The month of November is recommended for birdwatching trips to Mgahinga.
Nature Walks and Cultural Encounters
People engage in nature and village treks along the rims of the volcanic mountains. On the travelers\’ route are the Rugezi wetland, bamboo forests, and untamed vegetation. This opportunity allows them to visit the nearby lakes, including Lake Mutanda, the terraced lands, and the woodland animals that reside there.
The indigenous Batwa tribe formerly resided in Mgahinga National Park, where they conducted all of their forest-based activities, including hunting, livestock, and gathering. Therefore, visitors can visit Batwa communities outside the park while in Mgahinga. Children can observe, among other things, how the natives live, dress, consume, and dance. It has a distinctive culture.
What is the ideal time of year to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Visit Mgahinga during the lengthy dry season, which begins in June and lasts until August. In January and February, Mgahinga Park experiences a limited arid season, which is once again an excellent time to visit. North Americans and Europeans prefer the arid season to visit the park. During these seasons, children over 15 would benefit tremendously from learning about nature\’s marvels. This time of year has reduced malaria rates because you are more likely to encounter fewer insects. Due to the sparse vegetation, it may be easier to follow forest trails when tracing gorillas. During the arid season, Uganda experiences an increase in tourist arrivals.
Visit Mgahinga during the lengthy dry season, which begins in June and continues through July and August. During the wet season, there are fewer travelers, more lush vegetation, excellent wildlife viewing, and cheaper hotel rates. Although mountain gorillas can be observed year-round, during the rainy season they tend to remain on the lower elevations.
Since the dry season occurs during the summer months of the northern hemisphere, when schools are on summer break, there is an increase in the number of visitors during this time. The lowest nighttime temperatures range between 10 C (50 F) and 12 C (54 F), while the highest daytime temperatures range between 22 C (72 F) and 24 C (75 F).
How to get to Mgahinga National Park
There are two ways to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: by aircraft or by vehicle, departing from Entebbe Airport in Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda.
Mgahinga National Park is accessible from Entebbe or Kampala. Via Road
Traveling 509 kilometers (approximately 9 hours) southwest from Kampala, Uganda\’s capital, to Kisoro, then by compact car to the park entrance. From Kisoro town to the park entrance is a challenging voyage. For this challenging stretch, you will need to charter a robust 4×4. The road is paved and quite picturesque, passing through rural, bustling markets, farms, and the Equator.
Getting to Mgahinga National Park from Kigali By Road.
This is a fast option for individuals traveling on a frugal budget and with limited time. You can board a bus from Rwanda\’s capital, Kigali, to the Ugandan border crossing at Cyanika. The journey takes approximately four hours, and it is extraordinary that gorilla permits here cost only 700 dollars, whereas they cost $1,500 on Rwanda\’s side of the frontier. Rwanda or Uganda: which is preferable for gorilla trekking?
By Air
Every day, local flights with a one-hour flight duration from Entebbe can transport you to the park.
Accommodations within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Visitors to Mgahinga National Park have a variety of hotel options, including budget, mid-range, and upscale accommodations. Close to the park is the town of Kisoro, which offers a variety of reasonably priced accommodation options, but there is only one Gahinga lodge for those who wish to stay in opulence. We recommend reserving cabins and campsites close to the park because the majority of events conducted there begin at approximately 8:00 a.m.This section lists the hotels, lodges, and campgrounds available to visitors of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga Lodge, located near the park\’s entrance, is a luxurious accommodation option with breathtaking views of the Virunga highlands.
The resort was constructed by Praveen Moman and opened in 2002.
Our resort is the perfect launching point for mountain mountaineering and gorilla excursions.
Eii Mount Gahinga Lodge draws design inspiration from the traditional Bakiga tribe. There are now two new deluxe bandas, and the lounge, dining area, and gardens have all been renovated. The enchanting aesthetic traditions of the Bufimbira people are exemplified by the exquisite hand-built bandas. Each banda features its own patio, fireplace, and opulent bathing area.
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Each of the accommodations at Chameleon Hill, which is situated on the shoreline of Lake Mutanda, has its own unique personality, color scheme, and private garden. Each has a magnificent view of the lake. The finest showers in Uganda are located in the en-suite bathroom, which also features a panoramic window overlooking the lake and volcanoes.
The inn delivers tea or coffee to your room in the early morning so you can appreciate the view from your room\’s spacious balcony. We will do this prior to departing for brunch, chimpanzee tracking, or any of our other activities.
Lake Mutanda Resort
located beneath the Virunga Mountains on Lake Mutanda\’s promontory.
The endless Virunga mountains provide the resort with the most breathtaking views on earth, as well as opulent accommodations. People who wish to go gorilla trekking, unwind on the lake, or observe birds will find the lodge to be an excellent launching point.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Ammajambere Iwacu Community Camp (AICC) was established in 1994 by families displaced by the establishment of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP). The AICC was established to provide local communities that lost agricultural income due to the creation of MGNP access to tourism as a replacement source of income.
The locals constructed bandas to shelter visitors with the assistance of Swedish acquaintances and a grant from the USAID Peace Corps. Investing in a community tourism campsite would enhance the park administration\’s relationship with the locals, thereby aiding mountain gorilla conservation.
