Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park: A Volcanic Wonderland

Located in the Virunga Massif, Mgahinga’s peaks are extinct volcanoes that tower above the landscape. The park’s altitude spans from 2,227m to 4,127m above sea level, with a total area of 34km². Protected since 1930 as a Game Sanctuary, it was officially gazetted as a national park in 1991.

The temperature varies with altitude, but averages:

– 20°C (68°F) during the day
– 9°C (48°F) at night on the lower slopes

Note that for every 1,000m increase in altitude, the temperature drops by 6°C (11°F), creating a unique and diverse climate zone within the park.”

Things to Do at Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

 

Mgahinga’s gorilla trekking experience mirrors that of Bwindi, with morning departures at 9 am. The trek’s duration varies depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once contact is made, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour with the gorillas, maintaining a safe distance of 7 meters. Afterward, return to Park HQ through the forest, typically arriving by early afternoon.

Mgahinga is home to the habituated Nyakagazi group, consisting of:

– 5 silverbacks
– 2 adult females
– 3 young gorillas

Although the family occasionally crosses into Rwanda, they have been consistently present in Uganda since 2012. If they move again after permits are purchased, the Ugandan Wildlife Authority guarantees a refund or trek relocation to Bwindi.

Remember, gorilla trekking can be physically and mentally demanding. Ensure you’re well-prepared and dressed appropriately for this challenging yet rewarding experience – one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the world.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga

Discover the enchanting golden monkeys, large, curious, and playful Old World monkeys inhabiting the bamboo zone of the Virunga Volcanoes. Distinguished by their vibrant orange-gold coats, cheeks, and tails, with black limbs, crowns, and tail-ends, these charismatic creatures roam the bamboo forest in search of food.

Now accustomed to human presence, they continue their foraging and playful antics undisturbed. Found at elevations above 2,500 meters, the trek is challenging yet typically less demanding than gorilla tracking.

Choose from two trekking options:

– Standard Trek: Spend an hour with these captivating monkeys
– Habituation Trek: Join the research team for an extended experience on the mountain, gaining deeper insights into their behavior and habitat”

Volcano Climbing/ Hiking

Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) – ‘Old Man’s Teeth’

Time has weathered Mt. Sabyinyo’s crown, earning it the local nickname ‘Old Man’s Teeth’. This majestic mountain offers three challenging peaks to conquer, with a hike that takes you:

1. Up a ridge along the eastern side to the first peak
2. Across a narrow ridge with breathtaking drops into Rwandan and Ugandan gorges
3. Steeply up to the third peak, using ladders and scrambling through rugged terrain

The reward? Standing simultaneously in three countries: Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda! This thrilling experience takes approximately 8 hours to complete, covering a 14km round-trip journey.

Embrace the challenge and marvel at the triple triumph from Mt. Sabyinyo’s summit!

Mount Gahinga (3,474m)

As you journey to Mgahinga National Park, notice the small stone piles in the garden fields, locally known as ‘Gahinga’. Mt. Gahinga, though larger than these piles, appears smaller alongside Mt. Muhavura.

Embark on a 6-hour round-trip hike through a stunning bamboo forest, leading to the mountain’s summit. Once home to a crater lake, time has transformed it into a lush swamp, now 8km away.

Discover the natural beauty of Mt. Gahinga, with its unique landscape and breathtaking views.

Mount Muhavura (4,127m) – ‘The Guide’

Dominating the Kisoro landscape, Mt. Muhavura serves as a majestic guide, offering breathtaking views from its summit. The 8-hour, 12km round-trip hike traverses a rocky terrain covered with grass and small shrubs, culminating in a spectacular panorama:

– Virunga volcanoes in DRC
– Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park
– Bwindi’s lush landscape
– Rwenzori Mountain’s towering peaks

Important: Due to the lack of facilities at the summit, hikers are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before, bringing:

– Tent
– Water
– Food
– Sleeping gear

Be prepared for an unforgettable adventure on Mt. Muhavura

Birding in Mgahinga National Park

Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will take you through some of the most beautiful sceneries around like the montane forest, the trail in the gorge between Sabyinyo and Gahinga, and the bamboo trail.

The gorge trail is blessed with unique birds like the; Olive thrush, regal sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, Rwenzori batis, cape robin chat, and bronze sunbird.

In total 79 bird species have so far been recorded within the park, including several species that are endemic to the East Congo Montane region, and the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole has over 295 species in the Virunga’s that are endemic to the Albertine rift Afromontane region representing 59% of the total of known endemic species.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For a luxurious and immersive experience, Mount Gahinga Lodge is the premier choice, located just a short walk from the park gate. This stylish lodge, a sister property to Volcanoes Bwindi and Kyambura Gorge, boasts beautiful gardens that attract local wildlife, bringing the outdoors to your doorstep.

The lodge is also committed to supporting the local Batwa community, who were relocated from the forest when the park was established. Their initiatives include:

– Building a village and cultural center
– Establishing a dance group to promote integration with other local communities
– Launching a vocational training center

Alternatively, guests can stay at nearby lodges on Lake Mutanda, such as Chameleon Hill, Lake Mutanda resort, Ikoro, Gahinga rest camp, or on Lake Bunyonyi, like Acardia cottages, and take day trips to Mgahinga.

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda’s equatorial location and variable climate mean that rain is always possible. However, the heaviest rainfall typically occurs:

– Mid-March to May (short, intense showers)
– September to November (longer, softer drizzle)

While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the wetter months can make trails more challenging. The most popular times for gorilla trekking are:

– June to mid-September (drier months)
– December, January, and February (drier months)

But don’t overlook the ‘rainy season’! Permits are easier to obtain on short notice, and there’s a unique thrill to sitting among gorillas, mud-covered and carefree, feeling like you’re the only ones in the forest.

Getting to Mgahinga National Park

By Road

Mgahinga National Park, located in Kisoro, is approximately 540 km from Kampala city, a 9-10 hour drive. The journey offers a series of exciting experiences:

– Stop at the Equator: Stand in both hemispheres simultaneously and capture memorable photos.
– Scenic Beauty: Wind through mountainous terrain, terraced landscapes, and picturesque Kigezi hills.
– Breathtaking Views: Take in steep slopes, crater lakes, and majestic Virunga peaks as you approach Kisoro.

The drive is a highlight of your trip, with its ever-changing scenery and ascending roads through the Kigezi hills. Enjoy the stunning views and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Mgahinga National Park.

Fly to Kisoro

Short on time or prefer to avoid the long drive? Consider a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or a charter flight from Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, which takes approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival, your driver-guide will:

– Meet you at the airstrip
– Transfer you to your booked accommodation
– Take you to the park headquarters to begin your activities

This convenient option saves time and energy, allowing you to focus on your Mgahinga National Park adventure.