Mgahinga National Park covers a total area of 33.7km2 and is the Uganda’s smallest National Park. This Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation area that covers the northern slopes of three Virunga Volcanoes including Mountain Gahinga, Sabinyo and Mountain Muhavura.
Located about 10 km south of Kisoro, Mgahinga is bordered by Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda to the south and to the west by DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.
These three parks together form 434 square kilometers Virunga Massif which spans over the three countries. Its natural habitats consists of Albertine Rift montane forests, Rwenzori Virunga montane moorlands, an alpine zone and bamboo forests boasting a diverse range of Wildlife species.
All this flora is favored by the average rainfall received by the Park during two wet seasons (February to May and September to December). The Park’s average rainfall per month range from 250mm in October to 10 mm during the month of July.
Of the highly inhabited Wildlife Species, the rarely seen Mountain Gorillas and Golden monkey species are the most notable when it comes to tourism in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Besides its breathing primates, Mgahinga is also recorded with plenty of different bird species including the Albertine Rift endemic. This stands one of the main reasons why a lot of birders opt for this Park.
Some of the commonly sighted species include Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, collared apalis, mountain masked apalis, handsome francolin, stripe-breasted tit, blue-headed sunbird, regal sunbird, dusky crimson-wing, red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Archer’s ground robin, strange weaver, montane nightjar to mention but a few.
Perched in the south western part of Uganda, by road it’s about 55 kilometers west of Kabale town and 15 kilometers south of Kisoro town.
How to get there.
By Road
This Park is about 510km from Kampala, it takes about 8-9hours for the drive (434km) from Kampala to Kabale town on good tarmac. From Kabale its 76km to Kisoro where you continue to the suburbs of the Park.
Alternatively, you can go by the route which leaves the main Kabale road towards the shorelines of scenic Lake Bunyonyi to rejoin Kabale-Kisoro main road’s halfway point at Muko. Mgahinga’s main entrance “Ntebeko” is 14km from Kisoro town.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 510km from Kampala; the most commonly used route passes through Kabale and Kisoro.
The 434km journey from Kampala to Kabale can be completed in 8 hours on good tarmac. It is then a further 76km to Kisoro town on a mountainous tarmac road with steep ascents and descents.
The usual route for those travelling from Kampala to Mgahinga is Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway including stop over at the equator and in Mbarara town for lunch.
After lunch the Journey continues till you reach the Park suburbs. En route are spectacular views of rolling hills with terraces, picturesque landscapes and more to awe.
Mgahinga can as well be accessed from Bwindi. From Nkuringo and Rushaga sector, Mgahinga National Park and Kisoro town lies 14 and 28km respectively. Then from Buhoma, it’s about a four hours’ drive. Dirt roads from Buhoma sector pass through Ruhija to join Kabale- Kisoro road.
By Air.
If not road transport, you can go by air means. Private charters are usually arranged from Kajjansi up to an airstrip in Kisoro. From here, transfer by road using suitable safari vehicle up to the Park.
Activities to do in the Park
Gorilla Trekking.
This is the main activity done in this Park, the excursion is arranged on daily basis by the park officials. It usually involves moving in a group with ranger guide following the well-established routes heading to the Jungle in search of these apes. Only a group of eight people are allowed for a gorilla family per day.
After locating their presence, you are only allowed to stay in their presence for only one hour while seeing them playing, feeding, laughing and more. You are also to take photos and videos of them but cameras with flush light are not allowed.
A briefing is first conducted before the trekking journey to highlight trekkers on how to behave while in the Jungle. It is also advisable you come along with packed lunch from your lodge for eating while in the Jungle, water is of high importance too.
After one hour session next step is heading back to the Park offices, then to your lodge. Trekkers are rewarded a trekking certificate of appreciation after the trekking experience. This activity requires a permit which costs $800 USD per person.
Volcano Climbing.
There are three summits for Mountain climbing in this Park including Mountain Muhavura, the highest peak at 4127m, Sabyinyo and Gahinga.
Muhavura hiking trip takes about 8 hours covering about 12km to the summit. While at the top, trekkers are inspired by eye catching views of stunning sceneries such as Lake Edward, Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi Forest and the towering peaks of Rwenzori mountains.
Mountain Sabyinyo at a height of 3669m has a steep ridge of 14km to hike up, it takes about 8 hours for the Jaw dropping journey. Mount Mgahinga is another volcano to hike, its 3474m high. Climbers pass through bamboo forested areas where sights of Golden monkey primates are possible. It takes about 6 hours for a hike to and from the summit.
Batwa Trail Experience.
This is a full day experience. It includes walking around the villages or local communities of these Batwa people for soak up of their real life and history about them.
A local guide is usually available to feed you with every information about the Batwa. Besides that, you are also entertained by their cultural performances including dancing, use of their hunting tools and more. You also visit the ruins of their ancient homes like Garama caves.
Golden Monkey Tracking.
This experience also involves meeting with these Golden monkey primates in the Jungles. Similarly the trekking is done in a group following the already established trails in the Jungles. Since golden monkeys are normally found in Mountainous areas, it requires physical fitness for any participant.