Located in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park in Uganda but an important park hosting the endangered mountain gorillas. The park covers an area of only 34 square kilometers. This park makes up the Ugandan part of the Virunga Conservation Area which spans three countries — Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). Each of these countries has established National Parks in the area to protect the tropical rainforest watersheds and wildlife of the Virunga region.
Virunga is a Kinyarwanda word which means ‘boiling pots’ and references the mountains’ volcanic origins. At least one volcano in the range is active and erupted last in 2001, which contributes to the unique nature of the mountain range.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second national park in Uganda where mountain gorillas live, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It’s the smallest park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7 sq km located in southwestern Uganda about 15 km from Kisoro town and 482 sq km from Kampala city.
The park was first declared a game reserve in 1930 and gazzetted in 1991 mainly to protect mountain gorillas and other wildlife. It forms part of the 434 sq km greater Virunga Conservation Area, a chain of 8 volcanoes which is a home to some 300 mountain gorillas including those in the neighboring Volcanoes national park Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Virunga Volcanoes
Mgahinga National Park boasts three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhavura (4,127 meters), Mount Gahinga (3,475 meters) and Mount Sabyinyo (3,645 meters). Gahinga, “old man’s teeth”, is the lowest of these mountains and has given the park its’ name. There are 7 volcanic mountains in the area, one of which erupted in 1996.
Vegetation
The vegetation of Mgahinga is typically afro-montane, with a forest belt, a bamboo zone, and an ericaceous belt leading up to an alpine zone. Many local herbs grow in the park, including a giant tree-sized relative of the herb St. John’s Wort.
Fauna and Flora
The park supports 39 recorded mammal species, although it is believed there may be 50 more species unrecorded. Of the larger mammals Mgahinga boasts are the mountain gorilla, buffalo and forest elephant. The endangered golden monkey, a subspecies of the blue monkey, can only be found in this region. Leopard and several other small felines can also be found here.
294 bird species have been recorded in Virunga region, among which are the handsome Francolin, the Rwenzori Turaco and the Side-breasted Tit. Twenty of these species are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.
Attractions and Activities at Mgahinga
Gorilla Tracking
The most interesting activity in the park is tracking of gorillas and this has inspired tourists to visit the park. This activity takes a period of three days and there are over three groups of gorillas with the grey backed gorilla but tracking require one to move with the permit and the vaccination documents.
Go Birding
There are also wetlands with in the park and along the park edges there are some bird species thus the activity there is bird watching. The species of birds are the grey chapped warbler, yellow vented bulbul, stone chart, Ibis, black kite, wax bill, speckled mouse bird and others. But for one to under stand these birds it requires one to have a bird guiding book as well as an experienced guide.
Golden monkey tracking
This is one of the amazing primate adventures and allows you to look out for the beautiful golden monkeys. The presence of these apes (golden monkeys and mountain gorillas) makes Mgahinga Kisoro an exception destination, also dubbed place where silver meets gold. The golden monkey permits are issued to guests in need to explore these apes at USD 60 per person. The park also provides exceptional golden monkey habituation experience.
Batwa Experience
The former warrior caves of the Batwa are suitable for cave exploration known as the Garama caves. The great History of the cave on how the Batwa lived and fought their neighbours, cultural dances and the weapons they used for fighting are of great importance and another advantage is that they are near the park headquarters.
Scenic Viewing
Scenic viewing is another activity and it is free of charge the park provides a clear platform to the surrounding mountains, vegetation as well as the Bafumbira and Batwa homes.
Mountain climbing and volcano hiking the most challenging mountain to climb is Mt Sabyinyo that’s why ladders are provided to get to the peak of 3669m high another Mt suitable for climbing is Muhavura it covers a big part of kisoro and can as well view it while in Kisoro.
Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes
The rugged mountainous terrain makes gorilla trekking strenuous work and visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is a must. Bwindi can be rather cool especially in the morning and evening, and it is advisable to bring along a light jacket or pocho. No-one with signs of communicable diseases like the flu or cough will be allowed to trek.
The habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga is called the Nyakagezi group and consists of approximately 15 members.
Though gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is not as reliable as in Bwindi because the gorilla families migrate across the borders of Rwanda and DRC (Zaire), for the past 3 years the gorillas have been in the park and have been visited by tourists. The gorillas are usually resident in Uganda during the months of April, May, June, October, November and December. For updates on gorilla trekking in the park visit the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park website.
It is also possible to enjoy one day’s hike to the summit of Mount Muhavura, in the local language ‘The Guide’, the highest point in the park. Magnificent views of the other Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the Rwenzori Mountain peaks can be seen from its summit. The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip and covers 12 kilometers.
Less strenuous hikes are available to the top of Mount Gahinga or to the breathtaking Sabyinyo Gorge. Golden monkey walks, a historic Batwa (pygmy) cave, village walks through the Batwa area along the edge of the park and a unique swamp walk are all interesting activities for those who have extra time to spend in the area.
Nearby
From the base in Kisoro, it is also possible to visit the Nkuringo family of gorillas in the southern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of local Ugandan culture, visits can be arranged to the local community. See traditional costumes and jewelry making. Batwa pygmies traditionally inhabited this area, and a local support group helps protect the Batwa culture by offering a village walk with a chance to see the blacksmith and basket weavers at work. Locally produced craft items can be purchased from the park tourist office in Kisoro and along the road at various craft markets.
When to visit
Mgahinga NP enjoys favorable weather and climatic conditions all year round. But the most ideal time to get there for gorilla trekking tour or volcano hiking is during the dry season: June to September; December, January to February.
How to Get to Mgahinga National Park (Uganda)
Distance from Kampala: 510km. Estimated transit time: 8-10 hours
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is found in the far Southwestern side of Uganda and reaching there is possible from Kampala or Kigali. From Kampala city, expect to have long hours of driving about 9-10 hours via Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale/Kisoro route. If you are driving from Kigali, you will take 4-5 hours and involves crossing from Katuna/Chanika border. From Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you can take 2 hours’ flight to Kisoro airstrip.
Transport and access to the park is by road it covers 540 km starting the journey from Kampala with 8 hours. For one who uses the tour vehicles, there is a packing space and direct access to the park. There are also flight arrangements from Entebbe International air port to Kisoro as well as public transport from Kampala.
Where to Stay
Accommodation can provided from Kisoro and Kabale town since there are various hotels, lodges and camps of all types providing different meals. The park itself provides camps and bandas but they are under the control and authority of the local communities a round the famous camp is Mt Mgahinga rest camp.
Tourists can book budget, midrange and luxury lodging options available in and around Mgahinga National Park. These include Mgahinga Community Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Kisoro Travelers Lodge, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mutanda Island Lodge and Gahinga Gorilla Lodge.