Mgahinga Gorilla national park is a national park located in the mountainous southwestern Uganda, on the border with Rwanda and the democratic Republic of Congo it was created in 1991 and covers an area of 33.9km2 (13.1 sq. mi). Mgahinga Gorilla national park is located in the Virunga Mountains and encompasses three inactive volcanoes that Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo. The park is about 10km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and to the west by the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established primarily to protect the mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif, also the park is a home to the several other species which are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, like the beautiful Golden monkeys.
Attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Animal species.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is very unique in that it is the only national park in the country with gorillas and golden monkeys not only that, the national park is wildlife haven which is a home to 76 species of mammals that some includes bush pig, elephant, forest buffaloes, bush busks, golden cats, south African porcupines and many more, the visitors are always attracted to the park because of the enrichment wildlife present.
Bird species.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is a birding haven with over 180 bird species of which includes 24 Albertine rift endemic birds, the entire Virunga conservation area has well over 250 bird species. Some of the bird species that can be spotted in the park includes the White-necked raven, black kite, pin-tailed whydah, ibis, Speckled Mouse birds, Grey capped warbler, Yellow- Vented Bulbul. Alpine chat, Alpine, Blue-headed coucal, Kivu ground-thrush, Olive pigeon, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori turaco and among others.
Mountain Gorillas.
It is a home to more than even a half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorilla, and the gorillas are the main reason to why the tourists visit the park, the gorillas live in the forests high in the mountain and hills, at approximate elevations of 8000 to 13000 feet above the sea level. Mountain gorillas have their thick fur compared to chimpanzee, baboons and among others that is their thick fur helps them to survive in a habitat where the temperatures often drop below freezing-in other words, also their thick fur provides them warmth.
Virunga volcanoes.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one the most scenic given in that the park lies on the northern slopes of Mount Muhabura, Mgahinga and Sabyinyo, these three volcanoes create an unforgettable regional backdrop. Also the great ranges offer the great scenery and opportunities for Uganda hiking safari to travelers visiting the park in that whether you are a seasoned mountain climber or starter, a hike volcanoes is an experience that you will never forget.
Golden monkeys.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is the only safari destination where all your expectations are fulfilled, the park protects both the mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys. The golden monkeys are an ancient group of monkeys that are only found in Virunga. The golden monkey is characterized as a bright orange gold body, cheecks and tail, contrasting with its white limbs, crown and tail end.
Activities done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking safari is the most popular activity one can do in the park that is the most of the travelers visit the park purposely for mountain gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in the park is such captivating and unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach the bamboo forest, sitting amidst the shaggy gorillas, up to three times bulky as the average man is a lasting memory that you will experience on your gorilla safari into the Virunga region.
Golden monkey tracking.
Golden monkey tracking is one of the top activities that make Mgahinga Gorilla national park an interesting place for the guests to visit for a primate safari, try out this challenge and engage in this life changing activity and achieve an excitement of your lifetime.
Volcano hiking.
Volcano hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Mgahinga merits a visit simply to appreciate the scenery. Choice of the hikes allows for all the abilities, ranging from the 8 hour return trip to the summit of Mount Muhabura, to the gentle strolls across the lower slopes beneath the magnificent three peak backdrop.
Bird watching.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is an ideal for birding, the birding is done through different places like the forests, wetlands, buffalo wall and many other habitats. The tourists during their birding safari can spot various bird species of which some includes the ibis, speckled mous and among many others. The best time for bird watching is during April to mid-May and October to November, this is the period when there are usually migratory birds in the park from November to April adding to the variety of birds to be seen by the bird watchers.
Garama cave exploration.
The Garama Cave exploration are 342 long that lies beneath a plateau northern edge , 3 km from Ntabeko, it is set in the former farmland zone but in earlier times, the Garama caves forest when it was occupied periodically by the Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat.
Batwa trail.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park has got the batwa trail leads from the base of the Muhavura cave, this trail walk is conducted by the Batwa guides who provide insights into their traditional forest life and culture. It is said that the Batwa used to live with the gorillas in harmony within the Mgahinga forests.
Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
The best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the park is located in the south western part of Uganda a habitat to the mountain Gorillas which runs throughout the year, the best time to visit the park takes place during the drier seasons of June to August and December to January.
