Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s second destination where gorilla trekking can be done. Sitting high in the clouds, Mgahinga National Park is the most scenic of Uganda’s national parks. A visit to this park in South Western Uganda will strike you with imaginations given its outstanding beauty.
The park was created to protect the mountain gorillas. It is the Ugandan part of the Virunga Region that spreads across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The park enjoys a wonderful location in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes enjoying incredible panoramic views of these mountains which border Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo.
About the Park
The summit of Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) has a little pit lake. – This is yet an alternate one sanctuary for the aggrieved mountain gorilla. Spotted on the inclines of the Virunga Mountains, in the amazing southwest corner of Uganda, the park has been set aside to give a secure environment for the gorillas.
Then again, furthermore the gorillas, other natural life may additionally be seen incorporating the panther, titan timberland swine, bushbuck, bison, and resplendent monkey. The summit of Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) has a little pit lake.
Things to See in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mountain Gorillas
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is yet a different one shelter for the oppressed mountain gorilla. Found on the slants of the Virunga Mountains, you can enjoy an amazing gorilla trekking tour in the amazing southwest corner of Uganda. The park has been set aside to furnish a secure living space for the gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects mountain gorillas that roam through the Virunga Region. The Nyakagezi Family found in the park is known o roam across the border of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. This has made it less reliable for gorilla tracking. For the past 4 years, the group has been settled in the park and gorilla treks are conducted to meet this amazing gorilla family in the park. Gorilla permits to see the endangered apes in the park cost US$ 700 per person.
Nonetheless, there is other interesting natural life in the park that include; buffaloes, titan woodland pig, bushbuck, bison, and resplendent monkey among others.
Golden Monkeys
With not only the rare mountain gorillas, the park is also home to the unique golden monkeys! These ancient monkey species are endemic to the Virunga Region of Central Africa. There are two habituated families that can be visited within the park and a permit to see these primates cost US$ 50 per person.
Virunga Volcanoes
There are also three high standing volcanoes that include; Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhabura. These 3 distinct Virunga Mountain ranges are locally known as the Mufumbiro which gives hikers and climbers opportunity to take hiking adventures within the park.
Birds
There are several bird species living in the park. The varied habitats of the have made the park to be home to a variety of birds. There are 184 bird species recorded within the park. The bird checklist includes the Ibis, Speckled Mousebird, Pin-tailed Whydah, Grey-capped Warbler, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinch etc. Endemic birds in the park include the Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar etc.
Batwa
For generations, the Mgahinga’s dense forests were home to the Batwa pygmies. These forest dwellers were hunter-gatherers and fierce warriors whose life was dependent on the forest for shelter, food and medicine. The Batwa were evicted out of the forest when the park was elevated to a national park. You can meet the batwa on a guided tour with the forest.
Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
There are lots of things to do in Mgahinga National Park. Here are the top things to do in the park;
Gorilla Trekking
There is only one habituated gorilla group that is available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This family is known as Nyakagezi and it is known to roam between the Virunga National Park of DR Congo and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. If you are really wanting to experience what the great lakes region of Africa have to offer, it is recommended to visit the Mgahinga.
Batwa Cultural Encounters
On your visit to Mgahinga National Park, you should not miss cultural encounters with the Batwa People of East Africa. These incredible people lived in the forest for centuries and now they are marginalized people around the Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
There is a developed Batwa Trail within the park that takes you through their past history! On your tour, meet the ancient Batwa pygmies who count not more than 3000 today.
Other adventure activities to do in Mgahinga National Park include bird watching, game viewing along the Buffalo Wall, Volcano Hiking, and more.
