Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of the 3 national parks in the Virunga conservation area. The other two parks are Virunga National park in DRC and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Together they all form 434-sq.km of conservation area. The park was established to protect the mountain gorillas. The endangered Golden monkeys have also made it their habitat. This stunning park with the three volcanoes gives the hiking enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. It is not as popular for mountain gorilla trekking as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Mgahinga has only one family of mountain gorillas tracked in this area. However, visitors also have chances of spotting buffalo and elephants. Others animals that can be seen in the forest include; giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, black fronted duikers among others. It also has around 79 bird species.

highlights

Mountain Gorillas

This only mountain gorilla family in this area, the Nykagezi gorilla family moves across the borders to Rwanda and DRC. It is therefore recommended to book permits on arrival to check where the family is.

This is the most breathtaking activity done in the park, and it is only Nyakagezi gorilla group that is tracked here. Mountain gorilla trekking requires that you are physically fit since it’s quite challenging moving in the forest, valleys and the steep slopes. As you move through the forests you will hear the sound of birds in the tree, monkeys, and other animals, something memorable!

Golden Monkey Trekking

Endemic to the Virunga Mountains, sharing the same habitats as mountain gorillas are the endangered golden monkeys. This is the only location in Uganda to trek with a habituated group. Similar to the gorilla treks, visitors get to spend an hour with the monkeys once they are found. The treks are usually less strenuous as the monkeys live at lower altitudes.

Volcano Hikes

The scenery around Mgahinga is spectacular, with great hiking trails, covering 3 of the Virunga volcanoes – Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabinyo.

The Gahinga has a beautiful swamp at the top, Muhavura has a crater lake and the Sabinyo gives you the best and amazing experience ever; climbing to its summit you set foot in 3 countries; Uganda DRC and Rwanda. Also along the slopes there are great scenic views of vegetation.

Mt Gahinga covers a distance of 8km and can be sumitted in 6 hours. The trail leads through bamboo forest and swamp as you reach the top.
Mt Muhavura is also a challenging climb. The 12km trek takes around 8 hours, winding through low shrubland and rocky terrain.

Mt Sabyinyo is a challenging climb, covering around 14km and taking around 8 hours. The view from the top is dramatic, looking out over Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

Best time to visit

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited all year round. Its pleasant climate makes almost every adventure activity possible throughout the year. Gorilla trekking is a year-round adventure, however, visitors prefer to come during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September because this is when the hiking trails are less slippery and muddy. The only downside is that though hiking conditions tend to be favorable, this season does not offer clear views because of the hazier air associated with the dry season.

The Wet season from April to May and October to November is not preferred due to the unfavourable tracking conditions. The trails tend to be slippery and muddy, making tracking challenging. Because of mist and hailstorms during this season it is challenging to sight wildlife and birds from a far distance. This season however offers clearer views than in the dry seasons because after the rains, the clouds disappear, the mist lifts and the air becomes clear. The scenery is breathtaking and vegetation lush and green.