Reasons why you should visit Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of the ten Ugandan national parks. The park’s total land size is approximately 33.7 square kilometers. Only one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, is currently accessible to tourists in this national park, which is home to some of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Three unique mountains—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo—cover the backdrop of Mgahinga National Park. The park is located on these mountains’ northern slopes.
Despite being a small park, it is a biosphere reserve with breathtaking scenery that may be seen over an 8-hour return trek to the peak.
The park experiences two distinct weather seasons, namely March through May and November, which is typically damp. In addition to many other things, the dry season typically lasts from June to September and December to January.
Mgahinga National Park: What Should I Do?
Trekking with Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park
One gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, is found in Mgahinga National Park. Previously noted for constantly wandering into Rwanda, this species now resides steadily in Uganda.
A gorilla trekking permit must be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Currently, each participant must pay $800 for a Uganda gorilla trekking permit at Mgahinga National Park.
Each gorilla family may only have a maximum of eight participants per day for the gorilla trekking excursion.
Make sure your gorilla trekking equipment is ready so you can be comfortable while looking for the mountain gorillas in the wild.
Other extra activities are available in Mgahinga National Park.
How to Reserve Mgahinga National Park Gorilla Permits
There is only one gorilla family available for tourism in this park, Nyakagezi, hence there aren’t many gorilla permits available for reservations. As a conservation measure, no more than eight tourists per family are permitted to undertake gorilla trekking.
You need to know how many permits you are prepared to buy and when you want to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Our safari adviser looks up availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit database when you submit us an inquiry.
We urge our clients to buy their permits in advance if the results are positive. This is a result of the limited supply and the high demand, particularly during the peak season. The gorilla permits are used on a first-come, first-served basis, but they sell out first.
To add your travel permit data, we need certain personal information from you, such as your full name as it appears on your passport, nationality, birthdate, passport expiration date, and other facts.
How much is the Mgahinga National Park Gorilla Trekking Permit?
For foreign nonresidents, the cost of a Mgahinga Gorilla trekking permit is $800 per person per trek; for foreign residents, it is $700; and for East African citizens, it is 300,000 shs.
Park costs, a mountain gorilla viewing pass, ranger guide fees, the gorilla conservation fund, local community support, and security are all included in the price of a gorilla permit.
Transportation, gratuity, beverages, porter, and any other personal things are not included in the price of the Gorilla permit.
Trekking with Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park
Golden monkeys are safe at Mgahinga National Park. This particular species of monkey has golden brown hair, making it unusual. Golden monkeys are among the most endangered primates in the world since there aren’t many of them remaining.
Trekking with golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park is a delightful experience. Golden monkeys are lively, fascinating creatures. Under the command of an alpha male, they reside in regiments of roughly 100 people.
To be permitted to take part in this amazing journey, each trekker must obtain a golden monkey’s permit.
Mgahinga National Park birdwatching
Despite being one of Uganda’s less popular birdwatching locations, Mgahinga National Park is home to approximately 115 different species of birds, including endemics of the Albertine Rift.
As further discoveries are made, ornithologists anticipate that the list of birds that call Mgahinga National Park home will grow over time.
Sport birds such the Malachite Sunbird, Alpine Chat, Dusky Tutle, Rwenzori Turaco, White-tailed Blue flycatcher, beautiful Francolin, and others may be seen along the Gorge walk. This is due to the montane ecosystems that cross Mountain Sabyinyo halfway up.
In Mgahinga National Park, mountaineering
Any one of the three mountains in Mgahinga National Park is suitable for a day of mountain climbing, with a return trip taking eight hours. Ascending to the summit of Mount Sabyinyo offers a more comprehensive 360-degree perspective of the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
To reach the fertile marsh in the crater at the summit of Mountain Gahinga, hikers must pass through bamboo forest. It’s thrilling to climb Mount Muhavura since it offers views of the Rift Valley, Lake Edward, the Rwenzori Mountains, the five Virunga Volcanoes, and other breathtaking vegetation.
Mgahinga National Park’s nature hikes
Other monkeys such as the black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and others have a unique home in Mgahinga National Park.
Because the forest contains invasive species that could be harmful, you need to hire a ranger guide. Keep an eye out for birds, butterflies, massive natural trees, and much more.
Garama Cave Walk and Batwa Trail
This is managed locally by the Batwa pygmies who were forced out of the forest for conservation purposes. This cultural experience transports you back to the Batwa people’s prehistoric existence, when their survival depended on the forest.
Near the park’s northern boundary, you can hike to the Garama cave beneath the plateau. The distance between this cave and Ntebeko, the park headquarters, is roughly three kilometers.
The Garama cave was once located in a forest, but it is now exposed due to human development. The Batwa raiders used here as a refuge after raiding the farmlands of Bafumbira. Meetings in the council chamber were also held there.
Currently, at the conclusion of this distinctive cultural trek, this cave serves as an ambient location for Batwa performances.
How Does Mgahinga National Park’s Vegetation Look?
Mgahinga National Park’s flora is made up of distinctive species because the park is mountainous. In order to protect it from encroachers, the lower zone is composed of grass and brush. First comes the montane woodland, followed by the bamboo zone, the montane forest, and lastly the Ericaceous zone, which is home to enormous tree heathers.
Accessing Mgahinga National Park
The southwest region of Uganda is home to Mgahinga National Park, which is accessible by air or road.
By Road
It takes roughly 540 kilometers to drive from Kampala to Mgahinga National Park. You travel around 414 kilometers from Kampala or Entebbe to Kabale, and then you continue on tortuous roads for another 80 kilometers to Kisoro.
The major headquarters of Mgahinga National Park, Ntebeko, is 14 kilometers away from Kisoro town.
By Air
Daily domestic flights from Kajjansi or Entebbe Airport provide access to Mgahinga National Park. to the airport in Kisoro. This flight schedule is carried out based on demand.
Additionally, you can charter from Kajjansi Airstrip, Kisoro Airstrip, or Entebbe Airport.
Make sure you rent a transfer car so you can get from the airport to Ntebeko or your lodging.
What lodging options are available for Mgahinga National Park?
Limited lodging options are available within and outside of Mgahinga National Park; in contrast, Kisoro town offers a greater selection of lodging options.
Among these are Majambere Iwachu, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Gahinga Lodge, and Community Camp.
What Is The Cost Of A Safari In Uganda For Mgahinga National Park?
The price of your Uganda safari to Mgahinga National Park depends on the package you choose, however all packages must include a gorilla or golden monkey permit if you need to reserve one.
The Uganda Safari to Mgahinga National Park is determined by a number of factors, including:
The quantity of participants in the gorilla trek
The cost per person of gorilla trekking decreases as more individuals sign up. You must pay for every expense included in this safari if you are traveling alone.
number of activities in addition to gorilla trekking; the more activities that are part of a safari to Mgahinga National Park, the more expensive the safari will be.
The best time to plan a Uganda Safari to Mgahinga National Park is during peak season, when service costs are highest, but during off-peak months, discounts may be available.
The cost of a safari in Mgahinga National Park increases with the number of days you wish to spend there. The majority of the services are paid for on a daily basis.
How long does it take to hike gorillas or golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park?
It is unknown how long it takes to find the golden monkeys or mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park. Depending on the circumstances, it could take you anywhere from two hours to more.
As a family, mountain gorillas feed from a specific area for a set amount of time then move to a new feeding ground when the food supply runs out. This tells you a lot about where to find them.
If a conflict breaks out amongst members of the gorilla family or with another family, the losers might have to look for a new location. This could make it take longer to locate the mountain gorillas.
The predominant weather patterns during the intense rainy seasons might result in extremely slick terrain and muddy paths. This could cause the trekking experience for golden monkeys or gorillas to be delayed.
Finding the mountain gorillas or golden monkeys may take longer if you are paired with really sluggish hikers.
Is Mgahinga National Park Safe for Safari in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, birdwatching, and many other activities are safe in Mgahinga National Park.
The protection of this forest and its inhabitants is a top priority for the ranger guides and wardens of Mgahinga National Park.
To keep the peace in this Virunga region, they collaborate with other Rwandan and Ugandan security forces.
Additionally, you should be very mindful of your own safety by never entering Mgahinga forest without a ranger guide with you.
During any activity in the Mgahinga forest, stay close to your hiking group to avoid getting lost in the jungle.
When visiting Mgahinga Forest, bring your hiking equipment to avoid being bothered if you need to stroll through the forest. Don’t forget to employ a porter to help you go forward and carry part of your equipment. Giving back to the community can be done directly in this way.
What Should I Know Before Entering Mgahinga National Park?
When walking in Mgahinga National Park, refrain from spitting on the ground or any vegetation. Monkeys and mountain gorillas are among the forest inhabitants that consume it.
When strolling in Mgahinga National Park, speak quietly. This is so that you don’t disturb the people who live in the forest.
Since wild animals rely on the forest for survival, they should not be fed. They shouldn’t be dependent on human supply.
When strolling in the Mgahinga forest, use a clean mask. This is to keep vulnerable primates, such as mountain gorillas, from contracting any infectious diseases.
disposing of trash in the forest because it changes the ecosystem, which is home to mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants.
When you find a mountain gorilla, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them because they are accustomed to being in front of people for that long.
Due of the time it takes to find the mountain gorillas, only trekkers who are at least 15 years old are permitted to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. The topography of the forest is steep as well, making it difficult to get there, particularly if you are not physically fit.
It is prohibited to provoke mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants since doing so could upset them and start a stampede.
To lessen the possibility of infecting the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga National Park, a clean mask should be worn before they are a mast.
For additional information, get in touch with us.
