Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern Uganda and is one of the scenic national parks, known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.
Safaris in Mgahinga gorilla national park offer a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of southwestern Uganda while encountering rare wildlife, engaging with local communities, and enjoying thrilling outdoor activities.
What to do and see in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, or immersing oneself in the rich culture of the Batwa people are among the activities to do around Mgahinga National Park.
Gorilla trekking
Visitors can embark on gorilla trekking safaris in Mgahinga national park to observe these mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking permits are required during the gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga national park and limited to a certain number per day to ensure the conservation of the gorillas and minimize human impact on their environment.
These permits cost 700 USD for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East Africans.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking is another popular activity in Mgahinga national park. Mgahinga national park is one of the few places where visitors can observe these golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
The activity involves trekking through the forest with experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the behavior of the golden monkeys.
To participate in golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park, visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The permits for golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga national park cost 60 USD for foreign nonresidents, 50 USD for foreign residents and 40,000 UGX for East Africans.
Volcano hiking
For those seeking more adventure, Mgahinga National Park provides opportunities for volcano hiking. The park is home to three volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Hiking to the summit of these volcanoes offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and a sense of accomplishment.
The hikes vary in difficulty, with Mount Muhabura being the highest and most challenging. Mgahinga National Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also a place of cultural significance.
Batwa community tour
The indigenous Batwa people have lived in the region for centuries and have a deep connection to the forest.
The Batwa people, who are indigenous to the region offer guided tours that provide insights into their traditional way of life. These tours often include demonstrations of hunting techniques, gathering medicinal plants, and storytelling sessions.
Attractions around Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mountain Gorillas
One of the main attractions of Mgahinga National Park is its population of mountain gorillas. These gorillas are critically endangered and can only be found in a few locations in Africa. Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla group, known as the Nyakagezi group.
Golden monkeys
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift region and are only found in a few protected areas, including Mgahinga National Park.
They are characterized by their striking golden-orange fur, contrasting with their black limbs, face, and tail and are among the major attractions of Mgahinga national park.
Volcanoes
Another attraction in Mgahinga National Park is its three dormant volcanoes: Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. These Volcanoes not only provide a stunning backdrop to the park but also offer adventurous opportunities for hiking around the destination during safaris.
Park entrance fees for Mgahinga gorilla national park
Paying the entrance fee grants visitors access to the park and its various attractions. However, additional fees may apply for activities such as gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking. These activities require separate permits, which have their own costs and booking procedures.
- Foreign Non-Residents are charged park entrance fee of 40 USD to visit Mgahinga national park.
- Foreign Residents are charged 30 USD for park entrance fees during tours to Mgahinga national park.
- East African Citizens are charged 20,000 UGX to go to Mgahinga national park.
Best time to visit Mgahinga national park
The dry season which runs from runs from June to September and December to February is considered the best time to visit Mgahinga National Park as the trails are less muddy and more accessible for trekking.
The wet season occurs from March to May and October to November. These months receive relatively high rainfall, which can make hiking trails slippery around Mgahinga national park.
How to get to Mgahinga gorilla national park
From Entebbe International Airport, you can take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip and proceed to Mgahinga national park during safaris.
Another way to get to Mgahinga national park is by road and the drive from Kampala to the national park takes about 10 hours and the route which is used during safaris is the Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route.
Lodges around Mgahinga gorilla national park
Accommodation options in Mgahinga National Park range from midrange, luxury lodges to budget-friendly lodges.
Lodges around Mgahinga national park include Mount Gahinga lodge, Mucha lodge, and Traveller’s lodge among others.