Active travelers are in their element in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The southwestern region of Uganda is the ultimate destination for the more active traveler. You can climb the volcanic mountains, trek to see gorillas, or delve deeper into the local culture. These are our favorite activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Climb a volcano
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three volcanoes. All of them can be climbed. The most popular is Mount Sabyinyo. You can reach the summit and return in one day. The hike is tough but rewarding. You gain a lot of height in a short time. This makes the climb challenging.
A ranger will guide you, and porters are there to help. You are never alone on the trail. Every step is worth the effort. When you reach the top, the views are breathtaking. On a clear day, the clouds open up. You can see Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo all at once. It is a powerful moment and a memory you will never forget.
Gorilla trekking
In Uganda, you can trek wild gorillas in two places: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The advantage of Mgahinga National Park is that the trekking is often slightly easier, as the mountain range is less steep than in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Golden monkey trekking
The golden monkey is a unique species of primate that lives only in the Virunga Mountains in the Albertine Rift. It is a beautiful monkey to see. They are medium-sized and have a cuddly appearance. We recommend seeing both the gorillas and the golden monkeys during your safari in Mgahinga. If you find the gorillas too expensive, the golden monkeys are a good alternative. They are over $700 cheaper.
Birdwatching
In the early morning, you venture into the park with a specialized guide when birds are most active. You walk through bamboo forest, montane rainforest, and open heathlands while listening to song and subtle movements in the canopy. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is known for its special Albertine Rift species. You stand a chance of seeing the colorful Rwenzori turaco, as well as the regal sunbird, golden-winged sunbird, and the rare Kivu ground thrush. With a bit of luck, you will see birds up close against a backdrop of misty volcanoes and wooded slopes.
Visiting the Batwa
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was once the home of the Batwa people. They are a traditional hunter-gatherer community. For many years, they lived inside the forest. Today, the Batwa are no longer allowed to live in the park. They now live in villages around it. Visitors can choose to meet them through the Batwa Trail. You will walk with members of the community. They explain how they lived in the forest. You learn how they hunted and prepared food. They also show how they used bows and arrows. The Batwa story is a sad one. They were forced to leave their ancestral land. This makes the visit emotional. Still, it is a meaningful and memorable experience.
Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with Choose Uganda Safaris
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park proves that size isn’t everything. In this smallest national park in Uganda, covering 33.7 km², you will encounter mountain gorillas in a breathtaking mountain landscape. The combination of rare wildlife, fascinating volcanoes, diverse vegetation zones, and rich culture makes the park an absolute must for every adventurous nature lover.
Would you like to experience Mgahinga for yourself? View our Uganda safaris and discover how, as Uganda specialists, we can offer you an unforgettable trip. Thanks to our years of experience and extensive knowledge of Uganda, we ensure that you can fully enjoy all the national parks this country has to offer. Contact us for personal advice or request a free travel proposal to make your dream trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a reality.
