Situated in the southwest of Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is one of the two national parks in Uganda that host the exciting mountain gorillas that is to say itself and Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Mgahinga is one of the most visited national parks in the country for the exciting activities and attractions it’s associated with, especially the mountain gorilla and golden monkey tracking activities.
The National Park also shelters other small primates especially the l’hoest, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys alongside other exciting mammals. Mgahinga National Park is known for its stunning scenery of the extinct volcanoes.
It is important to remember that this national park hosts three of the eight Virunga mountain ranges, that is to say, Mount Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga. They are characterized by thick tropical rainforests on their bases and slopes, lush flora and beautiful views as they protrude through the clouds. Mgahinga National Park is the smallest national park in the country seated on an area of approximately 33.9 square kilometers.
About the Park
History
Its Uniqueness
Activities carried out
Attractions
Where to Stay
History
Mgahinga was established as a national park in 1991 after being a game reserve since the 1930s. The park was established mainly to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabited the region and were on the verge of extinction due to threats from human activities. Before 1991, biological surveys were conducted and rangers were trained to ensure that the gorillas were kept safe from the poachers and the wrath of human activities that were reducing their habitat size and their numbers from time to time. Tourism activities started in 1994 when some of the gentle giants were habituated.
Its Uniqueness
Mgahinga National Park is made up of three conical extinct volcanoes of the Virunga massif. These contribute to its sensational beauty and make it further unique from the rest of the parks.
Mgahinga is also home to a variety of primates which further sets it apart from the rest of the national parks in the country. It is home to mountain gorillas, blue monkeys, golden monkeys and l’hoests.
Mgahinga presents beautiful views of the far Lake Bunyonyi islands which makes it a favorite spot for sightseeing.
Activities carried out
Gorilla tracking. This is conducted by the beautiful Nyakagezi gorilla family. The tracking activity starts usually at 8:00 AM and goes on up to the afternoon when the guests get to meet the gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Golden monkey tracking. This exciting activity is carried out in two phases, the morning and the afternoon sessions. Morning sessions begin at 8:00 AM and the afternoon sessions begin at 2:00 PM.
Hiking. Visitors to this beautiful park can also go hiking on the mountain ranges of their choice. Hiking presents beautiful views of the surroundings.
Batwa trail experiences. Mgahinga National Park neighborhood is inhabited by the exciting Batwa people that visitors to the park can have the opportunity to interact with. They are renowned for their sensational traditional entertainment, storytelling and an interesting way of life.
Bird watching. This beautiful park is also home to various species of birds which tourists can get the opportunity to observe in the mountain areas and the forests on the bases. Guests have the opportunity to spot beautiful birds such as secretary birds, scavengers, vultures, hammerkops, African fish eagles, turacos, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black bee eaters, sunbirds, yellow-billed ox-peckers, grey crowned cranes and cinnamons.
Nature walks. These are usually conducted through the trails in the forests as the tourists get to appreciate the natural environment and listen to the wild sounds as they enjoy the breeze which is so therapeutic and worthwhile.
Attractions
Mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park is a renowned habitat for mountain gorillas that inhabit the slopes of the mountain ranges in the park. There is only one gorilla family that is habituated in Mgahinga called Nyakagezi. This awesome family has nine members which are exciting to look at.
Other wildlife species. The National Park is not only home to mountain gorillas but also other exciting wildlife species, especially the forest hogs, elephants, golden cats, bush babies, blue monkeys, mangabeys and serval cats.
Where to Stay
Luxury Lodge in Mgahinga National Park:
- Mount. Gahinga Lodge
Mid-budget lodges in Mgahinga National Park:
- Traveler’s Rest Hotel
- Lake Chahafi Resort
Low-budget lodge in Mgahinga National Park:
- Mucha Riverside Lodge