Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Location: Far south western part of Uganda bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Size: 33 sq km
Habitat: The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mountains Mgahinga (3,474 m), Muhavura (4,127 m), and Sabinyo (3,645 m), surrounded by local communities including the Pygmy Batwa.
Status: Gazetted as a National Park in 1991 – it is a part of the great Virunga Conservation Area (434 km) that adjoins Rwanda's Volcano and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Parks.
Major attractions: 9 Gorillas consisting of 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.
Other attractions:
- 76+ mammalian species such as golden monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, leopard, forest elephant, and giant forest and a number of bird species.
- Panoramic views that stretch northwards to Bwindi and a southern skyline dominated by the steep volcanic cones of the Virungas.
Accessibility:
By Road; 8-9 hours drive to Kisoro (540 km from Kampala-Uganda's capital city.
By air; Arrange through Eagle Air to fly from Entebbe to Kisoro either on Monday or Friday.
Weather:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences two wet rainy seasons; February - May and September- December of each year. The maximum amount of rainfall in a year is 250mm (October) and Minimum is 10mm (July).
Safari Activities in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla Tracking;
This is the main activity and it is relatively easier to find the Gorillas here than in Bwindi since the gorilla family in this park is less mobile after establishing its base at Nyakagezi.
Hiking:
You can participate in a volcano climbing adventure of the mountains; Sabinyo (3645m above sea level), Mgahinga (3474 km) and Muhavura (4127 m). It is quite challenging and fascinating to reach the peaks of these volcanoes to enjoy scenic view of the surroundings.
Cave Exploration;
Visit the giant Garama cave measuring 342m in length and 14m deep now inhabited by only bats. Spending time in the Batwa pygmy community for an exposure to their lifestyles, traditions and norms is equally fascinating and an important learning experience.
Birding
If you have interest in bird watching, you will have an opportunity to satisfy your eyes with various unique bird species among the 75+ bird species recorded in the park some of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. Common bird species in the park include Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse birds, and Fire Finch Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul.
Mgahinga National Park Safari Lodges
- Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
- Mgahinga Safari Lodge
- Red Chilli Gorilla camp
- Travelers Hotel
- Blue Sky Hotel
CONTACTS
For more information about these hotels and safari lodges please call
+256414 232657
++256 772 367972
info@hotelsinuganda.com
