Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga National Park is a park located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district and the smallest park in Uganda bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the democratic republic of Congo. It covers an area of 33.9 square kilometres that lies between altitudes of 2,227m and 4,127m. The Park was established in 1991 and is now governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority also well known to be one of the best few national parks in Uganda that harbours a large number of mountain gorillas and then others in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda. Besides the park having mountain gorillas, it is also blessed with distinctive primates such as the golden monkey which can also be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Mgahinga National Park has over 39 mammal species including mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, and the endangered golden monkeys. Other animals may also include bushbucks, spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, and leopards among others, and also believed to be with over 79 bird species.
Things to do in Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga National Park being the smallest park in Uganda has a variety of activities one shouldn’t miss while on a safari and these include,
Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity done in Mgahinga National Park which involves tourists moving on foot in search of the habituated gorillas within the tropical rain forest. Mgahinga National Park is with a habituated mountain gorilla family called Nyakagezi family which is always available for trekking. Before carrying out the gorilla trekking activity, early in the morning you will be briefed by an experienced tour guide about the rules and regulations to be followed during the trekking. You to find a family or group will approximately take you 30 to 8 hours to find them depending on how far they have moved to search for food and the moment you reach them you will be given one hour to interact with them and get to know about their behaviors, the way they breastfeed, play, resting, grooming young ones and take photos to keep the memories of Mgahinga safari.
Golden monkey trekking.
Golden monkey trekking is another fascinating activity carried out in Mgahinga National Park. There are two options for how you can trek Golden Monkeys, you can opt to trek them when you are trekking gorillas or you can trek them separately. The activity starts early in the morning with a briefing from the park headquarters and thereafter a well-trained guide will accompany you to the juggle. The trekking takes about four hours and given time to view them as you take photos for unforgettable memories of Mgahinga National Park.
Batwa trail experience
The Batwa trail culture is another amazing activity carried out in Kidepo Valley National Park which starts from the Muhavura cave and is guided by the Batwa people. These people will have to first take you through their culture, their traditional dance, and lifestyle, storytelling, among others. The Batwa people will still guide you about the forest where they will tell you about history and how it came into existence.
Bird watching
Mgahinga National Park is home to a variety of bird species which is normally done in the early morning and the evening. When in the park you will first get a briefing from the park headquarters, then later you will be led by a park guide who will help you sight the different bird species with the use of cameras and binoculars. The bird species include yellow-vented bulbul, olive pigeon, blue-headed coucal, kiva brown thrush, African paradise flycatcher, Rwenzori turaco, cape robin chat, olive woodpecker, and speckled mouse bird among other birds. Usually, bird watching becomes more interesting during the wet season when some birds have migrated to Uganda among other activities.
How to get to Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga National Park for it being located in southwestern Uganda, there are many ways you of accessing it, one is by road and Air transport.
By road transport, when you are using road transport, you can drive from Kampala or Entebbe airport, then go via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, and then connect to the park which will take 9 to 10-hour drive in a four 4WD tourist vehicle.
By Air transport, Travelling by air transport, you will be required to book a scheduled or charted flight with Aero Link Uganda which will take you directly to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters and this could be the best option for travelers who hate traveling for long hours.
Where to stay in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park has got a lot to offer to its visitors ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury. Some of the accommodations include Mount Gahinga Lodge, mount Gahinga Rest Camp, and Community Campground among other accommodations.