Hidden Wonders in Mgahinga National Park

Hidden Wonders in Mgahinga National Park Visitors can engage in a variety of activities that make Mgahinga National Park a destination filled with natural wonders. The goal of the 1991 gazetting of the park was to safeguard a variety of wildlife species, particularly the mountain gorillas. The mountain gorilla destination of Mgahinga National Park, which is situated in southwest Uganda, provides a range of tourism activities for visitors while on safari. There are 76 animal species, 180 bird species, and several primates in the park, with the most famous being mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Hidden wonders in Mgahinga National Park

Among the activities to do in Mgahinga National Park are gorilla trekking, birdwatching, and Batwa cultural experience, among others, as discussed below.

Mountain gorilla trekking

The most popular activity in Mgahinga National Park that gives visitors the chance to interact with endangered animals in their natural environments is trekking with mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family, which is accustomed to the park, is the subject of the action. After receiving a briefing early in the morning, hikers set out into the jungle to look for the mountain gorilla family. They are permitted to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas, during which time they can observe their daily routines, take pictures, and learn about their habits.

Golden monkey trekking

After trekking with mountain gorillas, golden monkey trekking is the most popular activity in Mgahinga National Park. The activity begins early in the morning with a briefing regarding laws and regulations at Ntebeko headquarters. Mgahinga is the only location in Uganda where golden monkeys may be found. The trekking excursion in the park is led by an armed ranger guide who takes you through several routes in search of these apes. Because bamboo trees are home to golden monkeys, rangers frequently check these locations throughout the search to see if any are still in the region. Trekkers spend 2-4 hours searching for these stunning creatures, and once they locate them, they may observe their daily routines, observe their behaviours, and take photos for 1 hour.

Batwa cultural experience

An activity designed for tourists who wish to learn more about African culture is the Batwa cultural experience. The dwellings of the Batwa people, which are located close to the park’s boundaries, are where the Batwa cultural experience is conducted. The Batwa chose to remain so near Mgahinga National Park after being forced to leave their homes during the gazetting process. A local guide leads your tour of the Batwa neighbourhood, giving you a briefing and outlining the sites you will see. Visitors can visit various homesteads during the Batwa community visit to learn about coffee and winemaking, as well as how to use plants and bones in various ways from traditional men.

Birdwatching

Another activity that bird lovers can engage in in Mgahinga National Park is birdwatching. During birdwatching, 14 out of 180 bird species that are protected by the national park are indigenous to the Albertine Rift. While in the park, you can see several bird species by following various trails that lead to various spots where the birds typically hang out. Participation in the reasonably priced bird viewing activity requires a birdwatching permit, which may be obtained from UWA or the park administration. Both morning and afternoon bird watching sessions begin with a briefing and are facilitated by armed ranger guides.

The Olive Woodpecker, Western Tinker Bird, Black-headed Waxbill, Bronze Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Black Kite, African Olive Pigeon, Rwenzori Turaco, Alpine Swift, Dusky Crimsonwing, Blue-headed Coucal, Scarlet Tufted Malachite Sunbird, Moorland Chat, and Archer’s Robin Chat are just a few of the species that can be seen during birdwatching activities in Mgahinga National Park.

Best time to visit Mgahinga National Park

Although Mgahinga National Park is open to visitors throughout the year, some months are better than others. The best times to visit Mgahinga National Park are during the dry months of June through September and December through February. These months are ideal since there is little to no rainfall, which keeps the park’s roads and walking routes dry and usable. The foliage is sparse and short during the dry season, making it easy to see the fauna.

Mgahinga is always open, making it accessible to tourists on a tight budget and those who have time throughout the wet season. Besides being the best time to visit Mgahinga National Park, the park offers cheap lodging and tour packages to visitors during the rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to November. The excessive rainfall that makes trekking routes muddy and slick, the tall foliage that obscures views of the wildlife, and the extremely bad state of the roads leading to the park are the main reasons why the rainy season is not the greatest time to visit Mgahinga National Park.

Accommodation 

Besides the hidden wonders in Mgahinga National Park, there are a number of lodging options in Mgahinga where visitors can spend their time. Although there are not many lodging options in Mgahinga National Park, there are enough for visitors. Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Tiloreza Volcanoes Lodge, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Mountain Gahinga Rest Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mutanda Safari Lodge, and other lodging alternatives are available in Kisoro town and range in price from low-cost to mid-range to luxury.

Accessing Mgahinga

Using either air or road transportation, visitors can reach the park in a single day. To go to the park by air, visitors can always make reservations with airlines like Bar Aviation Uganda and Aerolink Uganda. From Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airport, it takes approximately one and a half hours to reach Kisoro Airstrip, where you can pick up a safari vehicle and make your way to the park.

Depending on the type of roads and the number of stops, visitors can arrive at Mgahinga National Park by car in 9 to 10 hours. Starting in Kampala/Entebbe, the road transport route to Mgahinga National Park passes through Masaka, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale, and Kisoro.