Things To Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is one of the most done activities by many travellers visiting the park, the park has got only one Habituated gorilla group from which gorilla trekking is done. The group used to move a lot and crossed to Virunga national park in DRC and volcanoes in Rwanda. But currently they have settled permanently in Mgahinga and you can track them both from Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla tracking starts in the morning where by the trackers start from Ntebeko to track these giants. There are guides and park rangers that are well informed about the gorillas and the park at large, after morning briefing, the guide/ rangers will lead you in to the forest to start the gorilla trek. The exercise is quite challenging, thus require any one taking part to be physically fit since moving in the forest, valleys and the steep slopes can be quite challenging.
The gorillas are wild animals and move from point to another in search for food therefore, the length of the trek may last for about 2-4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas on that particular day. To participate in gorilla trekking, one must purchase a gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 for the nationals and $600 for foreign residence and Ugx 250000shs for East African Community. Travellers are required to book permits in advance since they get sold out. A person trekking gorilla, is also required to personal essentials including; clothes, water proof cameras, packed lunch, enough drinking water, surgical masks for wearing while in the presence of Gorillas, Comfortable hiking boots, and any other items that you may be required to carry during the trek.

While moving through the forests, you will hear the sound of birds in the tree, monkeys, and also see other animals in the forest.

Golden Monkey Tracking

During your visit to Mgahinga national park for gorilla trekking, take time and do golden monkey trekking. it’s unique in its own nature and amazing to watch with the tree and sound they make. The park has got a group of habituated golden monkeys which are opened for trekking.

The golden monkey trekking involves moving in to the forest in search for the habituated golden monkeys, the exercise is quite stramineous does requires one to be physically fit. The exercise starts at 8:00am in the morning with a briefing then the ranger guide will lead you in to forest.

Volcano/Mountain Climbing

There is nothing as thrilling and adventurous as climbing the 3 volcanoes. You can climb each of them in day after the other up to the summit all it requires, is physical fitness. Is rewarding with beautiful sceneries and stunning attractions from both from the top and below you.

Mt. Gahinga

The mountain derives its name from a local word ‘’small piles of stones ‘’, The mountain is one of the eight mountain ranges of the Virunga volcanoes. Situated in the boarder between Rwanda and Uganda, hiking this mountain takes around 6 hours, the hike is taken in the Bamboo Forest as you reach the top, you will find a swamp, and the distance covered is about 8 km. As you will see the stone piles then you have arrived in your destination.

Mt. Sabinyo

The hike takes around 8 hours, and hiking to the top is quiet challenging but it is a great and an adventurous experience you get while hiking the eroded Sabinyo and also sloping to the gorges and ravines. When you reach its top what you get is a remarkable experience whereby you are in 3 countries at ago; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mt. Muhavura

This volcano is 4,127m high and can be climbed in 8 hours covering around 12km. as you climb this mountain you move majorly in the small shrubs, grasses and the rock ground, this will give you some of the best views in the country, because when you reach the top, you are able to see the peaks of Mt. Rwenzori, Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi Forest, L. Edward in Queen Elizabeth national park and other things. After the long hike travellers are advised to spend a night at the base camp, and you are advised to carry sleeping gears, water, tent and food with you before you start the hike.

Birding

Mgahinga National Park has got different bird species with over 79 species seen in the park. Birding is done in the bamboo forest which gives you an opportunity to see birds in the gorge between Mts. Sabinyo and Gahinga, and in the montane forest where you can easily see the Rwenzori Turaco.

Hiking And Nature Walks

This is done around the edges of the mountains and it is a very interesting activity where by the hike is done around the wild vegetation, bamboo forests, the Rugezi swamp which gives clear beautiful scenic views of agricultural areas, surrounding lakes like Lake Mutanda and also you will spot some birds in the forest.

Cultural Encounters

Cultural encounters to the surrounding indigenous group of the Batwa gives travellers a chance to learn about other cultures the Batwa have lived in the forest for many years and also their lives depend on the forest. They also carry out various activities such as hunting, feed, gathering among other activities. Therefore, during your visit to Mgahinga for gorilla tracking, also take time and visit the Batwa’s home steads to see how they live, dress, eat, dance among others, it’s a culture like no other.

There are various accommodation facilities for the visitors visiting the park ranging from Campsites, Budget, Midrange to Luxurious lodges and hotels all the lodges provide accommodation to both local and international visitors depending on the interest and the budget for your safari to Uganda. Accommodation Options:

Nkuringo Safari Lodge

The lodge is located on the shores of Lake Mutanda and situated with the park’s boundaries, while at the lodge you are able to see clear views of the volcano rangers within the park. The accommodation facilities are very nice, comfortable and affordable for the visitors opting to stay in this lodge. rooms together with the tents are self-contained with private bathrooms and showers, the lodge also provides other services such as; room services, laundry services, the meals provided are of quality standard serving both local and international dishes. among other services.

Within the lodge, there is also camping sites but camping can be done by only the individuals with private camping facilities. The staff is hard working and offer excellent services.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

This lodge is found in Kisoro and in the Sothern part of Bwindi Impenetrable, it lies on the Nteko Ridge, this lodge provides luxurious services. It has around 8 stone cottages with a very nice interior, fireplace, of which 6 are on double/twin occupancy and the other two are good for families. While at this lodge you can do all the activities in Mgahinga, you can access it by road as part of the safari or fly from Entebbe to Kisoro and transfer to the lodge.

Traveller’s Nest Hotel

This is found just outside Kisoro in south western Uganda, it is among the oldest hotels in Uganda, it is a quiet place also offering spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes; it has a fire place and nice comfortable rooms.

Mt. Mgahinga Rest Camp

It is located near Mgahinga national park, it is comprised of 9 grass thatched Bandas and 3 tents with private facilities most of the cottages face lake Mutanda and are en suited and have private balconies. Staying in this rest camp, gives you an opportunity for you of being in the 3 countries which include; Uganda, DRC and Rwanda. There is electricity and it’s generated from solar panels.

Being here you can do all the activities such as birding, gorilla tracking, mountain climbing, and tracking golden monkeys among others.

Mount Mgahinga Lodge

This lodge is located on the edges of the virunga volcanoes, and it provides a great ambiance together with great spectacular views. Rooms are just nice and the meals served at this lodge are a story to tell, they are delicious.