Located in Uganda’s southwest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is renowned as a primate safari destination. The park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga volcanoes that is Mount Gahinga, Sabinyo, Muhavura. Mgahinga Gorilla national park that occupies a surface of 33.9km.sq, the park was founded in 1991 as well as the park is the one of two national parks that nurtures the mountain gorillas the remaining being Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
Primates.
Mountain gorillas is the main cause why so many travelers investigate and take a trip to Mgahinga gorilla national park. Mgahinga and Bwindi are the locations for a gorilla safari in Uganda. Most of the travelers do come to visit the park in order to view these species in their habitants. The finest opportunity to view these mountain gorillas is during the park’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Golden monkeys.
Golden monkeys, a very uncommon type of monkey that is only found under this park in the entire country, are another one of Mgahinga Gorillas National Park’s distinguishing characteristics. One can see these monkeys when on a safari in Uganda. And they may be found in Bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes and they thrive in large groups of up to 62 individuals who are wonderful to see while bouncing with their long tails of around 72 centimeters.
Other animals, including as forest elephants, forest buffalos, bushbucks, golden cats, side-striped jackals, gigantic forest hogs, South African porcupines, and others, can also be found at the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in addition to the primates.
Virunga volcanoes.
Virunga volcanoes are the prominent attractions in Mgahinga gorilla national park. There
are eight volcanoes in the Virunga range, which is shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Where in Uganda Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is three of them. During a Uganda safari you witness the Virunga volcanoes that includes the Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo, visitors can marvel at these conical extinct mountains.
Bird species.
Around 184 different bird species may be found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including endemic birds to the East Congo montane region, forest birds, migrant birds, and resident birds. The park is a delight for birdwatchers. Alpine swift, Kivu ground thrush, Moorland chat, Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori nightjar, gorgeous francolin, olive woodpecker, and other bird species are some of those found in the park.
Activities to do Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Gorilla trekking.
The most prominent safari activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is gorilla trekking. The fact that the park is home to a variety of gorilla species explains why the majority of visitors travel through the park in search of the peaceful giant apes that call it home. Gorilla trekking begins in the early hours of the morning at around 8:00 am with a briefing on the guidelines for the safari activity.
Following the briefing, you will be divided into groups of eight, with a knowledgeable guide leading each group who is familiar with the gorilla trekking routes. Depending on where the gorillas are, gorilla trekking can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours. This is because these animals are always moving about in search of food. You may encounter many animals while trekking, and after you locate the gorillas, you have an hour to spend with them as you observe their feeding habits, hunting techniques, nest-building techniques, and other activities. You may also take their pictures and record movies.
Volcano Hiking/ Mountain climbing.
The three volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountains, which are located in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, may be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. So, a hiking safari in Uganda becomes strenuous, specifically for hikers visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If the traveler is physically fit, they can join in hiking all three mountains in a single day to their summits. The possibility to see several animal and bird species during mountain trekking gives visitors the chance to engage in the most enjoyable activity.
Golden monkey trekking.
Golden monkey trekking, where visitors enjoy being in the presence of the golden monkeys, is another fascinating safari activity that takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The activity begins with a training at the park’s administrative center/park headquarters regarding the guidelines to follow when gorilla trekking. Following this, you can be divided into groups of six individuals and sent into the jungle to search for golden monkeys. Once the golden monkeys have been located, you will have the opportunity to spend time with them while watching them climb from one tree to another, taking pictures of them, and other activities.
Bird watching.
Bird watching takes place in Mgahinga gorilla national park where the park has got numerous bird species that includes Albertine Rift Endemics, migratory bird species, and resident species. The ability to see bird species such the Blue-headed coucal, Fire Finch Stonechat, Paradise flycatcher, Ibis, Whydah, Pin-tailed Whydah, beautiful francolin, and others is accessible to travelers on safaris.
Visit the Batwa Trails.
The batwa are the people who once lived in harmony calmly in the dense forest of both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park as they made their living by gathering fruits and engaging in hunting. A safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is only truly enjoyable after visiting the batwa trails. Visitors can engage with them during the batwa trials by learning about their history, experiencing their music and dance, and learning how they prepare their traditional food.