Forming part of the Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga Gorilla N.P. is a great destination for travelers interested in gorilla treks and golden monkey treks. And with its three extinct conical volcanoes, the park offers some serious hiking too! Unsurprisingly, the main activity available from Mgahinga Gorilla’s camps and lodges is gorilla treks. In fact, the park was set up to protect the gorillas, hence its name.
Gorilla trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla is home to just one habituated group of mountain gorilla. Known as Nyakagezi, this group contains nine members, including two babies and a 50-year-old silverback called Bugingo. The best times of year to go on treks are during the dry season – June to October, December to February – as the trails are less slippery then. However, green-season trekking is cheaper, in terms of the price paid for a gorilla permit.
Whenever you choose to travel here, the experience of a gorilla trek is very memorable. The terrain can be quite difficult to negotiate, but the guides are well able to assist and the sight of mountain gorilla in their natural habitat is well worth the effort! A trek lasts from one to eight hours.
Wildlife & other activities
- Golden monkey treks are also possible within the park. Both activities involve seeing a lot of wildlife. In total, 76 species inhabit the forest vegetation, and safarists can look out for elephant, forest buffalo, giant forest hog, golden cat, side-striped jackal, black-fronted duiker, porcupines, and much more!
- The birding is impressive too. The Uganda Wildlife Authority reports approximately 180 species, including ibis, pin-tailed whydah, speckled moosebird, paradise flycatcher, and firefinch. Most properties provide birding walks, so if this is something that interests you make sure you pack your binoculars!
- Many other activities are on offer in the national park, such as volcano climbing, caldera hiking, and experiences with the Batwa people including village visits, farm walks, and even song-and-dance performances! We recommend two excellent lodges – Mount Gahinga (close to the national park entrance) and Chameleon Hill (between Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable N.P.).
If you are interested in visiting this small yet significant national park, please contact a member of our expert team.