Mgahinga national park safari with mountain gorillas & golden monkeys

Mountain gorillas & golden monkeys trekking in Mgahinga national park

Where Silver Meets Gold

Mgahinga national park is popular primate trekking destination located at latitude 1.3641° S and longitude 29.6383° E, sits high in the clouds at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey. Gorilla trekking is a challenging experience demanding physical fitness in Mgahinga national park as well as in Bwindi impenetrable forest.

Mgahinga national park takes its name from “Gahinga” – the local word for the piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the volcanoes.
The British administration declared the area a game sanctuary in 1930; it was gazetted as a National Park in 1991.
Mgahinga has one habituated transboundary gorilla family- the Nyakagezi gorilla family which is so far comprising of 9 members of 3 silver backs, 2 adult females, 2 black backs and 2 infants and also one of the easiest gorilla family to track this being Uganda’s smallest National Park with a size of 33.7km^2.

Safari activities on Mgahinga national park

Popular tourist activities include;

mountain gorilla trekking
golden monkey tracking
volcano hiking
nature walks including to the gorge platform
bird watching and
meeting the Batwa community.

Primates present in Mgahinga national park include mountain gorillas with around 30 individuals split between one habituated and two unhabituated groups, and golden monkeys. Mgahinga national park’s checklist has 76 mammal species for example black and white colobus, leopards, forest elephant, giant forest hog, buffalo, cape bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, and several varieties of rodents, bats and small predators.

Birding at Mgahinga national park

Of the Albertine Rift’s endemic birds, the following were recorded in the national park during surveys in 2004: handsome spur fowl, dusky crimson-wing, red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, mountain masked apalis, Archer’s ground robin, stripe-breasted tit, blue-headed sunbird, regal sunbird, strange weaver, montane nightjar, red-faced woodland warbler, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Shelly’s dusky Crimsonwing, among others.

Mgahinga national park; gorilla trekking & golden monkeys safari packages

Mgahinga Mountain Gorillas & golden monkeys national park

3 DAYS GOLDEN MONKEYS & GORILLA SAFARI

3 days Mgahinga gorilla trekking and golden monkeys tracking safari from Kigali, Rwanda or Kampala city is an amazing trip combined with volcanic feature sightings. You'll transfer from Kampala on a 9-10 hours drive or 1 hour domestic flight to Kisoro and also 3-4 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda also gets you to Mgahinga national park headquarters. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated group to track in the forest park. Golden monkey tracking is also done during this safari encountering thousands of these playful primates. Along primate tracking, you also enjoy birding, nature walks, photography, scenery watching, hiking, crater lakes and community walks.

1 day gorilla trekking experience

A 1 day gorilla trekking Uganda safari from Kigali on 3-4 hours drive make it the most accessible cheap gorilla trekking tour. The 1 day gorilla trekking Uganda tour is planned in 2 different ways. After arriving at Kigali international airport, you travel to Mgahinga an evening before, spend a night and trek gorillas in the morning. Travel very early in the morning from Kigali by 3:00am to arrive at the park before tracking time at Mgahinga park headquarters. After gorilla trekking, you'll drive back to Kigali to catch up with other business or departure flights. Other primates and birds you may see in the park include colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, Albertine rift endemics etc.

8 days Gorilla trekking & wildlife safari

A great 8 days primate trekking and wildlife Uganda safari takes you to see the world's most rare primate species namely; mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Golden monkey tracking is done in Mgahinga national park and gorilla trekking done either in Mgahinga or Bwindi impenetrable national parks. You also go for game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park with scenes at tree climbing lions, elephant herds, leopards, hippo pods while on Kazinga channel boat cruises, buffalo herds, nile crocodiles, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes etc. Another experience on this safari is chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura gorge forest. Still on this 8 days primates and wildlife Uganda safari, you have sightings at crater lakes, mount Rwenzori ranges, Albertine rift endemics and other bird species.

10 days Uganda primates & wildlife safari

This fast moving 10 days primates and wildlife safari from Kampala takes you to the western circuit for great experiences. While on this safari, you enjoy golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga national park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park as the special primates on this safari. You also tour through Queen Elizabeth national park enjoy Kazinga channel boat cruise, tree climbing lions, crater lakes, hot springs, Murchison water falls, bird watching, elephant herds, hippos, nile crocodiles, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes etc.

30 DAYS BIRDING & PRIMATES' UGANDA SAFARI

1 month/ 30 days birding, primates and wildlife Uganda safari offers sightings at more than 1,000 bird endemics of savanna grasslands, swamp/ papyrus, Albertine rift endemics, forest species, Guinea- Congo bird biome, riverine and highland/ Rwenzori region endemics. Some of the unique birds to watch out at include shoebills, ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards, eagles, kingfishers, warblers, sunbirds, wood peckers, turacos, hornbills, flamingos, pelicans, pigeons, ibis hadada, bee-eaters, cuckoos, fowls, geese, jacanas, cranes and palearctic European immigrant species that are present between November and April.

20 days primates'-wildlife Uganda safari

20 days wildlife and primates Uganda safari offer great splendid wildlife sightings. Get ready for top primate tracking experiences with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and golden monkey tracking along other primates like baboons, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, bush babies etc. The splendid 20 days wildlife Uganda safari is also a great birding tour not leaving out unique bird sceneries for shoebills, grey crowned cranes, kingfishers, eagles, flamingos, pelicans and much more. Game drives on this safari are rich with Africa's big 5, hippos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes etc.

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking involves you taking on a tracking trail along with professional guides deep into the tropical montane forest 2,500 meters above see level to meet mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity at Mgahinga with each gorilla tracking permit cost $800 per person. Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only gorilla family found in the forests of Mgahinga national park. Last minute gorilla trekking permits are usually covered by Mgahinga national park when Bwindi Impenetrable national park is fully booked.

Mgahinga volcanic mountain

Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.

Batwa people & culture

As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. The Twa are hunter-gatherers and are the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivaled. Batwa were self-sufficient and visitors can see how they carried on their way of life during a fascinating tour with a Batwa guide to learn the secrets of the forest.

Nyakagezi gorilla family tracking in Mgahinga national park

Following a trail of trampled and snapped vegetation across the slopes of the Virungas to spend an hour in the company of mountain gorillas ranks among the world’s most sought after wildlife encounters. Gorilla tracking starts daily at 08:00 with a professional guide/ranger at the Ntebeko visitors center and typically lasts 3-5 hours overall. Permits must be booked 3-6 months in advance.

Golden monkeys tracking at Mgahinga national park

Though the mountain gorillas take the limelight, they are not the only endangered primates tracked in Mgahinga national park. The volcanoes are the last viable stronghold of the golden monkeys which can be tracked through its bamboo habitat on the slopes of mount Mgahinga. Mgahinga national park harbors 2,000- 4,000 golden monkey individuals that live in groups/ families of hundreds in the bamboo forest region of the mountain park. Also with golden monkeys, contact time is limited to an hour whereas visitors who book for the golden monkey habituation experience however can spend 4-6 hours following this striking orange-coated monkey in the company of researchers.

Birding in Mgahinga national park

Keen birders can seek rare Albertine Rift endemics and other forest birds in a range of scenic locations that include the Sabinyo Gorge; prime habitat for the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco, the saddle between mounts Gahinga and Sabinyo and the boundary trail at Ntebeko with its incomparable volcanic backdrop. Birds Mgahinga national park forest include;

yellow-vented bulbul
yellow-throated long claw
white-starred robin
white-necked raven
white-napped raven
white-napped raven
white starred robin
western green tinker bird
wax bills
thrush and cinnamon bracken warbler
stripped breasted tit
speckled mouse bird
southern red bishop among others

Volcanic mountain climbing

Mgahinga Gorilla N.P rises upwards to three of the Virunga’s six volcanic summits all of which can be climbed in a day. Views from the peaks into Rwanda and Congo and towards the rift valley and Bwindi Impenetrable forest more than justify the effort. The park’s highest peak is Muhavura at 4,127m adorned by a crystal clear crater lake of 40m diameter and commands panoramic views along the length of the Virunga chain. Muhavura is the only mountain in Southwest Uganda to display the full range of altitudinal vegetation zones peculiar to East Africa’s highest mountains.

You’ll Trek through montane forests, bamboo stands and heather groves, before encountering bizarre forms of giant lobelias and groundsels at the summit. Mount Gahinga (3,474m) is the smallest of the Virunga volcanoes and its bamboo-covered slopes rise up to a lush swamp filled crater about 180m wide. The jagged crown of Sabinyo (3,669m) bears several summits divided by deep gorges and ravines. Some steep and vertiginous sections including an ascent of a fixed ladder must be negotiated to reach the summit and enjoy the rare privilege of standing 3,669m high while in 3 countries at once.

Lake Bunyonyi

When volcanic craters blocked in the Ruhuma valley west of Kabale town, the result was Lake Bunyonyi- Africa’s second deepest lake and deepest crater lake. The is located 1,962m above sea level with yet its deepest point estimated to be at 900m. Holding 29 small dotted islands and encircled by steep terraced hills, it is unforgettably pretty and is a perfect spot to break the journey on the way to Mgahinga. Lake Bunyonyi is a top birding spot as it was also named “Bunyonyi” which means many small birds.

Ntebeko visitor center

The visitor center at Ntebeko is the trailhead for nature walks, volcano climbs, golden monkey and gorilla tracking. Exhibits inside the building explore themes relating to the Virunga environment. A trail along the adjacent drystone buffalo wall- built to keep animals out of neighboring farmland- provides good birding and views of the park’s dramatic volcanic backdrop.

Batwa community visit

For generations, Mgahinga’s dense forests were home to the indigenous Batwa Pygmies, hunter-gatherers and warriors who depended on the forest for shelter, food and medicine. Today, Batwa guides lead visitors through the lower slopes of the forests introducing them to their old home demonstrating the skills they used to survive in it. The highlight of the Batwa a trail is the descent into the Garama cave, the largest of numerous lava tubes with which the slopes of the Virungas are riddled. Once the home of the Batwa king, this is the setting for the finale to the Batwa trail; a memorable subterranean performance of music and dance. Full and half day trails are available.

Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a consequence of a volcanic dam framed by the Virunga massif at 1,800m above sea level 15km north of Mgahinga national park. The lake is dotted with 15 islands including Mutanda island and Kyangushu island (punishment island). A cluster of resorts on the northern shore 16km from Kisoro enjoy a fabulous view across the island-dotted waters towards the Virunga volcanoes such as Chameleon hill lodge and Mutanda lake resort. A visit/ stay at the lake engages you into birdwatching, canoeing/ kayaking, nature walks, coffee plantation tours, community/ cultural visits, biking etc.

Location for Mgahinga national park

How to get to/ access Mgahinga gorillas national park?

Airport

Duration: 1hour 15minutes

Via road

499km for 9-10 hours from Kampala

From Rwanda

143 km for 3-4 hours from Kigali

Tourists visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park make a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala to reach the park. Mgahinga national park is also connected by daily 1 hour domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kisoro Airport. Another shorter route option is Mgahinga gorilla trekking from Kigali, Rwanda on a 3-4 hour road drive through the Kyanika/ Cyanika border point.

Best time to visit Mgahinga national park

The best time to visit Mgahinga national park is during the long summer time/ dry season from June- September and another short dry season of December- February. The area experiences two wet rainy seasons: March to May; and September to November with average monthly rainfall varying from 250 mm in October to 10 mm in July. During the dry seasons, the tracking trials are dry and maneuverable making gorilla trekking easier.

Wet/ rainy seasons/ green season of March- May and October- November are also a rich time for great birdwatching seasons and only a breeding season for birds thus they are also easily found nesting in the montane tropical forests. Mgahinga montane forests also host palearctic European bird species from November to April adding them to special Albertine rift and Rwenzori region endemics.

Lodges/ accommodation at Mgahinga national park

Safari lodges at Mgahinga national park have some of the most exciting views overlooking the tropical montane forests of the Virunga massif and mountains where the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys reside. Sounds of birds and cool breeze from all around the forests keep a consistent serene environ at the lodges located in this vicinity.

Mount Gahinga lodge

Mount Gahinga lodge is located in Kisoro at latitude -1.35170° S and longitude 29.62056° E. The lodge is 500km from Kampala, Uganda which a 10 hour drive and 137km from Kigali, Rwanda taking a 3 hour drive by road. A domestic flight from Entebbe will take 1 hour & 15 minutes to Kisoro airport. Mount Gahinga lodge is 30 minutes drive away from Mgahinga national park headquarters.

Standard bandas rates go for $1,275 for a shared room and $1,525 for single occupancy per night.
Deluxe bandas rates go for $1,655 for a shared room and $1,990 for single occupancy per night.

While at the lodge, you will engage in activities like;

mountain gorilla trekking
golden monkey tracking
Lake Mutanda experience
hiking & nature walks
Birding experience

Imbogo Diners & lounge

Imbogo diners & lounge is located in Kisoro town at latitude -1.31535° S and longitude 29.68912° E. The Imbogo safari lodge rates go for;

Deluxe rooms start from $250 per night
Suites start from $550 per night and
Executive suites start from $650 per night.

This lodge is located 500km from Kampala with a 10 hour road drive. The lodge is 137km from Kigali, Rwanda, a 3 hours drive. Imbogo diners & lounge can also be accessed faster through Kisoro airport by a 1 hour 15 minutes flight from Entebbe international airport. and is located 30 minutes away from the Mgahinga national park headquarters and for activities such as;

mountain gorilla trekking
Golden monkey tracking
Birding & nature walks
Batwa community walks

Casa lodge & campsite

Casa lodge & campsite is located in Kisoro at latitude -1.28331° S and longitude 29.68425° E. Reaching Casa lodge is a 10 hours drive from Kampala covering the 500km distance and 3 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda covering 137km. Also, Casa lodge is 30 minutes from Mgahinga national park headquarters. Casa lodge provides rates for;

Single rooms from as low as $162
Double rooms for single occupancy at $219 and
Double rooms for couples for $244.

From Casa lodge & campsite you can engage in various activities such as;

Mountain gorilla trekking
Golden monkeys tracking
Birding & nature walks
Batwa community visits

Ichumbi gorillas lodge

Ichumbi hotel is located in Kisoro, Uganda at latitude -1.27657° S and 29.70521° E. Getting to Ichumbi hotel is 500km from Kampala, Uganda, a 10 hours journey and 137km from Kigali, Rwanda, a 3 hours journey to Kisoro and 30 minutes away from Mgahinga national park headquarters.

At Ichumbi gorillas lodge, you’ll have twin and family cottages starting at $180 rate for full board services.

Activities from Ichumbi gorillas lodges will include;

Mountain gorilla trekking
Golden monkeys tracking
Batwa community tour
Birding & nature walks