Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the avas domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/ramsrffh/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK – Ram Safaris

Login

Lost your password?
Don't have an account? Sign Up

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Kisoro District, was gazetted in 1991 and later established as a national park in 1994 and it is Uganda’s smallest national park. The park encompasses three inactive volcanoes and these include; Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga. It is also contiguous with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the southern sector of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is one of the 3 parks in the world hosting the mountain gorillas and only park in Uganda where the unique golden monkey trekking activity is carried out. In addition, the park boasts over 76 mammal species and over 180 bird species including 14 endemic Albertine rift e.g the turaco and the Kivu ground thrush. Popular tourist activities here include; gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, nature walks, batwa cultural encounters as well as volcano hiking.

Activities and attractions 

Gorilla trekking

The park has got one habituated gorilla group called Nyakagezi and the only group where gorilla trekking is done. As a matter of fact, this group is easy to track since they prefer a narrow range of nesting and feeding. In addition, the group lives in an open area with less vegetation cover compared to those of Bwindi which makes photography easier. Before you go for gorilla trekking, you are first briefed at the park headquarters and later with your assigned ranger of the day, you are led into the forest to search for the gorillas. Here, you are also given 1 hour in their presence for video and photo captures as you enjoy their daily activities like breastfeeding, eating etc. Since this park has only got one gorilla group, you are advised to book your gorilla permit in time to avoid inconveniences. The gorilla permits generally costs $ 800 per person and only runs for a day and granted to only one park.

Volcano climbing

The park has generally got 3 volcanic mountains and these include; Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura as well as Mount Sabinyo. Mount Gahinga is approx.3,474 meters above sea level as takes about 6 to 8 hours round trip. Mount Muhavura is approx.4,127 meters above sea level and takes about 8 to 10 hours round trip. Mount Sabinyo is approx.3,669 meters above sea level and also takes about 8 to 10 hours round trip and once at the top, you will be standing in 3 countries i.e Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. During the hiking, you also have different views of wildlife and bird species.

Batwa cultural encounter

This is one of the activities that cannot be missed out during your safari here as you get to discover these forest dwellers. Basically, the batwa were hunter gatherers and used to live in the forest in harmony with the gorillas before they were evicted out of the park in order to reserve it for wildlife. Visiting these people will leave you with the best memories as you enjoy their forest stories, dances as well as demonstrate their hunting and fire making skills. While here, you will visit their traditional homesteads, learn about their life style like food and medicinal plants used as well as how to prepare their local dishes. However, this activity is most enjoyable during the evening hours as a way of relaxing after a tiresome morning gorilla trekking activity. You are also free to buy some souvenirs like art crafts made by these people as a way of supporting them.

Nature walks

Here, you the forest on foot in presence of an experienced park ranger for safety and directions in the forest. This activity generally exposes you to different attractions in the forest like the water falls, tree species, primates and bird species as you follow the different trails in the park. These nature walks can be conducted in the morning or evening depending on the time and number of days the client has got to visit this park.

Bird watching

The park is a home to over 180 bird species including 14 Albertine rift endemic, forest and migratory birds recorded. In company of an experienced park guide, birding is mostly done in the gorge between Mount Gahinga and Sabinyo where different bird species are spotted. Some of the birds here include; Dusky crimsonwing, Rwenzori turaco, Kivu ground thrush, Ross’ turaco, Emerald cuckoo, Handsome francolin, Double toothed barbet, African paradise flycatcher, Collared apalis, African paradise flycatcher, etc.

 Golden monkey trekking

Since this is the only park in the country where golden monkey trekking is done, it makes it a must visit to any safari in Uganda. Like gorilla trekking, here you are also briefed about the dos and don’ts in the park and later with your assigned ranger, you are led into the forest to search for habituated golden monkeys. You are also given 1 hour in their presence upon locating them, thereby enjoying their daily activities like jumping up in trees as well as take photos and videos for memories.