Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has great biological importance because, throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as the climate became warmer or cooler.

The Virungas have several animals that have been recorded within, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mostly popular for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys though they have a wide range of wildlife.

Gorillas

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only one Gorilla family that can be tracked -the Nyakagezi gorilla group.Years before this group of Gorillas could move from country to country until it has to make Mgahinga it’s home, now also permits for tracking gorillas in this park are now available in Uganda and you are advised to book in advance.

Mgahinga is home to 76 species of mammals, although they are difficult to glimpse in the wild forest vegetation. They include giant forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers and South African porcupines.

The varied habitats of the park arehome to a variety of birds with 179-184 species recorded. The list includes the Ibis, Pin-tailed Whydah, Speckled Mousebird, Stone Chat, Grey-capped Warbler, Wax Bills, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinch, White-naped Raven, Black Kite, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Paradise Fly-catcher, Rwenzori Batis, Double-collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Nightjar.

When to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will take you on a perfect adventure to see the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys within the park.Most tourists go for gorilla safaris during the dry months of June-October and December to March.

The park experiences two rainy seasons; March-May and September-November with October as the wettest month, with 250mm of rain and July the driest with just 10mm.

Accessing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in South Western Uganda and it takes about 8-10 hours from Kampala to get to the park. The park can also be accessed from Rwanda and is about 6 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one main entrance, the Ntebeko gate which is accessible from Kisoro Town.

The park can also be accessed by air, aerolink provides scheduled flights from Entebbe International airport to Kisoro Airstrip.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands amidst the great three Virunga Volcanoes and is bordered to the south by Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo, presenting a silent invitation to explore beyond its borders. There is a wide range of lodging choices available in Kisoro from the basic Camp-site to the luxurious hotels and they include;

Mount Gahinga Lodge, Kisoro Traveler’s Rest,Mount Gahinga Rest Camp,Virunga Hotel,Mgahinga Safari Lodge,Mubano Hotel,Mucha Hotel,Muhabura Motel,Montana Guest House,3 Way Gorilla Resort,Landmark Guest House,Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Kisoro Travelers Lodge.

There are various lodging options near the Ntebeko’s entrances. Depending on the season, you will need to reserve hotels and campgrounds well in advance.

Mgahinga  Gorilla National Park is one of the most scenic given that the park lies on the northern slopes of Mt. Muhabura, Mgahinga and Sabyinyo. These three volcanoes create an unforgettable regional backdrop.