Why visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a commonly asked question by visitors on safari in Uganda. For starters, there are many reasons why you need to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga National Park is set suitably in southwestern Uganda about 8 to 10 hours’ drive depending on the route and features as Uganda’s smallest national park spanning up to 33.7 square kilometers. It is situated in Kisoro district and features among the 4 national parks where mountain gorillas are found worldwide and can be viewed while in their natural habitat a good reason why should visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Uganda, it is second alternative gorilla destination available after Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for visitors to catch a glimpse at a group of rare mountain gorillas. You can also catch a glimpse at these dramatic creatures in Volcanoes National Park which is set suitably in northwestern Rwanda and Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and take part in gorilla trekking a unique and premier wildlife safari experience in Africa. Mgahinga National Park is a home to a section of mountain gorillas that today remain fewer than 1004 in the world. Gorilla trekking in this park is conducted in only Nyakagezi family the 1 gorilla group that has been habituated and set for visitor experiences. This gorilla group consists of 9 members with 2 silverbacks and it is remarkably, one of the best groups to explore while on gorilla safari in Uganda.
Visit Mgahinga and enjoy thrilling gorilla experiences with no stress of crowds. Compared to Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park takes only 8 visitors per day to trek 1 habituated gorilla group. Besides it is an alternative destination for budget gorilla trekking given that visitors enjoy relatively cheaper prices as gorilla permits cost US$700 per person.
Volcano hiking is a good reason why you should visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area that is composed of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. 3 volcanoes that make up the 8 Virunga Mountain ranges are all confined within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Hikers on Ugandan safari to Mgahinga National Park have opportunity to hike Mount Muhabura ((4127meters) a highest and most challenging volcano to hike but rewards travel endeavors with breathtaking views of its scenic Crater Lake, surrounding areas and many birds. Sabyinyo Volcano (3645 meters) which is also popularly described as old man’s teeth and this comes with 3 stunning peaks and lastly, Gahinga which stands at altitude of about 3474 meters and takes 5 to 6 hour to and fro for a complete hike.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park boasts of its distinct vegetation zones that comprise of the bamboo zones which covers about 60 percent of this protected area and comes with subalpine zone, moorland and afro-montane belt.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a home to striking golden monkeys a few that today thrive within only the Virunga Conservation Area a reason it is best described as the only place in Uganda where gold meets silver! Golden monkey trekking is incredibly one reason why you should visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Golden monkeys are unique creatures with golden patch and popular for their jumpy traits-they jump from tree branch at a faster speed. These creatures co-exist with the rare mountain gorillas thus making Mgahinga National Park a unique primate destination.
The Batwa experience is another good reason to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Batwa cultural encounter is best conducted in Mgahinga National Park along the Batwa cultural trail and allows you interact with the Batwa the renowned forest dwellers who are believed to have lived in the forest for about 500000 years as hunters and gatherers. They left without any negative impact on the environment and today they are the marginalized group around Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Batwa experience gets you a chance to learn more about the Batwa pygmies, their traditions, cultures and lifestyles.
Birding is the other reason to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park is one of the 10 major Important Birding Areas in Uganda and offers refuge to about 115 bird species including migratory birds which are spotted in the months of April, May, October and November. The birds to sight while on birding tour in Mgahinga National Park include the white necked raven, Double-collared sunbird, waxbills, alpine, Blue-headed Coucal, Archer’s Robi-chat, Yellow-vented bulbul, pin-talled whydah, black kite, paradise flycatcher, ibis, speckled mouse birds, grey capped warbler, Olive pigeon, Olive woodpecker, kivu ground thrush, blue-headed coucal and Rwenzori night jar.
In summary, there are many reasons why you should pay a visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park this coming holiday. The park is a great alternative to travelers who opt for Rwanda safaris or those looking to going gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains. The park is a continuation of the series of the eight Virunga Volcanoes.