There are lots of things to see in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What to see on Uganda safari in & around Mgahinga NP
Attractions and Activities:
With only one Gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi group available to trek in Mgahinga the park has the good fortune of having 3 stunning volcano climbs that they offer visitors to the park.
Mt. Gahinga (3474m)- 5 hours trekking.
Mt. Sabinyo (3669m)- 8 hours trekking.
Mt. Muhavura (4127m)- 10 hours trekking.
Each climb is most definitely unique. Ga Hinga has a very large crater swamp, Sabinyo with its 5 peaks the 3rd being where Uganda/Rwanda/and the DRC all meet. Muhavura with it’s 20m diameter crater lake is very steep the altitude of which makes it a very hard climb, although in no way are any of the climbs technical in any way.
Climbs of Gahinga and Sabinyo start at 08.00am. Climbs of Muhavura start at 05.00am. You would be well advised to be underway by these times. The weather can change rapidly on the mountains. Rain is more likely in the afternoon. The steep trails on the decent can be hazardous after heavy rain.
There are several nature walks a DR Congo border walk and the Cave walk where opportunities to see the Golden Monkey are common.
Mount Gahinga
Gahinga volcano rises at an altitude of 3474m. Hiking Mt. Gahinga takes climbers 6 hours (about half day trek) –ascending and descending. At the summit of Gahinga Volcano, there is a crater with giant lobelia and swamp. The Gahinga volcano trail offers the most breathtaking views and hikers navigate through the giant bamboo.
Sabyinyo
Mt. Sabyinyo (3669m) is 14km long round trek. It is steep volcano, and hiking to the top and back takes 8 hours. Unlike other volcanoes, hiking through Sabyinyo volcano is relatively challenging but the beauty about it is that climbers have a chance to spot some primates including golden monkeys, variety of antelopes, especially duikers. The Sabyinyo gorge trek takes hikers via the dense forest with higher chances of sighting birds such as the Rwenzori turacos.
Muhabura
Mt. Muhabura (4127m) is the highest of the 3 Virunga Massifs in Mgahinga NP. It takes climbers about 8 hours to have around trek. At the summits, hikers can enjoy the incredible view of other Virunga Volcanoes and the beautiful Lake Edward.
Wildlife
Mgahinga is home to some of the unique animal species and include mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, buffaloes, bushbucks, bush pigs, elephants, leopards, and giant forest hogs, etc.
Birds
Over 180 species of birds make Mgahinga a significant birding tour destination. They include pin-tailed whydahs, speckled mouse bird, black kite, white-necked raven, paradise flycatchers, double-collared sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, olive pigeons, dusky crimson wings, archer’s robin chat, Kivu ground thrush, blue headed coucal and others. The Ruwenzori Turaco to be found in the steep forests of Mt Sabinyo, and Red Tufted Malachite Sunbird to be found in the crater swamp of Mt Ga Hinga are 2 specialities for the area.
Batwa Cultural Trail in Mgahinga
This a great experience that combines nature and culture of the ancient. Don’t miss the chance to mix up with people who still live in the ancient despite the introduction of the new western culture that changes many in Africa. Mgahinga National park forest is a place to experience trail through different activities, hiking, hunting, home stead visits and the exciting cultural dance that can’t leave you sited. The Batwa people are remarkable creatures that shared the forest with mountain gorillas, experience and as you enjoy what the Pearl of Africa have in stock.