Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gazetted in 1991, covers an area of 33.7 km 2. Mgahinga is located in the extreme southwest corner of Uganda, which borders with D.R.Congo and Rwanda. The park includes parts of Mounts Mahavura, Mgahinga and Sabinyo. These volcanoes are part of the Virunga chain that extend into the DRC. The summit of Muhavura has a small crater lake and forms the highest point (4127m) in the park. The summit areas are dominated by wort and dwarf heath vegetation. This emerges into bamboo and broad-leaved montane forest, down the mountains. The lower slopes have high altitude savannah woodland with lots of lichens and mosses.
Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The isolated location of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest of Uganda makes getting there a combination of transportation choices. Here’s a map to the park:
Flying Internationally: Entebbe International Airport: Your trip will probably start at this airport, which is close to Kampala, the capital.
Kisoro Airport: Approximately an hour’s drive from Mgahinga National Park, Kisoro Airport is the closest airport to the park. Several domestic airlines operate flights from Entebbe to Kisoro, including Aerolink Uganda and Eagle Air. The park can be reached by car transfer from Kisoro Airstrip.
By Road:
From Kampala:
Mgahinga National Park is around 470 kilometers (290 miles) away and takes 8 to 10 hours to get if driving from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Before arriving at Kisoro, the closest town to the park, the road goes by towns like Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.
Public Transportation
An other choice is to get to Kisoro from Kampala by bus or matatus, a type of minivan. Public transit is a more economical choice even though it may take longer. You may set up a car transfer to Mgahinga National Park from Kisoro.
Private Transportation
One of the most popular options for reaching gorilla trekking sites in Uganda is by using a private vehicle, either through self-driving or hiring a driver-guide. This method offers flexibility, allowing travellers to explore at their own pace and stop at various points of interest along the way.
Car Rental:
Renting a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended due to the varying road conditions, particularly during the rainy season when some roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate. Car rental companies in Uganda offer a range of vehicles, from basic SUVs to more luxurious models, and many have offices in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours, depending on the specific trekking sector and road conditions.
Self Drive Option
A gem tucked away in Uganda’s southwest corner is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga provides an amazing experience among its volcanic scenery and thick forests if you are an intrepid tourist looking for the excitement of a self-drive safari in Uganda. Put on your seat belt and come along as I walk you through driving this hidden treasure.
For adventurous travellers, self-driving offers the ultimate freedom. Uganda’s road network has improved in recent years, with most of the main roads leading to the southwestern region being well-paved. However, the final stretch to the parks, especially in Mgahinga, involves navigating gravel or dirt roads, which can be challenging. Self-driving also allows for detours to other attractions such as Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or cultural sites along the way.
Driver Guide: If you prefer not to drive yourself, hiring a vehicle with a driver-guide is a common option. A driver-guide is not only familiar with the routes and road conditions but also provides valuable insights into the local culture, wildlife, and history. This option is particularly appealing for first-time visitors to Uganda who want a more relaxed journey without the stress of navigating unfamiliar terrain.
Domestic Flights
Given the long driving distances from Kampala or Entebbe to the gorilla trekking sites, some travellers prefer the speed and comfort of flying. Uganda has several domestic flight options that can significantly reduce travel time.
Scheduled Flights: Airlines like Aerolink Uganda offer scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip (near Kampala) to airstrips near Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These flights typically land at Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, both of which are a short drive from the park’s various trekking sectors. The flight takes about 1-2 hours, making it a time-saving alternative to the long drive. Upon arrival at the airstrip, travellers can arrange for a transfer to their lodge or directly to the park headquarters.
Charter Flights: For those seeking even more convenience or traveling in larger groups, chartering a flight is an option. Charter flights offer greater flexibility in terms of departure times and can land closer to your specific trekking sector. This is the most expensive option but provides a high level of comfort and efficiency, particularly for travellers with limited time.
Preparation is Key
Complete planning is necessary before to starting your self-drive trip in Mgahinga. Particularly for driving on difficult and occasionally muddy roads, make sure your car is in good working order. With few amenities inside the park, stock up on necessities like food, water, and camping supplies. Remember to receive the required permissions for both park entrance and any planned activities, such monitoring golden monkeys or gorillas.
Navigating the Park
When you go independently, you can take your time seeing Mgahinga. Considering its size in relation to other national parks in Uganda, the park is easy to get about. A system of well-marked paths and trails connects the park’s many features, including as the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes and the thick montane forests.
Road condition
If you are going during the rainy season, especially, be ready for variable road conditions. Use of a robust car capable of off-road driving is advised because some parts of the road could be uneven or unpaved.
With these means of transportation and travel advice, you may set out on an amazing adventure to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and take in the splendors of the southwest region of Uganda.