There are several things to do within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga’s most exciting and memorable activity is tracking the mountain gorilla in thick jungle. The park has one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagyezi) which is visited by tourists. This consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants.
Gorilla trekking is the most popular adventure activity that attracts most visitors to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The treks begin at Ntebeko, taking trekkers between 2 and 6 hours with guarantee of one hour of up close and personal with mountain gorillas. Valid gorilla permits are needed for anyone interested in tracking mountain gorillas, each costing USD700 per person.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking is the other active primate adventure that you shouldn’t miss while in Mgahinga National Park. This is the next big adventure to seeing the mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. Golden monkey tracking starts from Ntebeko at 8.00AM to 9.00Am daily. The activity usually takes about 2 to 4 hours with one hour of close encounter with the monkeys.
Scenic Viewing:
Within the park, there is a viewing platform that has been developed in the park. This platform is about 800 metres from the Park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the Park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and the activity is free. Displaying panels at the hill point will give some information about what you can see.
Border Trail Hike – Visa Not Required
This hike takes you first toward Sabinyo. The trail climbs up the base of Sabinyo for a while through fine montane forest before turning toward the Congo. Along the way you will get a great view of Sabinyo’s gorge and peaks. Upon reaching the Congo you cut back along the international border. The return leg to the Park Head Quarters is a great section for birding. The two rest huts along the way are good places for a break. Look closely for the golden monkeys and signs of elephants.
Hiking time is 5 hours and distance 10 km.
Buffalo Wall and Bird Watching
Farmland along the northern edge of the park is drystone wall that keeps buffalo in the park and 0 The trail along the wall is ideal for birding. Guide~ you between 17.00-18.00 if you book by 10.00 the A stroll towards the Democratic Republic of Cong0 through a wetland area where ibis, speckled mouse, fire finch are found.
Batwa Trail and Garama Cave
The Batwa Trail leads from the base of Muhuvura Cave. This walk is conducted by Batwa guides who provide insights into their traditional forest life and culture.
The 342m long Garama Cave lies beneath a plateau northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko. It is set in the former farmland zone but in earlier times, the cave forest when it was occupied periodically by Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their neighbors. Today the cave provides an atmospheric a performance of Batwa music at the end of the Batwa.
A trip to Mgahinga isn’t complete without the Batwa trail experience. This is a cultural trail, most excellent for guests in need to experience authentic African cultures and traditions. The Batwa are original occupants of Mgahinga forest before they were evicted to allow it to be fully established as a national park in 1991. Following their eviction, they were rendered marginalized and embarking on this trail is a great opportunity to support them.
The Batwa lived peacefully with gorillas and mainly, they stayed in the forest as hunters and fruit gatherers. This trail cultural experience is done with the lead from an experienced Batwa guide.
Birding
A bird check-list of 184 bird species resides in this park, and includes mostly Albertine rift endemic species. These include handsome francolins, western green tinker birds, yellow billed kite, Rwenzori Batis, olive woodpeckers, bronze sunbirds, Rwenzori Turacos, cape robin chat, blue headed Sunbird, archer’s robin chat, dusky Turtle dove, and red faced woodland warblers, etc.
Volcano Hiking/Climbing
There are three Virunga Volcanoes to be climbed on Uganda safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These include Muhabura volcano 4127m, Mount Sabyinyo 3669m and Gahinga Volcano rising at an altitude of 3474m.
The Border Trail
The border trail offers moderate hiking experience up to the lower base of Sabyinyo Volcano. The walk to the border lasts for about 5 hours and comes with great views of Sabyinyo gorge and its peaks. Hikers also get a chance to get up to the Congo line, follow the international border line for at least 2km.
Gisozi Hill
Aside from conquering the Sabinyo gorge trail, there is a chance to trek up to Gisozi hill caldera. The Gisozi Hill is situated close to Kisoro and Bunagana town. The Gisozi walk lasts for 40 minutes and at platform set at 800m, enjoy the great views of the 3 Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To the north, do not miss to catch a glimpse of stunning farmlands, Lake Mulehe, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Great Rift Valley on the Congo side.
Walk around Ntebeko Visitor Centre
Embarking on a walk around the visitor centre means a great chance to explore the wonders of Mgahinga NP. The walk comes with amazing sights of birds, vegetation, faunal species and surrounding Virunga volcanoes –Muhabura, Sabinyo and Gahinga.
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