Destinations
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
01
Intro
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of two places in Uganda to offer mountain gorilla trekking. It protects the northeast slopes of the Virungas, a majestic range of freestanding volcanoes that are shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Other activities in this small but spectacular park include golden monkey trekking and steep hikes to three volcanic peaks.
02
Wildlife
Mgahinga is home to many other mammal species besides the endangered mountain gorilla. However, as in all forests, animals tend to be hard to spot. You can track a habituated troop of the very rare golden monkey, which is an Albertine Rift endemic. Other mammals include buffalo, elephant, bushbuck and duiker. A bird checklist of 250 species includes many localized forest specials and 17 Albertine Rift endemics.
03
Scenary
Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park. It protects the northeast Virunga Mountains and borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DRC. The park stands at high altitude, on fertile volcanic soil that supports a dense cover of towering bamboo thickets and lush montane forests. Views are superb: the dormant volcanoes of Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo dominate the southern skyline, while Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe sparkle prettily to the north.
04
Activities
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Mgahinga. There is one habituated group that is resident, and the eight daily permits are usually booked solid. Another popular guided activity is golden monkey trekking. You can also tackle a moderately hard hike to the scenic Sabyinyo Gorge (a birding hot spot) and a demanding but beautiful day hike to the summit of Mt Sabyinyo (3,669m/12,037ft). More challenging still is the overnight ascent of Mt Muhabura (4,127m/13,540ft), where two cabins accommodate hikers.
05
Weather/Climate
The almost constant threat of rain means that Mgahinga doesn’t have a Dry season as such. However, rainfall eases a little from December to January, and even more midyear from June to August. The high altitude makes this one of Uganda’s coolest places, with average daytime temperatures of 17°C/63°F. You’ll need plenty of warm, waterproof clothing during the two Wet seasons (February to May and September to November).
06
Best Time To Visit
Gorillas can be tracked year-round in Mgahinga. However, the steep slopes of the Virungas are more easily navigated in the drier months, from December to January and June to August. It can be very muddy underfoot during the Wet seasons (February to May and September to November). Predictably, the low seasons coincide with the wettest months. If you are hoping to secure a gorilla trekking permit at short notice, you’re most likely to do so at this time.