Mgahinga National Park
Among the three Virunga Volcanoes (Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga) Mgahinga Gorilla National Park slopes in Uganda and though being small in size with about 33.7km2, it is a home to over 76 Mammal species which include the 780 endangered Mountain Gorilla (with the largest number living in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) and the Golden Monkey thus making the small National Park to be dubbed a place where Gold and silver Meets!
Whilst, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a home to elephants, Buffalos, Leopard and Giant Forest Hog though these are rarely encountered in the diverse forest as well the Park’s bird count now stands at 115 species which includes the local forest Birds, Albertine Rift Endemic which includes the striking Rwenzori Turaco.
Expert –Led Experiences
The Batwa Cultural Trail
The indigenous Batwa Pygmies were the fast inhabitants of the forest. Traditionally they are hunters, fruit gatherers and warriors who depend on the forest for food and medicine. Our Guests are led to the lower slopes of the forests introducing them to the traditional homesteads while demonstrating skills they use for survival – this is crown up by the walk down to the Garama cave where guests enjoy the subterranean music and dance performace by the Batwa
Guided Birding
Visitors are likely to register the rare Albertine rift endemics and other forest Birds in the range of Sabinyo Gorge which is a prime habitat for the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco.
Volcano Climbing
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park rises upwards to the three of the Virunga’s six volcanic summits with Muhavura being the highest – All these can be climbed in the day to get a reward of the views of Rwanda, Congo, the rift valley and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The trails passes through montane forests, bamboo stands and heather groves before encountering bizarre forms of Giant Lobelias and groundsels. The 4,127m summit which is adorned by a crystal clear Crater Lake with a 40m diameter, commands panoramic views along the length of Virunga Chain.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Besides the Mountain Gorillas, the Volcanoes are remarked to be the last stronghold of the golden monkeys and like the gorillas, contact with these rare primates is limited to an hour. However, clients can book for a habituation excursion whereby they will have a chance to follow the striking orange coated monkey in the company of researchers.
Gorilla Tracking
Besides Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guests can spend time in the company of the Habituated Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where a trail of trampled and snapped vegetation is explored and the contact of Mountain Gorillas is restricted to only one hour giving an opportunity to photograph and observations.