Visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the country’s most beautiful and biodiverse national parks. Covering 33.7 square kilometers, it is Uganda’s smallest national park, but its significance is immense as it forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is nestled on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains and is home to three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Mgahinga is primarily known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it a key destination for gorilla trekking. The park is also home to the rare golden monkeys, offering a unique opportunity to see two of Africa’s most elusive primate species in one place.
Aside from its wildlife, Mgahinga offers breathtaking scenery, with lush forests, bamboo stands, and sweeping views of the volcanoes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and cultural encounters with the Batwa people, the indigenous forest dwellers who once called the area home. Despite its smaller size, Mgahinga offers an intimate and rewarding wildlife and nature experience, particularly for those seeking to explore the Virunga Mountains.
Which Elevation is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies at an elevation ranging from approximately 2,227 meters (7,306 feet) to 4,127 meters (13,540 feet) above sea level. The park’s high altitude is due to its location on the slopes of three dormant volcanoes—Mount Muhabura (4,127 meters), Mount Gahinga (3,474 meters), and Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 meters)—which form part of the Virunga Mountain range. This elevation contributes to the park’s cool climate and its rich biodiversity, making it a unique habitat for mountain gorillas and other wildlife.
If you get lost in Africa, is when you understand that you are on a true adventure, because you always want to know new places indeed.
Hafasha Keneth – KCI Institute
Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an extraordinary adventure that allows you to come face-to-face with one of the world’s most endangered species—the mountain gorilla. The trek takes you through the dense forests and bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.
The experience begins with a briefing from park rangers, after which small groups are led by expert guides into the forest in search of the Nyakagezi gorilla family, the park’s only habituated group. The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the journey is worth it.
Once you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend a magical hour observing their behavior, interactions, and family dynamics up close. The encounter offers an unparalleled glimpse into their world, as they feed, play, and move through the forest.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga not only provides an intimate wildlife experience but also supports conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures and their habitat.
How many Gorillas are in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to a single habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi group. This family typically consists of 9 members as of today October 2024 including dominant silverbacks, females, juveniles, and infants. The gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include;
- Mark
- Ndungutse
- Rukundo
- Kyizanye
- Nshuti
- Mutaganmba
- Nzija
- Nsekuye
- Tulambule
One unique thing about Nyakazegi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is that, the gorillas are calm and easy to fine, and there are over 9 gorilla members with 3 silverbacks in one family. These silverbacks include Mark, the dominant silverback or say first in command, Ndungutse, second in command, and Rukundo the third in command.
Although the park itself is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which is shared with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park, only a small portion of the mountain gorilla population resides in Mgahinga. The entire Virunga range is home to around 1,000 mountain gorillas, but Mgahinga plays a crucial role in the conservation of this endangered species.
Despite the relatively small number of gorillas in Mgahinga, the park offers a highly rewarding gorilla trekking experience. The Nyakagezi group is known for its stability, often staying within Uganda’s borders, which makes the park an excellent destination for those seeking a more intimate and exclusive gorilla encounter.
How long does it take to find gorillas, how long do i spend with them?
The time it takes to find gorillas during a trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can vary depending on several factors, such as the location of the gorilla family and the terrain. Typically, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to locate the gorillas. The trek involves hiking through dense forests, bamboo stands, and sometimes steep, mountainous terrain. However, the experienced park rangers and guides lead the way, tracking the gorillas based on their known movements and signs such as footprints or broken vegetation.
Once the gorilla family is located, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas. During this precious hour, you can observe the gorillas as they go about their daily activities—feeding, playing, grooming, and interacting with each other. This close-up experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to watch their social behavior and appreciate the sheer presence of these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
The limited time with the gorillas is to minimize human impact on them, ensuring their safety and health, as well as maintaining their wild nature. Despite the brief time, the encounter leaves a lasting impression and is often described as one of the most incredible wildlife experiences.
