ACTIVITIES IN  MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla Tracking is still the main attraction here, but it’s less popular than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, due to only one Habituated family having a tendency to duck across the mountains into Rwanda or the DRC but there’s much more on offer here than just gorillas. Mgahinga also serves up some challenging but rewarding treks and an interesting cave, plus Golden monkey tracking is almost as fun as hanging out with the big boys and other wildlife including Buffalo, Stripped Weasel, Boehm’s and  Ruwenzori Sun Squirrels, Side-stripped Jackal, Honey Badger and Servel Cat.

Golden Monkey tracking

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with its lush forests and towering volcanoes, offers a natural sanctuary for these fascinating creatures. The Golden Monkeys are revered for their striking appearance, adorned in vibrant shades of gold and contrasting black, making them a sight to behold. The Golden Monkeys are only found in the Virunga Mountains of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Guided by experienced park rangers, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore the undisturbed habitats of these remarkable creatures. The trekking adventure leads you through a mosaic of captivating landscapes, ranging from dense foliage to open clearings, as you search for the elusive golden monkeys. Each step reveals a new aspect of the untamed beauty that Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has to offer.

Observing these magnificent creatures up close, you witness their social interactions as they communicate through an intricate combination of vocalisations, facial expressions, and body movements. Their nimble fingers deftly pluck leaves and bamboo shoots, highlighting their herbivorous diet and resourceful nature.

For nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, capturing the golden monkeys’ essence on film becomes an artistic endeavour. The vibrancy of their golden coats against the backdrop of the lush greenery creates a visual tapestry that is both mesmerising and ethereal.

By participating in golden monkey trekking, you contribute directly to the preservation of these endangered primates and the protection of their natural habitat.

Birding in Mgahinga

Although scenically very rewarding with at least 115 Bird species, it’s not necessary to climb to the top of the Volcanoes to see the specialities of the park. Most of the avian attractions may be found on the excellent gorge trail, which loops halfway up Mt Sabinyo, traverses a variety of montane habitats and takes 3-4 hours to complete. From Ntebeko camp, the trail winds up through former Farmland where the regenerating vegetation has a semi-natural heath character.

Ruwenzori Turaco, Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Brown crowned Tchagra, Bronze Sunbird, Black-headed waxbill, Streaky Seedeater, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Scarlet-tufted malachite Sunbird, Striped-breasted Tit, White-starred Robin, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, African Hill Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Buff spotted Flufftail, Chestnut-throated and Collared Apalises, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher and Montane Sooty Boubou, Chubb’s Cisticola and Doherty’s Bush-shrike.

Mountain and Volcano Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

When it comes to exhilarating activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the adventure doesn’t stop at gorilla trekking. Nestled within this captivating wilderness, three majestic volcanic cones—Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabyinyo—beckon intrepid travellers to embark on the thrilling mountain and volcano hiking expeditions.

These impressive volcanic peaks, which dominate the park’s skyline, are a sight to behold, visible from miles away on clear days when the clouds gracefully part. Rising above the surrounding landscape, they offer a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable hiking experiences.

Each volcano presents a unique and exciting adventure, allowing visitors to conquer the heights and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Together, these three volcanic wonders form part of the renowned Virunga Massif, extending beyond Uganda’s borders into the neighbouring countries of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Accompanied by experienced UWA rangers, hikers set out to conquer these volcanic giants. The best part? Each volcano can be summitted in a single day, making them a perfect addition to a gorilla tracking safari or a standalone adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush.

Mt. Muhavura stands as the highest of the trio, reaching an impressive altitude of 4,127 meters. Its allure lies not only in its majestic height but also in the presence of a crater lake at its summit. Ascending this volcanic giant unveils a surreal landscape, rewarding hikers with panoramic views that stretch far into the horizon.

Meanwhile, Mt. Sabyinyo, although slightly lower at 3,645 meters, is renowned as the toughest and most famous of the three. Scaling its challenging slopes demands endurance and determination. Yet, those who conquer Sabyinyo’s third peak will be rewarded with a remarkable feat—they will stand in three countries simultaneously, without needing a visa. This unique opportunity to straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is an awe-inspiring moment that transcends geographical boundaries.

Completing the triumvirate, Mt. Gahinga offers a captivating hiking experience, reaching a height of 3,474 meters. The ascent reveals the secrets of this dormant volcano, adorned with lush vegetation and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.