Looking for an exotic destination to visit in Africa? The Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga Region is the place to be. Regardless of its small size, Mgahinga National Park is one of a few exceptional safari destinations that you should count a must to explore while on holiday in Africa. This park boasts of its varied unique things that leave visitors on Uganda safari amazed.
Below are some of the awesome things for you to do while on safari in Mgahinga National Park.
Gorilla trekking
With only 4 national parks where gorilla trekking is conducted in the entire world, Mgahinga is that one unique park in Uganda that offers you that amazing opportunity to strike your imaginations with the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. About 80 mountain gorillas call this park their home and only 1 (one) habituated family-Nyakagezi family for visitors to trek each day. Visitors who are interested in tracking gorillas at this are advised to book for their permits in advance as the demand is high. To trek gorillas in this park, you need $600 to secure your permit.
Golden Monkey trekking
For primate enthusiasts on safari in Uganda, golden monkey tracking is that one rare primate experience you need not to miss out. It is one of the lifetime experiences that allow you to catch a glimpse at the striking golden monkeys while in the wild. Mgahinga National Park is the only park in Uganda where you can spot out these remarkable primates. About 3000 of them are believed to exist in this park alone making it an ideal destination for you to realize your dreams. Like most primate adventures, you have an hour of face to face encounter with these magnificent apes in the wild. To be part of this exciting adventure, you need long sleeved shirts or T-shirt, water proof hiking boots, walking stick that you can get at the park headquarters. Note that, unlike the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are very jumpy and you have to be very sharp when taking photos otherwise you will miss but thanks to habituation exercise that you can easily take pictures.
Birding
If you are interested in birding tours in Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is undoubtedly that one unique safari destination you must think of. It boasts of its distinct habitats that range from buffalo wall, wetlands, forests and many others that inhabit different bird species. While on birding tour at this park, the notable birds for you to sight out include speckled mouse, fire finch stonechat, ibis, white necked raven, pin tailed whydahs, grey capped warbler, yellow vented bulbul, archer’s robin chat, dusky crimson wing, blue headed coucal, kivu ground thrush, Ruwenzori batis, nightjars, Ruwenzori Turaco, olive pigeon a mention but a few. For memorable birding safari in Mgahinga National Park, don’t forget to come along with a pair of binoculars.
Volcano hiking
Besides the popular primate adventures, Mgahinga National Park is also ideal for hiking experiences the fact that it is a home to some of the beautiful Virunga Mountains. If you are good at hiking, Muhabura Volcano is that one unique Virunga Volcano that you must explore. What is interesting is that this stunning mountain accommodates all kinds of hikers and the hike lasts for about eight hours. It rewards you with spectacular views of its surrounding areas and picturesque peaks. Volcano hikes in Mgahinga National Park can be done in Mount Sabinyo which stretches about 3669 meters and you will spend at least 8 hours to complete the 14 kilometres round hike. Gahinga Volcano which is 3474 meters features splendid swamp filled crater and giant lobelia and if you are lucky enough, you will have opportunity to catch a glimpse at the golden monkeys while on your hike via the bamboo forest. The other incredible volcano not to miss to explore is Muhabura which is 4127 meters and takes hikers through 12 kilometres round hike.
The Batwa trail
If you are interested in cultural encounters, the Batwa trail takes you through the Muhavura cave or Garama Cave. The walk through this trail offers you opportunity to explore more about the traditions, cultures and lifestyles of the Batwa pygmies the renowned forest dwellers. Historically, the Batwa lived in the jungles for over 500000 years and called it their treasure. They are popular to have stayed with mountain gorillas peacefully till when they left the forest due to need to conserve it into park. The Garama cave on other hand extends for about 342 meters and situated on the northern side of the park approximately three kilometres away from Ntebeko.
In conclusion, Mgahinga National Park isn’t only known for its small size but also for diverse tourist activities for visitors on Uganda safari to enjoy. With the above listed awesome activities, we believe that you won’t be left stranded while on tour in Mgahinga this coming holiday.
