Mgahinga National Park is the Ugandan sector of the 8000km² Virunga massif which is comprised of six active and three extinct volcanoes that straddle the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Three of these are in Mgahinga National Park, namely Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhavura& Mt. Sabyinyo, all of which sit high, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m.
Mgahinga’s highland is home to one habituated transboundary gorilla family. Known as the Nyakagezi group, it is comprised of 11 members that invariably spend their time in the bamboo zone due to their insatiable appetite for its tasty shoots. Occasionally, they room down to the forest zone, especially in search of wild fruits.
A visit to Mgahinga is incomplete without a golden monkey trek. The adventure entails moving on foot into the forest zone of the mountains in search of the habituated golden monkeys. Upon finding them, you will be allowed to spend one hour in their territory as you observe their ways of life.
If you prefer something more challenging, the day-long mountain climb to the summits of the park’s three mountains is worth daring. Together with our guides, you will move up steeply forested terrain, climb big boulders, slither over tree roots, and traverse volcanic ash.
Regardless of which of the three mountains you chose, it is highly recommended that you don’t rush the hike. Rather, take one step at a time to allow your body to acclimatize, thereby minimizing your possibility of succumbing to altitude sickness.
Although the Mgahinga National Park doubles is a birding destination, this activity is largely unrealized in practical terms. Most birders yearning to see a good selection of forest species associated with Uganda would be better off heading to Semuliki Game Reserve, Bwindi N/P, or Queen Elizabeth N/P.
For the less active nature lovers, there are lots of luxury lodges with comfortable views of the gorgeous mountain rainforest scenery.