Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Overview
Uganda Parks
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects the Ugandan slopes of the majestic Virungas, a range of freestanding volcanoes that rises to a maximum altitude of 4,507m/14,787ft on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is an alternative destination to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. Other attractions include hikes to the summit of three of the park’s volcanic peaks and golden monkey trekking.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Aside from the endangered mountain gorilla, Mgahinga is home to many other mammal species. However, as in all forests, animals tend to be hard to spot. The very rare golden monkey, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can be tracked. Other mammals include black-and-white colobus, buffalo, elephant, bushbuck and duiker.
Scenery
Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park. It forms part of the Virunga Mountains and adjoins with the parks across the borders of DRC and Rwanda. The entire park is at a high altitude, and the views are out of this world. The most prominent feature are the volcanic cones of extinct volcanoes in the mountain range. It also offers great views over Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe.
Weather & Climate
The near-constant threat of rain means that Mgahinga doesn’t have a Dry season as such, although the precipitation eases a little from December to January, and even more mid-year. The park’s reputation for being one of Uganda’s coolest places is reflected in the average daytime temperature of 20°C/68°F. You’ll need plenty of warm, waterproof clothing during the two Wet seasons (from February to May and from September to November).
Best Time to Visit
Gorillas can be tracked year-round in Mgahinga. Predictably, the low seasons roughly coincide with the Wet seasons (February to May and September to November), but be aware that some of the park’s accommodation shuts down in these months. The landscape of the park, dominated by the Virunga Mountains, can be better navigated in the drier months.
Want to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla NP?
Safari Tours to Mgahinga Gorilla NP
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![10-Day Uganda Tour Package -Safari and Wildlife Adventure]()
10-Day Uganda Tour Package -Safari and Wildlife Adventure
$2,778 pp (USD)
Uganda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Entebbe (Start), Kibale NP (Chimps), Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP (Gorillas), Kisoro (Town), Mgahinga Gorilla NP (Gorillas), Lake Mburo NP, Entebbe (End)
Home To Africa Tours and Travel
5.0/5 – 210 Reviews
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![13-Day Virunga Gorillas and Wildlife Safari in Uganda]()
13-Day Virunga Gorillas and Wildlife Safari in Uganda
$3,200 pp (USD)
Uganda: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & ResortYou Visit: Entebbe (Start), Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP (Chimps), Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP (Gorillas), Mgahinga Gorilla NP (Gorillas), Lake Mburo NP, Kampala (City), Entebbe Airport (End)
Buyaga Safaris
4.9/5 – 13 Reviews
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![12-Day Walking with Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife]()
12-Day Walking with Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife
$4,497 pp (USD)
Uganda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Entebbe (Start), Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP (Chimps), Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP (Gorillas), Mgahinga Gorilla NP (Gorillas), Lake Mburo NP, Entebbe Airport (End)
Kwezi Outdoors
5.0/5 – 6 Reviews
_1518729865.gif "Buyaga Safaris")
