Hiking Adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Hiking in Mgahinga National Park is one of the things people do when they go on safaris there. You can hike on three mountains in the park: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. Each mountain has different trails you can follow to reach the top. From there, you can see amazing views of the area around the mountains.

These mountains are part of the Virunga Mountains, which have eight volcanoes altogether. You can also find some of these volcanoes in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of the other Virunga Mountains are Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamulagira. Each of these mountains has its own unique height.

Mgahinga National Park is in the southwestern part of Uganda. It’s a great place to go hiking and see these amazing mountains.

Hiking tours on Mount Gahinga

Mount Gahinga is one of three mountains in Mgahinga National Park where people can go hiking. It’s not as tall as the others, standing at 3474 meters high. Hiking up and down usually takes between 6 to 8 hours.

If you want to hike Mount Gahinga, you start by meeting at the park headquarters at 7 in the morning. These headquarters are just a short drive from Kisoro town, about 10 minutes away. During the hike, park rangers will be with you to guide and keep you safe.

The hike takes you through different landscapes like farmlands, bamboo forests, and areas with various primates like black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and vervet monkeys. You’ll also see sub-alpine vegetation. Plus, if the weather’s clear, you can catch a glimpse of the Rwenzori mountains from the top.

You can do this hike in just one day as part of a tour in Mgahinga National Park. The cost for climbing Mount Gahinga is $80 for foreigners who aren’t residents, $70 for foreign residents, and 50,000 Ugandan shillings for people from East African countries.

Hiking tours on Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura is the tallest mountain in Mgahinga National Park. It’s really high, standing at 4127 meters. It’s the third tallest among the Virunga mountains.

To climb Mount Muhabura, you need about 5 to 7 hours. The climb starts with a talk at Ntebeko Park HQ. They tell you about the mountain and what to expect. They also show you the path you’ll take to reach the top.

People can climb Mount Muhabura from the Rwanda side too. It’s not just for experienced hikers. Even if you’re not used to hiking, you can give it a try.

When you climb, there are ranger guides with you. They help you and keep you safe. You’ll also get a walking stick. The climb is steep, so the stick helps you keep your balance.

During the climb, you stop two times. One stop is at 3117 meters, and the other is at 3860 meters. Along the way, you might see animals like buffaloes and primates.

When you reach the top, you can see amazing things. You can look out and see the other Virunga mountains. There are also crater lakes and a beautiful view of the area around. It’s really worth the climb!

Hiking tours on Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Sabyinyo is a big mountain in Mgahinga National Park, where people can go hiking when they visit Uganda. It’s near Mount Muhabura, and it’s really tall, standing at 3669 meters high. Climbing it is tough because it’s steep.

During the hike, tourists walk through bamboo forests, moss, and an area called the sub-alpine zone. Before starting the hike, there’s a meeting at the park office to talk about what to expect. The hike itself takes between 6 to 9 hours and covers about 15 kilometers.

As hikers make their way up Mount Sabyinyo, they stop at two points: one at 3423 meters and another at 3537 meters. Finally, they reach the top at 3669 meters. What’s unique about this mountain is that it’s shared by three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Best Time for Hiking in Mgahinga National Park

Hiking in Mgahinga National Park is something you can do all year. But it’s extra nice during December to February and June to August when it’s dry. Remember, though, it gets cold around the mountains, so bring warm clothes.

Here’s a list of stuff you’ll want to bring for your hike: good hiking shoes, long-sleeved clothes, a camera, sunglasses, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a backpack for the day.

When it’s dry out, it’s the best time for hiking in Mgahinga National Park. That means December to February and June to August. But it’s cold up in the mountains, so pack warm clothes. Here’s what you’ll need: hiking shoes, long-sleeved clothes, a camera, sunglasses, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a backpack for the day.

Other Activities to do in Mgahinga national park

Gorilla Trekking

In Mgahinga National Park, visitors have the incredible opportunity to go gorilla trekking. It’s an adventure like no other, where visitors spend an hour in the presence of majestic gorillas. These gorillas belong to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, and watching them up close is truly mesmerizing.

During gorilla trekking, visitors get to observe gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s a chance to witness their behaviors, interactions, and daily routines. Imagine being just a few feet away from these incredible creatures, observing them as they go about their day. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impression.

To participate in gorilla trekking, tourists need to obtain permits. These permits cost $800 per person and are available to individuals aged 15 and above. It’s essential to secure permits in advance to ensure availability and smooth coordination for the trekking experience.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Another exciting activity in Mgahinga National Park is golden monkey trekking. These endangered primates inhabit the bamboo forests of the park, offering tourists a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

During golden monkey trekking, visitors can watch these captivating creatures up close. It’s fascinating to observe their behaviors, social interactions, and playful antics. The experience provides valuable insights into the lives of these endangered monkeys and their importance in the ecosystem.

Community Tours

In addition to wildlife encounters, tourists can also participate in community tours around Mgahinga National Park. These tours offer opportunities to interact with local communities, including the Batwa people, and learn about their traditional way of life.

Community tours provide insights into the cultural heritage and traditions of the Batwa and other local communities. Visitors can engage in cultural activities, learn about traditional crafts, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural diversity of the region.

How to get to Mgahinga National Park

To get to Mgahinga National Park, you have a couple of options. One way is to drive from Kampala to Kisoro. This journey usually takes around 9 to 10 hours. You follow the road through Kampala, then Mbarara, Kabale, and finally Kisoro. It’s a long trip, but you’ll see a lot of scenery along the way.

Another way to reach the park is by driving from Rwanda. This route is much shorter, taking only about 3 hours. It’s a quicker way to get there if you’re coming from Rwanda.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Mgahinga National Park, you can either take the longer drive from Kampala or the shorter one from Rwanda. Either way, you’ll get to experience the beauty of the park once you arrive.