Overview – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is the country’s smallest park, covering only 33.7 km². Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.
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Wildlife10 animals
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High SeasonJune to September
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Best Time to GoJune to August and December to January
Pros & Cons
- Famous for Mountain gorilla trekking
- Amazing scenery with views of volcanic peaks
- Activities include hiking to volcanic peaks, golden monkey trekking, Batwa cultural trail and caving
- The short final access road is rough at all times
- Gorilla trekking permit is very expensive
- Only one habituated gorilla troop
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Map in Africa
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Safari Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey. There is only one family habituated to make contact in Mgahinga. Called the Nyakagazi group, it has five silverbacks, two adult females and three young gorillas.
Wildlife Highlights
Mgahinga is home to 76 species of mammals, although they are difficult to glimpse in the wild forest vegetation. They include giant forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers and South African porcupines.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The best time for gorilla trekking is in the Dry seasons from June to August and December to January. But in heavy rainfall, trails can be difficult to walk and gorilla trekking can be compromised.
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Birds – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The best birding in Mgahinga also takes in some of its most beautiful scenery - in the gorge between Mts Gahinga and Sabinyo, through the bamboo forest, and in the montane forest, where the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco may be observed. The three to four-hour Gorge Trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo can provide a spectacular sightings of the Dusky turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bronze Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Black-headed Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater.
Notable Birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Best Time for Bird Watching
Birding can be done all year round in Mgahinga but the best time will be from April to May and October to November. In the rainy season from August to October, Bird watching can be difficult to follow as roads become very slippery.
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Best Time to Visit – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park can be visited all year round for Gorilla trekking. The best time is in the Dry seasons from June to August and December to January. In the rainy season from August to October, trekking. can be difficult to follow as roads become very slippery.
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Best Time
June to August and December to January
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High Season
June to September
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Low Season
March to May, October and November
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Best Weather
June to August and December to January
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Worst Weather
March to May and September to November
June to August & December to January (Dry Season)
- Gorilla trekking can be easier in drier trails
- Time spent with gorillas is more pleasant when it doesn’t rain
- Days are lovely and sunny
- The views aren't that great as the sky is hazy
June to August & December to January (Wet Season)
- In this season also, gorilla trekking can be done
- Migratory birds are present
- When the clouds lift, the views are amazing
- Roads are very bad in the rainy season and it's hard to travel as the trails become slippery
- Hailstorms are common
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Activities – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Want to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Safari Reviews – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Want to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Photo Gallery – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
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