Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. is located in the southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district and is the smallest national park in Uganda covering 33.9 sqkm. It was established in 1991 with the sole aim to protect the endangered gorillas as the name of the park suggests. Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga National Park is the only existing habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga is part of the Virunga massif which comprises of 3 parks namely; mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DRC.

Nyakagezi is a place in Mgahinga National Park which has got abundant food for the gorillas that mainly attracts gorillas to keep around this area. The gorilla group in Mgahinga picked their name from this area.

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family is composed of 9 members including mark [reigning silver back], Bugingo [the former leader], Mathew & Mafia [silverbacks], Ndungutse & Rukundo [black backs], Nkanda & Furaha [Juveniles], mutagamba [Infant] named after the late mutagamba former minister for tourism.

The Unique Nyakagezi Gorilla Family: Peaceful Coexistence and a Rare Safari Experience

Bugingo who is aging [about 54 years) and dormant at the moment still co exists with Mark [the reigning silver back] peacefully without any clashes. Mark took over from his father Bugingo and since then they have lived together unlike in other gorilla groups where, when a silver back gets old and weakens it is usually dethroned, isolated and at times seeks refuge in other groups. A case in point is mubare family after kanyonyi took over leadership from Ruhondeza, the latter left the group and lived an introverted life until he passed on.

The Nyakagezi home [mgahinga] extends up to national frontiers with Rwanda and DRC and sometimes the family pays a visit to their counterparts in Virunga and volcanoes national parks.

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga National Park is the charming group worth a visit since it is the only gorilla group living in mgahinga and there is no congestion of visitors, their mobile behavior and the interesting fact of the 2 silver backs [the oldest & the reigning] co-existing peacefully and yes who doesn’t want to see this with their own eyes?

Uganda wildlife authority [UWA] sells 8 permits for this particular group per day.

Gorilla permits can also be issued by the UWA office in Kisoro town on Bunagana road or at Ntebeko briefing center in Mgahinga.

A gorilla permit for Foreign nonresident costs 700$, 600$ for foreign residents and 250,000UGX for East African citizens.

Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking are always given at the briefing center before setting out to gorillas.

UWA survival strategy includes regular collaboration across international borders with Rwanda and DRC to improve wildlife management, park conservation and tourism activities. Mountain gorillas living in mgahinga regularly move across the international borders that cross this island park, International conservation efforts are aimed at managing these mountain highlands as one “ecological” unit rather than as separate, national territories.

Before 2013 this group was very mobile and it used to cross to Rwanda and DRC but since then it has got a permanent residence because they prefer a small home range for nesting, relaxing and feeding because there is plenty food for them in this area.

Smart Gorilla Trekking from Kigali: Affordable Nyakagezi Encounters and Volcano Adventures

Tracking Nyakagezi from Rwanda; it is only 3 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda to Mgahinga National Park. So if you choose to fly to Kigali instead of flying to Entebbe you will have saved 5 to 6 hours because flying to Entebbe you will use 8 to 9 hours to mgahinga on the road.

Therefore the easiest way is to fly to Kigali and cross to Kisoro to track gorillas at an affordable rate of 600$ instead of 1500$ in Rwanda.

Combining gorilla trekking and volcano hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; the 3 sets of the extinct volcanoes are found in the park where the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga National Park lives so this gives you a chance to kill two birds with one stone so you may choose to do two activities on a one day tour since gorilla trekking takes only one hour. Or you may spend a night in one of the nearby accommodation facilities and run the activities in two days which is cost effective.

NOTE; In Uganda Gorilla tracking can only be done in TWO national parks that is Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Bird Watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bird Watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an exciting recreational activity that tourists like to experience in addition to tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. This can be done with a naked eye or through a visual enhancement device such as binoculars and telescopes.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most popular birding sites in Africa. In 2011 it was voted Africa’s number one birding site which is an ideal habitat for a variety of birds, the recorded bird species are 360 with 14 of these not recorded elsewhere in Uganda and 90% of these are known to be Albertine rift endemics such as short tailed warbler and blue headed sunbird as well as seven IUCN red data listed species of birds.

The beauty of doing bird watching in Bwindi is that you may catch a sight of mountain gorillas and other wildlife which makes your adventure a memorable one.

Bird Watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is commonly done along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, Bamboo Zone and Mubwindi Swamp Trail in Ruhiija.

Best time for birding in Uganda;

November-April; migratory birds are available

December to February; best time for birding. There are less rains

May and June; the food supply is abundant and it is the main nesting season

March-may; there are usually heavy rains and the hiking trails tend to be slippery. The mist may also be too much.

Uganda is a well known birding destination in Africa with more than 1000 species of birds that birding enthusiasts can encounter while on Uganda birding safaris. Most of the national parks in Uganda accommodate a big number of birds that co-exist with other wildlife. Every national park in Uganda has got impressive bird life. Some birds live around water, Savannah and rain forests. On your Uganda safari you will not miss to see birds.

Unlike primates and other wildlife, you don’t need to travel far to see the birds because there are birds everywhere in Uganda you will definitely be amazed at their beauty.

You may not do proper birding in one day, it is however recommended you take more days on a Uganda birding tour and this will allow you spot as many birds as you want which is every birder’s dream.

Besides tracking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga National Park you may engage in other activities which include;

• Golden Monkey Tracking.
• Batwa trail experience.
• Mountain hiking.

conclusion

• Visiting Garama cave In conclusion, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands out as one of Uganda’s most remarkable and unique conservation areas, offering an intimate and rewarding experience for travelers seeking both adventure and connection with nature. Despite being the smallest national park in the country, its richness in biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and cultural significance make it a destination of immense value. Nestled within the larger Virunga Massif, the park is not only a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas but also a place where landscapes, wildlife, and culture blend seamlessly to create unforgettable experiences.
• One of the park’s most distinctive features is the presence of the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, the only habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga. This exclusive opportunity allows visitors to enjoy a less crowded and more personal gorilla trekking experience compared to other parks. The rare coexistence of two silverbacks within the same group adds a fascinating dynamic that is seldom seen elsewhere, making each trek both educational and awe-inspiring. Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat fosters a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and the importance of protecting such endangered species.
• Beyond gorilla trekking, Mgahinga offers a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests. The park is home to three majestic extinct volcanoes—Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo—which provide thrilling hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding region, including neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For travelers interested in culture, the Batwa Trail Experience offers a glimpse into the traditional forest life of the Batwa people, enriching the overall visit with historical and cultural insights.
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• Accessibility is another advantage that makes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park particularly appealing. With its proximity to Kigali in Rwanda, visitors can significantly reduce travel time and costs by flying into Kigali and crossing into Uganda, making gorilla trekking more affordable without compromising on the quality of the experience. This convenience, combined with the park’s serene environment and lower visitor numbers, enhances its appeal as a hidden gem for those seeking a more tranquil safari experience.
• Ultimately, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is more than just a destination—it is a place of discovery, wonder, and meaningful encounters. Whether you are trekking gorillas, hiking volcanic peaks, or engaging with local cultures, every moment spent in the park contributes to a deeper understanding of the natural world and our role in preserving it. For travelers looking for an authentic, less crowded, and enriching safari experience, Mgahinga offers a perfect blend of adventure, conservation, and serenity that leaves a lasting impression long after the journey ends.