Mgahinga National Park is the second most popular travel destination in Uganda, known for hosting mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda, in Kisoro District, along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga National Park has a relatively low gorilla population of a bout 100, unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has a higher population. Due to the fact that Mgahinga National Park is adjacent to or near Volcanoes National Park, which is shared among three countries, a number of wild, habituated gorillas often cross over from either Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo into Maghinga National Park in Uganda. Although there are wild mountain gorillas in Maghinga, they are not trekked for tourism purposes. Mgahinga National Park has about two habituated gorilla groups, or gorilla families, that are trekked by tourists or visitors who come to the park.

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi gorilla group, also known as a gorilla family, was named after a location called Nyakagezi, where this gorilla group was first observed. This gorilla group is composed of or has about 10 gorillas, which are headed by or led by a silverback called Mark, assisted by his brother called Mafi. Mark got this leadership from a silverback called Bugingo after defeating him, and unlike other silverbacks who leave a gorilla family or group after being defeated, Bugingo stayed and is now known as the Mzee of this group due to his old age.

Hirwa Gorilla Family

Hirwa gorilla family is also found or can be tracked in Mgahinga National Park, which is said to have recently shifted from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda since they are close neighbors. The name Hirwa means ‘’the lucky one’’ in Kinyarwanda and was named to this gorilla group because it is among the few gorilla groups with a set of twin gorillas. Hirwa gorilla family or gorilla group has a bout 17 mountain gorillas, which are led by a dominant silverback called Unuranga, who took over the leadership role after the death of the founding silverback leader Munyinya.

What is the best time to visit Mgahinga National Park?

Mgahinga National Park is always open for tourists or visitors throughout the whole year but the best recommended time to visit Mgahinga National Park is during the dry season of the year. The dry season is from June to August and from February to December. The dry season is the best time to visit Mgahinga National Park because the weather conditions of this season favor a lot of outdoor activities, which include Mountain gorilla trekking, unlike the wet or rainy season, where the walking and driving trails are covered with mud and are slippery  also, the mountain gorillas tend to go further into the forests and go in to hiding when it rains. Which makes the gorilla trekking activity more difficult or complicated.

What to pack when visiting Mgahinga National Park?

There are a number of items that you should consider packing or bringing along when you are visiting Mgahinga National Park to ensure your safety and comfort. Some of the items or things you should consider packing include raincoat or jacket, a cape or hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a personal first aid kit, and a pair of hiking boots. long-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved trousers, a backpack, and a pair of binoculars (for bird lovers), a refillable drinking water bottle, energy snacks, to name a few.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga National Park?

Before booking a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga, you should make sure that you are 15 years and above, because that is the age limit for gorilla trekkers in Mgahinga National Park. Since there are few gorillatrekking permits, it is always advisable or recommended to book your gorilla trekking permit as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this amazing adventure or avoid inconveniences. You can book your gorilla permits through licensed tour operators like Ntale Safaris, who will do the hustle for you, and all you have to do is show up for your gorilla trekking activity in Mgahinga National Park.

Where to stay in Mgahinga National Park?

There are a number of accommodation facilities where you can decide to stay during your visit to Mgahinga National Park, and these range from luxury to budget offering good facilities and services to visitors or clients that go there. These accommodation facilities include Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Community Campground, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, to name a few.

In conclusion, Mgahinga National Park is one of the travel destinations that should not be missed out on your safari itinerary or your to-do list while on a Uganda safari, because this destination has a lot more to offer than you think, so book with us now and we will draft for you a custom made itinerary which will match your adventure energy and ensure that you have a good time while making those lasting memories.