Safari Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
One of the park's biggest draws is the opportunity to track a habituated group of mountain gorillas. This intimate encounter is both humbling and exhilarating. Trekking begins at Ntebeko Visitor Center, where participants receive a briefing from ranger guides. The hike through the bamboo forest and hilly terrain is challenging yet rewarding, often lasting a half to a full day depending on the gorillas’ location.
Mgahinga hosts just one gorilla family—Nyakagezi—known for its playful juveniles and dominant silverback. Trekking groups are limited to 8 visitors per day, ensuring a quiet, respectful experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking
These striking golden monkeys, found only in the Albertine Rift, are a delight to watch as they leap and chatter in the bamboo forests. Tracking begins along the Gahinga Trail, allowing small groups of up to 6 people to follow these active, camera-shy primates. The park is home to around 40–60 habituated individuals, and the total population in the region ranges from 3,000 to 4,000. A permit is required for this unique primate adventure.
Volcano Hiking
Mgahinga offers the rare opportunity to summit all three Virunga Volcanoes within its borders:
Mount Muhavura (4,127m): A 12 km round trip hike taking about 8–10 hours. It rewards climbers with panoramic views of the Virunga range, Lake Edward, Bwindi Forest, and even the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
Mount Gahinga (3,474m): This 6–7 hour trek leads to a crater swamp at the summit surrounded by giant lobelias. With a bit of luck, golden monkeys may be spotted along the way.
Mount Sabinyo (3,669m): Known as the “Old Man’s Teeth” due to its jagged peaks, this challenging 14 km hike follows steep ridgelines and takes 8–10 hours. It’s the only summit where you can stand in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, DRC) at once.
Bird Watching
For avid birders, Mgahinga is a paradise. The park offers some of the best sightings of Albertine Rift endemics, particularly along the Gorge Trail between Mounts Gahinga and Sabinyo. Common sightings include:
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Cape Robin-Chat
- Dusky Turtle Dove
- Rwenzori Batis
- Kivu Ground Thrush
- Red-faced Woodland Warbler
The bamboo zone (around 2,500m) and montane forest (above 2,660m) are excellent birding areas. Walks range from short 3-hour excursions to longer hikes.
Cultural Encounters – The Batwa Trail
Step into the world of the Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers of Mgahinga. This guided cultural experience allows you to explore how the Batwa hunted, gathered medicinal herbs, built bamboo tools, and lived in harmony with the forest.
Visitors are taken to the Garama Cave, once a sacred retreat for the Batwa. Inside, Batwa women perform haunting songs that reflect their loss and resilience. This experience offers deep cultural immersion and supports Batwa community livelihoods.
Nature Walks and Scenic Hiking
Explore Sabinyo Gorge on a 4-hour hike through montane forest and swamp—a hotspot for the Rwenzori Turaco and other bird species. The Rugezi Swamp is a highlight for birders, while the Gisozi Hill hike provides views of Lake Mutanda, Kisoro town, and Bunagana at the Congo border.
Shorter hikes such as the Golden Monkey Trail offer less strenuous yet equally scenic treks through old farmland, bamboo forests, and rich wildlife habitats. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Virunga volcano chain.
