What does the name Mgahinga mean?

What does the name Mgahinga mean? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was gazetted in 1991, covering a total area of 33.7 square kilometres making it the smallest national park and it is the second national park with endangered mountain gorillas, though it is well known for golden monkeys. Mgahinga is located in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district, Bufumbira county which is at the extreme south western corner of Uganda. And the park has a strong cultural attachment to the pygmy community that inhabits the area, it adjoins Rwanda’s volcanoes national park and Democratic republic of Congo and Rwanda.

What does the name mgahinga mean

Mgahinga name derives its name from mountain Gahinga, which is one of the three mountain peaks in the park, Gahinga is a local word said by Bafumbira since Mgahinga is in Bufumbira that means piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the volcanoes.

How to access Mgahinga National Park

 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a stunning location that offers a host of natural wonders to its visitors. Despite its remote location in the southwestern Uganda, it can be accessed in two ways

By road

It is the most common way to reach mgahinga national park and it is about 9 to 10 hours drive covering 482 kilometres where one will pass through beautiful landscapes.

By air

Those who prefer to reach quickly and comfortably on can take a flight from Entebbe using Aero link Uganda to Kisoro airstrip then transfer to the park by car, which is just 14 kilometers.

Why should one visit Mgahinga National Park

Golden Monkey Trekking is the main reason why one should consider spending your next primate trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and it is the main attraction in Mgahinga though there are other things like gorillas, but golden monkeys are the main thing why one should visit Mgahinga National Park.

Things to do in Mgahinga National Park

Golden monkey tracking

Mgahinga National Park is still considered the best place to truck golden monkeys in Africa and golden monkey permits cost 60USD for foreign non-resident, 50USD for foreign residents, 50000UGX for East African countries per person.

Visiting the Batwa people

They originally inhabit the forest but when later the forest turned into a national park, they started living outside the forest. Visiting the Batwa will give you an opportunity to participate in their activities like hunting, making crafts, dancing and storytelling.

Bird watching

There are over 250 bird species recorded in Mgahinga National Park, making Mgahinga a birders heaven and bird watching in mgahinga can be done all year round and there are both migratory and resident birds and some of these birds include Rwenzori Turaco, red-faced woodland warbler, double-collared sun bird to mention but a few.

Volcano climbing

Mgahinga National Park gives you an exhilarating adventure that allows you to explore the ancient volcanic chain and these are mountains Mgahinga, Muhabura, and Sabinyo all offering a unique and rewarding climbing experience

Mountain Mgahinga

It provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes including landscapes, lush forests and the remote villages in south western Uganda and on clear days visitors extend to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain Gahinga

It is the highest standing on 3474 meters, and most challenging volcano to climb in the park. This multi day trek involves traversing steep sections and scramble climbing, testing the endurance and skills of climbers.

Mountain Muhabura, also known as Mountain Muhavura. Despite the challenging nature it remains a popular choice among hikers and the hiking starts from the gate of the park and it takes approximately 10 to 12 hours to reach the summit which is rewarding with breathtaking views of the Rift valley lakes.

Guided nature walks

Guided nature walks at Mgahinga National Park offer you a chance to hike through the tick forest to Sabyinyo Gorge that also features as the best site for birding safari and explore the transcending vegetation zones along the Congo borders where you will glace several calderas. And one goes for nature you will be able to spot other primates like normal monkeys.

Gorilla trekking

Apart from Bwindi National Park which is the most visited park in Uganda, gorillas can also be found in Mgahinga national park which has the habituated group of gorillas which the Nyakagezi.

Best time of the year to visit Mgahinga National Park

 You can visit Mgahinga National Park throughout the year though the best of the year is during the dry season in the months of September, December to February most of the activities done in the park can best be done during dry season.

Golden monkey trucking is the main activity takes place in Mgahinga National Park; golden monkeys can be trucked through its bamboo habitat on the slopes of mgahinga national park.