Hiking in Mgahinga National Park & nature walks are some of the exciting safari activities that any traveler to the park should not miss when on a Uganda safari.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest game park in Uganda, located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro District. It borders Volcanoes National Park on the Uganda-Rwanda border and Virunga National Park of the DR Congo.

Hiking and nature walks in Mgahinga NP involve trekking to different parts of the park to discover its natural wonders, including the three volcanoes, plant species like the giant lobelia, and stunning landscapes, among other attractions.

The nature strolls in Mgahinga NP are done using the many trails that have been put in place for tourists to follow with the guidance of experienced tour guides, and a round trip takes about three hours.

Hiking to the summit of different extinct volcanoes in the area and other places within the park to see the various attractions, like the beautiful Lake Mutanda, offers an unforgettable experience of a nature walking safari in Uganda.

Top Hiking Spots in Mgahinga National Park 

There are many hiking spots in Mgahinga NP, and these include

Mount Sabyinyo

The Sabyinyo volcano, one of the hiking spots in Mgahinga NP, stands at a height of 3,669 meters (12,037 feet) above sea level along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sabyinyo is a Kinyarwanda word meaning tooth, and the mountain is named Sabyinyo for its three jagged peaks that resemble worn-out teeth of an old man’s gum line.

Mount Mgahinga  

Mt. Mgahinga in Uganda, also known as Mount Gahinga in Rwanda, stands at a height of approximately 3,474 meters (11,398 feet) above sea level, making it one of the top hiking spots in Mgahinga NP.

This volcano is close to Mount Muhabura, and one may think that it is a small mountain, especially if it is viewed from afar.

Mount Muhabura

At 4,127 meters above sea level, Mt. Muhabura is the highest volcanic peak in Mgahinga NP. It is situated on the border of Uganda and Rwanda, and despite its elevation, it is nevertheless a popular hiking spot in Mgahinga NP.

It is the third-highest volcano in the Virunga ranges, and its great height acts as a bearing for those interested in hiking any of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga NP, since the mountain can be seen from afar.

Gisozi Hill (Gisozi Caldera)

This iconic hill, which is one of the best hiking spots in Mgahinga NP, is located near Kisoro town and Bunagana town, around 3km from the park headquarters at Ntebeko.

This is a great viewing point within Mgahinga NP that offers panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, the surrounding Kigezi highlands, and other attractions in the park.

Birding Sites

Birdwatching sites, which include the bamboo belt, the border trail, the Montane Forest trails, and the gorge trail that is between Mount Sabinyo and Mount Mgahinga, are also among the best hiking spots in Mgahinga NP.

Some of the bird species at these sites include Blue-headed sunbird, White necked raven, Olive woodpecker, among others.

Batwa Community Area

The Batwa community area, which is home to Batwa pygmies who were evicted from the forest where Mgahinga NP is located, is also among the best hiking spots when on hiking and Nature walks in Mgahinga NP.

These people are known for their unique way of life of largely depending on hunting animals for meat and gathering fruits, roots, honey, etc.

 Hiking Experience in Mgahinga National Park 

Three volcanoes in Mgahinga NP offer an interesting hiking experience to hikers who visit the park.

Hiking Sabyinyo Volcano in Mgahinga NP

A hike to the summit of Mount Sabinyo is one of the most captivating activities to enjoy while on nature walks and hikes in Mgahinga Gorilla NP.

The entire hike to the summit of Sabyinyo lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with the ascent taking about 4 hours and the descent requiring around 2 hours.

Climbing to the summit of Mt. Sabyinyo is done on the eastern side, from where you will have a chance to move along the steep ridge, and you will have views of stunning tree species, birds, and animals.

At the summit of Mt. Sabyinyo, you will have a unique opportunity to be in three countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—simultaneously without needing a visa or paying any entry fee. The summit of Sabyinyo is the intersection of these countries.

Hiking to the Sabyinyo Gorge, a birding site on Mt Sabyinyo, also offers an opportunity to see numerous bird species.

Bird species in this area, including the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, bronze sunbird, olive thrush, Lagden’s bush shrike, waxbills, brown crowned tchagra, Pin tailed Whydah, Yellow vented bulbul, Black kite, and Grey-capped warbler, among others.

Hiking up Mount Mgahinga

Though the mountain is small compared to other volcanoes in Mgahinga NP, it offers a manageable and exciting challenge to interested hikers.

The hike to the summit passes through a lush bamboo forest, where you can also see various species of forest birds and primates, including monkeys.

From the mountain’s peak, you can see the swampy crater with its diverse plant life.

Hiking Mount Muhabura

Being the highest volcano in Mgahinga NP, Mt Muhabura in Uganda offers fascinating hiking experiences to hikers. Hiking to its summit usually takes around 8 hours.

While at the summit, you will have panoramic views of Virunga peaks, Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth, and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains from afar.

Nature Walks and Hikes to Other Places Within Mgahinga NP 

Hike Up Gisozi Caldera

The hike to Gisozi Hill is an opportunity to see the Gisozi caldera that sits at the top of the hill during nature walks in Mgahinga NP.

Hiking to reach the caldera takes about 2 hours, and the hiking trail goes through the local homesteads and farmlands, allowing you to learn about the local way of life of the people living near the park.

Trekking starts from park offices in Ntebeko, while others start from Ntebeko Homestay and Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, which are located near the park gate.

The trek to the Gisozi caldera normally starts in the afternoon after gorilla tracking or in the morning if tracking of gorillas is not part of the day’s activities.

While on this walk, you may also explore the Kigezi highlands and reach the western part of Bwindi Forest.

Nature Strolls to The Birding Site

The nature strolls to birding sites in Mgahinga NP usually take 1 to 2 hours, and they offer a chance to spot a variety of avian species.

Among the commonly spotted birds are the Kivu ground thrush, Cape robin chat, Rwenzori batis, Blue headed sunbird, White necked raven, olive woodpecker, Regal Sunbird, strange weaver, Dusky Turtle Dove, Shelly’s Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland-Warbler, Grey capped warbler, Blue-headed coucal, and paradise flycatcher, among others.

The Batwa Trail

The walk to the Batwa community near Mgahinga NP is one of the most captivating activities to add to nature walks and hikes in Mgahinga NP, given the fascinating cultural experience it offers.

Most of these people have been evicted from the forest and now live around the park, slowly adjusting to modern life.

Today, some of the Batwa people are employed at the park as guides who lead the visitors to places like the Garama cave, which was used as a hiding place for the Batwa after raiding neighbors, a boardroom, and a place where they could sacrifice to gods and perform rituals.

On the Batwa trail, you will be taught skills of hunting, learn how bamboo cups are made, and make other handicrafts, thereby immersing yourself in the traditional way of life of the Batwa.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Tracking of gorillas is the best option that you can add to hiking while in Mgahinga NP.

This activity involves trekking through the dense forest of Mgahinga NP in search of gorillas in their natural habitat and spending at least one hour with them while closely observing their behaviors.

It is commonly done early in the morning by those with gorilla permits that are purchased through trusted tour operators or from offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala.

Golden Monkey Tracking

This involves trekking through the bamboo forests of Mgahinga NP in search of the rare golden monkeys as in addition to hiking in Mgahinga NP.

This is easier compared to tracking gorillas since it is done by following the fresh leftovers from the bamboo shoots eaten by the golden monkeys. Once these monkeys are found, trackers are allowed to spend at least one hour with them.

You will observe monkeys jumping from one tree to another while others are tending to their young ones.

Golden Monkey Habituation

This process involves golden monkey trackers and researchers, who are led by park rangers, spending significant time with the golden monkeys in the forest to make them accustomed to human presence.

Cost Of Hiking, Nature Strolls, And Other Related Activities in The Park

The charges below are charged per person for a given activity

Best Time for Hiking and Nature Strolls in Mgahinga NP 

Mgahinga NP is open year-round for visitors, but the prime time for nature strolls and other hiking activities, like climbing different volcanoes, is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February).

It is considered the best time because the hiking trails are passable and less slippery, and the vegetation tends to thin, making it easy to spot some animals in the park.

Some safaris can still take place in the wet months for those who want to hike with fewer crowds.

How To Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in the south-western part of Uganda in Kisoro District, and it can be accessed by road and air.

By Road

You will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, and then to Ntebeko, where the park headquarters are, and the drive can take about 9 to 10 hours.

Visitors traveling from Rwanda who fly to Kigali International Airport can connect to Mgahinga NP via the Cyanika border in Kisoro, and the drive takes 4 hours.

By Air

You can travel by air using a scheduled or charter domestic flight with Bar Aviation or Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, where you can then connect to the park offices by road.

Where To Stay Near Mgahinga NP?

There are many budget, midrange, and luxury lodges built near the park for your dinner and overnight stays.

These include Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mutanda Lake Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Traveler’s Nest Hotel, Muhavura Motel, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mubano Hotel, and Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, which has grass thatched rooms, among others.

What to Wear for Hiking and Nature Strolls in Mgahinga NP? 

• Long-sleeved clothes
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Garden gloves
• A hat with a wide brim
• Sunscreen

 What To Pack for Hiking and Nature Strolls in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? 

Some of the essential items to pack include

• Insect repellent
• Energy snacks and drinking water
• A pair of binoculars
• Camera and extra batteries
• Walking stick
• Important travel documents like a valid passport (valid for at least six months) and a Uganda or East African tourist visa.

Hiking In Mgahinga National Park & Nature Walks FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What Is the Most Popular Activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? 

The most popular activity in Mgahinga NP is gorilla tracking, where tourists track the one gorilla group, the Nyakagezi group, in its natural habitat. This makes Mgahinga NP the second game park for endangered mountain gorilla trekking after Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Other interesting activities in the park include

• Tracking of golden monkeys
• Bird watching
• Batwa cultural experiences
• Nature strolls
• Mountain climbing

2. How Long Does Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park Take? 

During gorilla safaris in Uganda, the duration of gorilla tracking typically lasts 2 hours or more, depending on where the gorillas are located, as these primates often move to various areas of the park in search of food. After gorillas are found, trackers are allowed to spend one hour with them.

3. What Is the Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits at Mgahinga NP?

For interesting gorilla tours, gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga NP cost around USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African residents.

Conclusion

Book now for an exciting hiking adventure and nature walks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to explore the diverse natural wonders, see the gentle giants, golden monkeys, among other amazing attractions. You will also have opportunities to track primates and immerse yourself in the culture of the indigenous people to create unforgettable memories during your Uganda gorilla safari.