The great Apes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The great Apes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in Southwestern Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This National Park is around 33.7 square kilometers and serves as a refuge for the endangered Mountain Gorillas, which traverse the forest in search of sustenance and water. This National Park is among the rare locations globally where Mountain Gorillas reside, drawing travelers from various nations to Uganda for gorilla tracking excursions. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s premier tourist destinations, as it shelters these uncommon primates.
The essence of Gorilla tracking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in its dense tropical rainforest, which hosts a diverse array of tree species, as Gorillas are herbivorous. Abundant food in the Park is the reason some individuals migrate from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to this location. Although not abundant, the Gorillas of Mgahinga National Park are readily observable in their native habitats, facilitating easier Gorilla monitoring compared to other national parks.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mostly recognized as an alternate site to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for Mountain Gorilla tracking; nevertheless, it also provides excellent birdwatching opportunities and the chance to engage with the endemic Golden monkey. The Nyakagazi Gorilla family is the sole habituated Gorilla family in this area. This indicates that merely eight permits are accessible daily, culminating in a highly private event on the day of tracking.
Highlights of The great Apes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The Nyakagazi Gorilla family of Mountain Gorillas is distinguished by the presence of four sibling silverbacks. A troop of habituated Golden monkeys, native to the Albertine Rift and predominantly confined to the Virunga volcanoes, can also be observed. Bushbucks, buffaloes, forest elephants, and duikers are frequently observed, while other more elusive resident species comprise the golden cat, side-striped jackal, huge forest hog, bush pig, and forest elephants.
Best Time for he great Apes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Observation
The dry seasons, occurring from June to August and December to January, are optimal for gorilla tracking. The park remains open year-round; but, after severe rainfall, the trails may become challenging to traverse, thereby affecting interactions with the gorillas and picture opportunities.
Bird Species
Uganda’s smallest National Park, with its diverse ecosystems, hosts a total of 184 known bird species. The enumeration include the Ibis, Pin-tailed Whydah, Speckled Mousebirds, Stonechat, Grey-capped Warbler, Waxbills, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinches, and White-naped Raven.
Black Kite, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Paradise Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis, Double-collared Sunbird, and Rwenzori Nightjars
Golden Monkeys
The endangered Golden monkey is native to the Albertine Rift, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides a unique opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in the deep bamboo forest along the Gahinga route. It is thought that there are 3,000 to 4,000 individuals in the Virunga region, with 42 to 60 habituated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Additional Fauna
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts 76 animal species, although they are challenging to observe within the dense forest flora. The list comprises huge forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers, and South African porcupines. Cheap Rwanda Safaris arranges animal observation safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including gorilla tracking with permits.
