What to Do in Mgahinga After Volcano Hikes

What to Do in Mgahinga After Volcano Hikes

Are you planning a visit to Mgahinga and curious about what else you can do after conquering the volcanoes? Mgahinga is a premier destination for volcanic hiking in Uganda, offering exhilarating climbs of majestic peaks like Mount Muhavura (4,127 meters), Mount Gahinga (3,470 meters), and Mount Sabinyo (3,671 meters) as part of the Virunga mountain range shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While gorilla tracking and volcano hikes are the main attractions, there are plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy in Mgahinga after your hikes:

Batwa Cultural Trail Experience

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Batwa people with a guided tour along the Batwa Cultural Trail. Led by knowledgeable Batwa guides, this experience offers a unique glimpse into the traditional forest life of the Batwa, who historically called Mgahinga home. You’ll have the chance to witness traditional dances, learn how to make fire like the Stone Age people, and engage in various activities that showcase authentic Batwa culture. This unforgettable experience costs $80 per person.

Nature Walk in Gahinga Forest

After your gorilla trek, take a serene nature walk through Gahinga Forest. This activity allows you to explore the diverse tree species and wildlife in the forest, enriching your understanding of the region’s natural beauty.

Village Walk Around Kisoro

Experience the local culture by embarking on a village walk around Kisoro. This walk takes you through vibrant local communities, where you can visit markets and interact with residents. Engage with the Bafumbira and Bakiga tribes, enjoy traditional cultural dances, savor local cuisine, and discover unique local arts.

Golden Monkey Tracking

For an extraordinary wildlife experience, consider golden monkey tracking. Unique to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this activity begins with a morning briefing before you venture into the forest to search for these playful endangered monkeys. Permits for golden monkey tracking are readily available and can be purchased upon arrival at the park headquarters.

Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga

Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group, the only gorilla family available for tracking in the park. Like in Bwindi, advance booking is essential due to the limited number of permits—only eight are available for trekking. Gorilla tracking permits cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African residents. Tracking begins with a morning briefing, followed by an exciting trek through the forest to find these incredible creatures.

Golden Monkey Habituation

Experience the thrill of golden monkey habituation, where you can spend an extended period with semi-habituated golden monkeys. Participate in activities designed to acclimatize them to human presence, starting with a morning briefing before heading into the forest. Habituation permits are also available for purchase at the park headquarters.

Bird Watching

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 127 bird species, including many Albertine endemics. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the vibrant avian life that calls this park home.

Wildlife Viewing

While Mgahinga is home to 76 mammal species, including buffaloes, elephants, and leopards, wildlife sightings can be rare due to the park’s rugged terrain and the nocturnal habits of many animals. Keep an eye out for animal tracks during your hikes, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some wildlife—just remember to observe from a safe distance.

Additional Activities in Mgahinga

Beyond the activities mentioned, Mgahinga offers local community visits that provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy peoples living near the Bwindi forest. Other enjoyable activities include yoga sessions at local lodges, mountain biking adventures, volunteering opportunities in community schools and projects, and nighttime butterfly watching.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

If you’re planning a visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, choosing the right accommodation is essential for a memorable experience. There are several excellent lodges in the area, including Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Kisoro Travelers’ Inn, among others. Each of these lodges offers a unique experience, blending comfort with the stunning natural surroundings. If you’re ready to book your stay or need more information, feel free to contact us for reservation details.

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The ideal time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September. These periods offer more manageable travel conditions and clearer views of the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as the vegetation is less dense.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Road

Traveling to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road is a popular option. You can take the main highway from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. The route will take you through Kabale town and onward to Kisoro. From Kisoro, it’s a short drive to your lodge near the park. Alternatively, you can also reach the park from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about a 2 to 3-hour drive away.

By Air

For a quicker journey, consider flying to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can book a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip. Both scheduled and chartered flights are offered by local airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda. Be sure to arrange transportation with your tour operator for a smooth transfer from the airstrip to your lodge.

Why Book Your Volcano Hiking in Mgahinga with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Choosing Trek Africa Expeditions for your volcano hiking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ensures a seamless adventure. We provide assistance with the booking process and offer a variety of gorilla safari packages, tailored to fit different budgets—from budget-friendly to luxury options. Our packages include gorilla permits and other essential details for your trip.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our satisfied clients have to say about their experiences. Our dedicated team of tour consultants is always ready to answer your questions and help you plan an unforgettable safari holiday in Uganda. With us, you can look forward to an incredible volcano hike in Mgahinga!

For more information about what else to do in Mgahinga after your volcano hikes, feel free to reach out to us!