Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park remains the only national park in Uganda where you can go gorilla trekking and also do golden monkey tracking in the same park. While its counterpart, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, often steals the spotlight, Mgahinga offers a unique and captivating experience that should not be overlooked. Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider gorilla treks in Mgahinga National Park instead of Bwindi impenetrable National Park:
1. Scenic Kisoro Road Network
Visiting Tanzania and Kenya might get you thinking that even the neighboring countries are equally flat. But when you visit Uganda and Rwanda, they share in common the hilly views. On the Ugandan side, it is Kisoro that stands out as the major landscape capital of Uganda.
The road network to Kisoro boasts breathtaking scenery, offering travelers a glimpse of Uganda’s natural beauty at every turn. Lush greenery, rolling hills, and panoramic vistas make the journey to Mgahinga an adventure in itself, setting the stage for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
2. Affordable Accommodation in Kisoro Town
Opting to stay in Kisoro town while trekking gorillas in Mgahinga not only provides convenient access to the park but also offers more budget-friendly accommodation options compared to nearby alternatives. Travelers can enjoy comfortable lodging without breaking the bank, allowing them to allocate more resources to other aspects of their adventure, such as immersive cultural experiences or additional wildlife encounters in other parks.
3. Intimate Gorilla Encounters
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to a single gorilla family (Nyakagezi gorilla family), providing visitors with a unique opportunity for intimate and personalized encounters with these majestic creatures. You can read about all the family members and by the time you set out to trek, you can have enough questions to ask the rangers which will enhance your gorilla trekking experience.
This is not possible in the Bwindi impenetrable national park since you will only be allocated to a gorilla family on your day of trekking.
4. Enhanced Visibility
While Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its dense vegetation, Mgahinga offers a contrasting experience with its less dense forest canopy. The bamboo forest makes it easier for visitors to spot gorillas and observe their natural behaviors without obstruction. Whether it’s a playful juvenile swinging from vines or a serene silverback basking in the sunlight, the enhanced visibility in Mgahinga ensures that every moment of your gorilla trekking expedition is filled with wonder and excitement.
5. Bonus Wildlife Encounters:
After an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience, adventure enthusiasts can extend their wildlife encounters by tracking golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These charming primates, with their distinctive golden fur and playful antics, offer a delightful contrast to the gorillas and add another layer of excitement to your visit. Exploring the park’s diverse ecosystem allows you to immerse yourself fully in the natural wonders of Uganda and create memories that will last a lifetime.
In conclusion, while both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer incredible opportunities for gorilla trekking, the latter provides a distinct and enriching experience that appeals to adventurers seeking intimacy, affordability, and diverse wildlife encounters.