Mgahinga and Mutanda Safaris
Mgahinga and Mutanda Safaris -Best Gorilla Trekking & Boat Tours
Mgahinga and Mutanda safaris offer an exceptional combo of any Uganda tour package.
It means that you have a unique opportunity to explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and also the scenic Lake Mutanda.
Each of the two places promises amazing experiences to all enthusiastic travelers on Uganda safaris.
Mgahinga and Lake Mutanda are naturally spectacular and are popular for their breathtaking landscapes.
Located in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga and Lake Mutanda should be a must-visit for anyone on gorilla trekking tours or hiking safaris.
Explore Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the exceptional places to explore on a safari in Uganda.
Lying in Kisoro district, Mgahinga is the smallest of the parks in Uganda, occupying an area of 33.7 sq. km, Kigezi circuit.
Key Attractions to explore in Mgahinga
Within Mgahinga, there exists a range of attractions that make it a preferred destination in the heart of Africa. Here is a checklist of attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Volcanoes: Up to 3 of the 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains are all in Mgahinga, including Mount Gahinga (3474m), Muhabura (4127m), & Mt. Sabyinyo (3645m). All these Virunga Mountain Massifs are trekked/hiked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Primates in Mgahinga: They include golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and mountain gorillas.
Other wildlife: Mgahinga protects diverse mammal species and also includes bush pigs, forest elephants, buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, and leopards. The park also shelters other antelopes like bushbucks, and can be spotted during guided walks/treks.
Bird species. Over 180 bird species are estimated to survive in Mgahinga alone. 14 of these birds are Albertine rift endemic. They include the Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori turacos, alpine sunbirds, dusky crimsonwing, Archer’s robin-chat, and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds.
Best Birding Trails in Mgahinga
- The Gorge trail: This trail can be explored on a guided walk along the montane vegetation and offers excellent sightings of forest and alpine bird species.
- The Stone Wall trail: Expect to trek along the edge of the park while searching for birds such as banded prinia, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, and Chubb’s cisticola.
- The Bamboo & Moorland zones. Located in the high-altitude area, the bamboo & moorland zones are ideal spots for you to find scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds.
Where is the visitor centre of Mgahinga?
Ntebeko is the visitor centre of Mgahinga and is about 14 km South of Kisoro. The Muhabura gate is 9 km from Kisoro.
Main Safari Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a unique primate adventure that offers unforgettable moments as you interact with mountain gorillas in the wild.
At Mgahinga, gorilla treks involve exploring the Nyakagezi gorilla group starting from Ntebeko.
Visiting gorillas in Mgahinga requires a valid permit, and each is issued at US Dollars 800 per person.
Golden monkey tracking from Ntebeko
Mgahinga safaris are complete when you have golden monkey tracking on your bucket list of adventures.
This adventure involves searching for the playful golden monkeys often residing in the lush bamboo forests.
Batwa trail
Get a chance to explore the unique traditions and cultures of the Batwa pygmies. These are a few indigenous people in Uganda and have had a great time in lush Bwindi and Mgahinga forests for decades.
During your interaction with the Batwa, don’t forget to explore some of the ancient forest survival techniques.
Virunga Mountain Hiking
Visit Mgahinga not only for mountain gorillas but also for exhilarating volcano hikes.
Get a chance to trek the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura Volcanoes.
Lake Mutanda Safaris
Lake Mutanda is a scenic freshwater lake in Kisoro. It is one of the lava-dammed lakes in Uganda, and due to its strategic location, it features breathtaking views of the Virunga landscapes in the backdrop.
Like Lake Bunyonyi, Mutanda has crystal-clear bilharzia-free water. It sits at a geographic altitude of 1800m overviewing the Sabyinyo, Muhavura, and Gahinga Volcanoes.
It is free from crocodiles, hippos, and other predators, which also make it the best spot for swimming and canoeing.
Key features in Lake Mutanda
At Lake Mutanda, expect to explore features such as Mutanda Island –the biggest and only inhabited spot with the Abagesera clan.
Kyangushu Island is the historical island on Lake Mutanda and is also famous as the Island of the Dead.
History has it that this island primarily played a significant part as a sacred burial site for the clan leaders.
Lake Mutanda is geographically located in the Southwestern circuit, an area where you can be in a position to visit places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
This means that you can combine canoeing excursions on Lake Mutanda and gorilla safaris in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Where to Stay on Mgahinga and Mutanda Safaris
Luxury Accommodation near Mgahinga’s park gate includes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge.  Midrange lodges near Mgahinga: Travellers Rest Hotel, which is 14 km from Ntebeko park gate.
Mutanda Lake Resort, which is found on the peninsula overlooking the stunning Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Massifs. Additional mid-range lodges include Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge and Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge.
Best time to go for Mgahinga and Mutanda safaris
Dry season –also peak months
- June, July, August, and December, January up to February –the best peak months for you to go for Ntebeko gorilla trekking. The park records the minimal rainfall amount, with the forest trails often kept drier for long periods. Boat cruises or canoeing excursions on Mutanda are also enjoyable around this period.
Wet season –also known as Low/Green Season
- Notable off-peak/low months include March, April, May, and October to November. The park and Mutanda tend to be stunning with fewer visitors, making the wet or rainy months the best for intimate holidays.
Brief 6 Days Mgahinga and Mutanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe for 6 Days Mgahinga and Lake Mutanda Safari
Day 2: Transfer to Mgahinga –Equator stopover
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga & Batwa community visit
Day 4: Canoeing in Lake Mutanda
Day 5: Cycling Tour at Mutanda & Relaxation
Day 6: Drive back to Kampala
Conclusion on Mgahinga and Mutanda Safaris
Mgahinga and Lake Mutanda Safari offers not just any ordinary adventure but a sensational vacation full of lasting memories.
From Mgahinga, you have plentiful of adventures, including mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and Volcano hikes, to Mutanda canoeing or boat tours.
Get started with your adventure planning with an expert and secure a slot in advance.
Contact Flawless Adventure Planners Limited to book both intimate Mutanda holidays and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park safaris.