Mgahinga may be small in size, but it offers some of the most unforgettable experiences in Uganda. From tracking rare primates to hiking extinct volcanoes, here’s what makes this park a must-visit:

Gorilla Trekking – Meet the Majestic Mountain Gorillas

One of the top reasons to visit Mgahinga is gorilla trekking. The park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, a habituated group of mountain gorillas that travelers can visit on guided treks.

Unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where gorilla trekking is more crowded, Mgahinga offers a more private and intimate experience. The trek involves hiking through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.

A gorilla trekking permit costs $700 per person for foreign non-residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. The trek usually takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once found, visitors can spend one magical hour with these gentle giants—watching them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat.

Golden Monkey Tracking – A Unique Primate Experience

Mgahinga is the only park in Uganda where you can track golden monkeys, an endangered species found only in the Virunga Mountains. These small, playful primates with golden-orange fur are incredibly fast and agile, making their tracking experience both exciting and rewarding.

Golden monkey tracking costs $100 per person, while the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience (which allows visitors to spend more time observing them) costs $140 per person.

Volcano Hiking – Conquer the Majestic Virunga Mountains

Mgahinga is home to three extinct volcanoes, which are part of the Virunga Mountain Range. Each offers a unique hiking experience:

• Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) – Known as the “Old Man’s Teeth”, this rugged mountain offers one of the most challenging hikes in Uganda. The reward? Standing at the summit, where Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo meet!
• Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – The easiest volcano to hike, featuring a beautiful bamboo forest and a crater swamp at the top.
• Mount Muhabura (4,127m) – The highest peak in Mgahinga, offering stunning views of Lake Edward, Bwindi, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day.

Volcano hikes require moderate to high fitness levels and can take 6-10 hours round trip. The cost for each hike is $80 per person.

Batwa Cultural Experience – Learn from Uganda’s Indigenous Forest People

Before the park was established, the Batwa Pygmies were the original inhabitants of this forest. They lived as hunters and gatherers, depending on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter.

Today, visitors can join the Batwa Cultural Trail, where Batwa guides share their history, survival techniques, and traditional dances. The experience includes:

• Visiting ancient caves once used as shelters.
• Learning how the Batwa used medicinal plants for healing.
• Watching a traditional hunting demonstration.
• Listening to folk songs and stories passed down through generations.

This tour costs $80 per person and is a great way to support Batwa communities while learning about their heritage.

Scenic Beauty & Bird Watching

Mgahinga’s landscape is simply breathtaking, with its volcanic peaks, dense bamboo forests, and scenic valleys. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, home to over 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics such as:

• Rwenzori Turaco
• Shelley’s Crimsonwing
• Kivu Ground Thrush
• Regal Sunbird
• With guided birding tours available, visitors can enjoy spotting rare and colorful birds in their natural habitat.

The Iconic Murchison Falls – The Most Powerful Waterfall in the World

The main attraction in the park is the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River, the world’s longest river, is forced through a narrow 8-meter gorge before

crashing 43 meters down with incredible force. The waterfall creates a loud roar, misty air, and a rainbow on sunny days, making it a spectacular sight.

Best Ways to Experience Murchison Falls

Top of the Falls Hike

• A short but exciting hike (45 minutes – 1 hour) takes you to the top of the falls for the best view.
• You will see the Nile River squeeze through the narrow gorge before plunging down.
• There are viewpoints where you can take breathtaking photos.

Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

• This 3-hour boat trip along the Nile takes you right to the base of the falls.
• Along the way, you will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and birds.
• The boat stops near the falls, giving you an amazing view of the powerful water.

Boat Cruise to the Delta

• A relaxing boat ride towards the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert.
• This is the best place to spot the rare shoebill stork and other birds.
• Great for photographers and bird watchers.

Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

The park is home to over 76 mammal species and more than 450 bird species, making it one of Uganda’s best safari destinations.

Animals You Can See in the Park

• Big Five Game: Lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes (Rhinos are found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary nearby).
• Giraffes: The park has the largest number of Rothschild’s giraffes in Uganda.
• Antelopes: Including Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks, and bushbucks.
• Primates: Chimpanzees, baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and patas monkeys.
• Aquatic Animals: Hippos and large Nile crocodiles thrive in the river.

Bird Watching – Over 450 Bird Species

Murchison Falls National Park is a top birding destination, with species such as:

• Shoebill stork (rare and highly sought after).
• Goliath heron (Africa’s largest heron).
• African fish eagle (iconic bird of prey).
• Kingfishers, bee-eaters, hornbills, and weaver birds.

Bird watching is best done during boat cruises, nature walks, and game drives.

Best Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Game Drives (Wildlife Safari)

• Conducted in the Buligi, Albert, and Victoria tracks.
• Best done in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.

Boat Safari on the Nile

• A boat ride to the bottom of Murchison Falls or towards the Nile Delta.
• See hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and rare birds along the riverbanks.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

• Budongo Forest (part of the park) is home to over 600 chimpanzees.
• Trekking takes 2 to 4 hours, and you can observe chimps in their natural habitat.

Hiking to the Top of the Falls

• A short hike (about 45 minutes) leads you to the top of Murchison Falls.
• Provides stunning views and great photography spots.

Bird Watching

• Best done in Budongo Forest, the Nile Delta, and along game drive tracks.
• Opportunity to see rare species like the shoebill stork.

Cultural Encounters

• Visit Boomu Women’s Group near the park to experience traditional Ugandan village life.
• Learn about local crafts, farming, and storytelling.

1. Sempaya Hot Springs – Uganda’s Natural Wonder

The Sempaya Hot Springs are the most famous attraction in the park. These boiling springs are not only a natural wonder but also hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the local Bamba people.

There are two main hot springs:

• Male Hot Spring (Bintente) – A deep, steaming pool of boiling water.
• Female Hot Spring (Nyasimbi) – A powerful geyser that shoots hot water over 2 meters high.
• The water in these springs is so hot that visitors can boil eggs and cook food in just a few minutes. The local communities believe these springs are sacred and connected to their ancestors.

2. Incredible Bird Watching – A Paradise for Bird Lovers

Semuliki National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda, with over 441 recorded bird species. It has 66% of Uganda’s forest birds and 46 species from the Guinea-Congo biome, which are rarely found elsewhere in East Africa. Some of the top birds to see include:

• Nkulengu Rail
• White-crested Hornbill
• Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill
• Black Dwarf Hornbill
• Yellow-throated Cuckoo
• Bird watchers visiting Semuliki always leave with rare sightings, making it an unmissable spot for birding tours.

3. Unique Wildlife – A Rare Mix of Species

Semuliki National Park is home to over 53 species of mammals, many of which are rarely seen in other Ugandan parks. These include:

• Forest elephants and buffaloes
• Leopards and other wild cats
• Pygmy antelopes
• Primates such as chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys
• Night creatures like bush babies and flying squirrels
• For the best wildlife experience, visitors can go on a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals that are rarely seen during the day.

4. Rich Cultural Experiences – Meet Uganda’s Indigenous Tribes

Semuliki National Park is surrounded by four indigenous tribes:

• The Batwa Pygmies – The oldest tribe, originally forest dwellers.
• The Bamba – Farmers who have lived near the park for generations.
• The Bakonjo – Known for their skills in farming and mountain climbing.
• The Batooro – A dominant tribe in western Uganda, known for their cultural heritage.
• Visitors can interact with these communities and learn about their traditional hunting techniques, dances, music, and daily way of life.

5. Scenic Nature Walks & Forest Hikes

If you love walking in the wild, Semuliki National Park offers amazing nature walks through dense forests, swamps, and open savannahs. The most popular trail is the 13-km Kirumia Trail, which takes visitors deep into the forest toward the Semuliki River. Along the way, you can see rare birds, primates, butterflies, and breathtaking scenery. Other popular trails include:

• Red Monkey Trail – Best for spotting the rare De Brazza’s monkey.
• Sempaya Nature Walk – Leads to the hot springs and offers short, guided forest treks.

6. Boat Trips on the Semuliki River

The Semuliki River runs through the park, forming part of the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors can take a boat trip along the river, where they can see:

• 🐊 Crocodiles
• 🦛 Hippos
• 🦅 Water birds like the Shoebill Stork, Kingfishers, and African Fish Eagle
• Fishing is also possible for those who love adventure on the water.