Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in far south western Uganda at Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo boarder. The park is situated in Virunga region together with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National park is the smallest park in Uganda at 33.7km2. The park got its name “Mgahinga” from the local word which means pile of Volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the volcanoes.
Major activities to film in MGNP
Gorilla filming in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Tracking is the major tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on daily basis based on availability. The activity starts at 7am with a briefing and thereafter, guests move to meet gorillas in their habitat. Only Nyakagezi gorilla family is in trekked. It is recommended you book your gorilla permit in advance at least 2-3 months before visiting the park so that you are not disappointed. During gorilla trekking, you can do normal filming but commercial filming requires you to get filming authorization from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) after clearing all the filming fees and forward all the necessary documents.
Golden Monkey filming in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Uganda, golden monkey trekking and filming are only done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The activity starts in the morning at a round 8am after briefing at the park headquarters. Tourist move into the jungle to meet golden monkeys but the activity is less strenuous compared to Gorilla trekking.
Once you meet with golden monkeys, the first impression will thrill you to filming and professional photographers are supposed to be accredited.
Bird Filming in Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) is among the top bird paradise. The park protects over 127 bird species with various Albertine endemics. There are both indigenous and foreign birds makes it a busy destination for birders.
Game filming in Mgahinga Gorilla national Park
The park protects about 76 mammals like buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, leopards, civets, golden cats, jackals and porcupines however due to the difficult terrain and most being nocturnal, they are rarely seen. During your trek or hike you will find footsteps of these animals and if lucky you will see some but hide away from them because they tend be wild given the fact they are not use to human presence.
Batwa Cultural filming
During cultural filming in Batwa community, you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life before descending into the Garama cave, historically the home of the Batwa King where you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa. During the cultural trail, professional filmmakers ca take photos/films.
