Mgahinga National Park

(Uganda)

Mgahinga National Park is the smallest park in Uganda, yet one of the most significant because, like Bwindi, it is home to the endangered gorilla.  Lying in south western Uganda, this park is part of the Virunga Conservation area. It adjoins Rwanda's Parc National Des Volcano and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park.  The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes - Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo.

Mgahinga National Park consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. When you reach the park you can get a great overview of the area by walking up to the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate.

Mgahinga Park has great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas.  Gorillas aside, the park is habitat to buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, the golden monkeys, jackal, porcupine and many more. There are also unique species of birds - Rwenzori turaco, Crowned Crane and others.

In and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla tracking is the primary attraction. Gorilla treks can last a whole day but give you a chance to see large sections of the Park as well as the gorillas themselves.

There are a number of hiking routes and you can climb the three Virunga peaks situated within the Park. Garama Cave is located not far from the Park and is certainly worth a visit.

Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park (Uganda)

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge nestles in the foothills of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes, on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo.