Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers an expanse of 33.7 sq kilometers and is the smallest park found in southwestern Uganda at the border of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

It is home to the Mountain Gorilla habituated, nomadic Nyakagezi gorilla group that frequently crosses over to Rwanda and Congo.

The park is also home to 76 mammal species that include giant forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bush bucks, golden cats, side striped jackals, black fronted duikers rarely seen due to the wild forest vegetation. However during the forest walks you may come across the duiker and buffalo.

Mgahinga name was adopted from one the mountain slopes Mt. Gahinga that literally means a pile of stones. It has three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the scenic Virunga Ranges that lies along the border of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga in Uganda shares part of the Virunga Conservation Area with Congo and Rwanda that contains a biologically diverse ecosystem.

The extinct volcanoes include; Mt Gahinga ,Mt.Sabinyo and Mt.Muhavura exciting volcano hiking destinations.

Mt. Sabyinyo‘s indented slopes are known locally as “Old Man’s Teeth” due to its sawlike resemblance. At the peak of the mountain you will be rewarded with a rare presence in three countries at the same time i.e Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. It is elevated at 3669m and can take you 8 hours to cover the 14km round trip to the top.

Mt.Gahinga is  elevated at 3,474m.Gahinga literally means a pile of small stones. It can take you about six hours to reach its peak. Along the way you may sight golden monkeys in the bamboo forest.

Mt.Muhavura is the highest peak at 4,127m.On your successful ascension to the top you will be rewarded with a clear view of Lake Edward, Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi impenetrable forest and the breath taking views of Rwenzori peaks. The 12km hike can take you 8hours round trip.

Hiking the volcanoes is a strenuous, challenging activity therefore hikers should be physically fit .

Other exciting activities available  include tracking the Golden monkey, Birding , a visit to Garama cave and Batwa village walk.

Birds that can be seen in the park include White-naped Raven, Black Kite, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Paradise Fly-catcher, Rwenzori Batis, Double-collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Nightjar, Ibis, Pin-tailed Whydah, Speckled Mousebird, Stone Chat, Grey-capped Warbler, Wax Bills, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinch.