MGAHINGA GORILLA PARK

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects Uganda’s portion of the Virunga Conservation Area. This volcanic region spreads through Uganda, Rwanda and the D.R.C. and is home to over 300 mountain gorillas.

With spectacular views, a wealth of primates and some serious hiking, Mgahinga is a great alternative to Bwindi if you are considering a gorilla safari tour.

GORILLA TREKKING IN MGAHINGA

Mgahinga is the smallest of Uganda’s national parks (just 34km²), but forms part of the 436km² cross-border Virunga Volcano Conservation Area. Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga in Rwanda and D.R.C. complete the area.

Mountain gorillas roam between the six inactive volcanoes comprising the area, crossing over borders in the process. This means that there are no permanent groups in Mgahinga. However, approximately 45 individuals spend part of the year in Uganda’s Mgahinga and permits are available for trekking.

Mgahinga’s habituated gorilla group, the Nyakagezi, made a welcome return after they were forced to move in late 2004, following attacks by a lone silverback male.

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

76 mammal species inhabit the park including leopards, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbuck and buffalo.
Great chances to see localised blue monkeys, rare golden monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Mgahinga offers spectacular panoramic views, with Bwindi to the north and steep volcanic cones to the south.
Surprisingly only 115 bird species have been recorded in the park, but an impressive 12 of these are Albertine Rift endemics.
High chance of spotting Ibis, whydah, speckled mouse bird, fire finch, stonechat, grey-capped warbler, waxbills, and yellow-vented bulbul.
Mgahinga covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645m).

Activities

In addition to gorilla trekking, Mgahinga offers the chance to track endangered golden monkeys, endemic to the Albertine Rift. Nature walks and challenging hiking keep the active entertained and offer spectacular views.

When

Visiting Mgahinga is possible year round. However, the park experiences high rainfall and many visitors prefer to avoid the wettest months (March - May and September - November).

Further information