Mgahinga Gorilla National Park travel information

This is the smallest national park and it covers an area of 36 sq km and it was established in1991.It is the Ugandan part of the Virunga National park but with rare species.It is in the far south westof Uganda in Kisoro.It may be smalll but it is argualy considered as the most panoramic park.The park in habited by vmostly the Bafumbira who lead a simple life mainly as cultivater batwa who once lived in the place and fed on ild life are the minority.

The protection of Gorillas in Mgahinga started began in the 1950'sThe gorilla protection later started decreasing not until the 1989 whengorillas began to reiceive some protection fromGorilla game resrve conservation projectalong the Uganda side .

Mgahinga protect around76 mammals species , including the golden monkeys(a localised and distinctive raceof blue monkeys),Black and white colobus monkeys , mountain gorillas, leopards, elephants,giant forests hog, bush pigs, buffalo, bush bucks, black-fronted duikerand several varieties of rodents, bats,and small predators.

Bafflingly , only 115 bird species have been recorded probably a reflection of the park's small size

Ecosystem and wild life ;being a mountainous area , the park vegetation is afro montane with in a cool climate. The abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain gorilla. Other types of flora include the lobelia, Haegenia etc.

Tour and Travel Information about the Park

Gorilla Tracking ;This is the most exciting and un forgettable expwrience , which might take one through a thick jungle. One gorilla groupNyakagezi is currently habituated and availablefor tourist.It has 11 members ;2 silver backs ,3 adultfemales ,4 juviniles and 2 infants.Book at least 3 months earlier with info@aboutUganda.com

Volcano climbing;Mgahinga Gorilla National park offers three extinct volcanoes for physically fit hikers although they do not require special mountaineering gear. The three volcanoes are Sabinyo, Gahinga ,and Muhavura.

Garama Cave excursion;This is one of the caves where the batwa (who were warriors) once lived and fought their neighbours , the Bantu. The range guide will show you how the abtwwa lived and fought out of the cave . The cave is 342m in length and 14 m deep ,and is now in habited mainly by bats .

Bird watching ;Birding along the edge of the park is avialableon request. you will taken out by the guides from 1700 hours to 1800 hours.A stroll along the bufallo wall towards democratic republic of congo yakes you through a wetland area where ibis, speckled mouse birds and fire finch are found.

Viewing plat form; This is about 800metresfrom the parkgate. Once on top , you will have a good view of the park and the sorrounding areas. A guide isnot necessary and the activity is free.

The Park, gazetted in 1991, covers an area of 33.7km2. It is found in the extreme Southwestern corner of Uganda that borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It includes parts of Muhavura, Mgahinga and Sabino Volcanic Mountains. The summit of Muhavura has a small crater lake and forms the highest point (4127m) in the Park. The summit areas are dominated by wort and dwarf heath vegetation. This emerges into bamboo and broad leaved montane forest, down the mountains. The lower slopes have high altitude savannah woodland with lots of lichens and mosses.

The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla brengei) are the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa. Unfortunately, man has not been merciful to them. Poachers have decimated them, and man has destroyed their natural habitat. They have faced extinction, but today sound conservation policies have slowed down their decline, and in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park they are able to establish their family groups untroubled by predatory man.
Here on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in south west Uganda, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (33.7 sq.km) has been established to provide a secure habitat for these massive, but gentle creatures.

Mgahinga National Park
Access to the families is strictly controlled (and not always permitted) and small groups of visitors are always accompanied by a trained ranger. To keep disturbance to the animals to a minimum there are limits to the number of tourists allowed in at any one time. Here we are in the home of the animals and we must act as the perfect guests. The park can be reached by road through Kabale and Kisoro 510km from Kampala.

Accommodation options for Mgahinga National Park