Mgahinga gorilla national park

Mgahinga gorilla national park, the smallest and one of the most beautiful among Uganda’s national parks is situated in Kisoro district in the south western region of Uganda. The park is set in the clouds amid the magnificent Virunga volcanoes along the borders of Uganda the pearl of Africa, Rwanda the land of a thousand hills and Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established in 1991 and it is governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with a size of 33.7 square kilometres and its altitudes lies between 2,227m and 4,127m above the sea level.

Mgahinga gorilla national park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area that includes the volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and covers 3 of the Virunga volcanoes which are Mount Muhavura at 4,127m, Mount Gahinga at 3,474m and Mount Sabinyo at 3,645m above the sea level.

The park got its name from a Kinyarwanda word “Gahinga” which translates to “Piles of volcanic lava stones”. Mgahinga national park was established majorly to protect the mountain gorillas though it also harbours the endangered Golden monkeys.

It is really a stunning place with the three volcanoes mentioned above where by hiking to the top of them gives a memorable and an unforgettable experience. The Gahinga has a beautiful swamp at the top, Muhavura has a crater lake and the Sabinyo gives you the best and amazing experience ever whereby visitors climbing to its summit can curiously stand in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC at the same time. Also along the slopes there are great scenic views of vegetation.

Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home to a number of mammal species including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, giant forest hogs, spotted hyenas, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, black fronted duikers, bushbucks, among others.

Things to do and see in Mgahinga national park

• Gorilla tacking
• Golden monkey tracking
• Volcano/Mountain climbing
• Hiking and Nature walks
• Bird watching
• Cultural Encounters

How to get to Mgahinga gorilla national park?
The park can be accessed by either road or Air transportation means as it is situated 510 kilometres away from Kampala.

On road, it is approximately a 9 to 10 hours’ drive from Kampala to Mgahinga, that is around 8 hours to Kabale town covering 434km and there are more 76km to Kisoro town, this route is tarmacked and a bit mountainous and steep.
Alternatively you can use a route from Kabale town passing near the beautiful lake Bunyonyi (the place of many little birds) and joining again Kabale-Kisoro tarmac. From Kisoro to the park it is about 14 kilo metres to Ntebeko the park main entrance.

The park can also be accessed by air in 2 hours’ time via chartered flights that set off from Entebbe International airport or Kajjansi Airstrip in Kampala to Kisoro air field. Using flights saves more time and it is less tiresome.

Where to stay?
There are a number of accommodation facilities ranging from Campsites, Budget, Mid-range to Luxurious lodges and hotels that one may opt from.

Did you know?
Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where golden monkeys can be found, in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.