Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National park seen from Lake Mutanda; photo by Marcus Westberg
Mgahinga Gorilla National park seen from Lake Mutanda; photo by Marcus Westberg

mgahinga_mapUganda’s smallest park (33.7km²/13mi²), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, adjoins the Volcanoes NP (Rwanda) and Virunga NP (DR Congo), all part of the Virunga volcanoes.

The nine-member Nyakagezi mountain gorilla group (habituated in 1992) used to cross the border in the past but has been in Uganda continuously for years.

Atop Mt Sabinyo; photo by Marcus Westberg
Atop Mt Sabinyo; photo by Marcus Westberg

The park started as a game sanctuary in 1930. However, its size was reduced in the following decades to placate locals in need of land to cultivate. When a national park was established in 1991, over 2,000 farmers had to relocate. A stone buffalo wall was completed in 1997 to successfully prevent crop damage.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a fascinating mix of vegetation; photo by Marcus Westberg
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a fascinating mix of vegetation; photo by Marcus Westberg

The park’s altitude ranges from 2,227 to 4,127m (7,300–13,500ft), resulting in an amazing variety of environments. Equally impressive is the selection of things that a visitor can do!

Mgahinga activity list and tariffs:

mgahinga_tariffs

For the details please proceed to the pages about gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking, Batwa “Pygmy” activities, volcano climbing and Mgahinga nature walks (including Sabinyo Gorge and birdwatching).

Click here for accommodation options in Mgahinga.

Garama Cave entrance on the Batwa Trail; photo by Marcus Westberg
Garama Cave entrance on the Batwa Trail; photo by Marcus Westberg

 

This Travel Guide is based on the the Gorilla Highlands Interactive eBookan award-winning labour of love that gives you a comprehensive insight into the cultures, languages, people and nature that make our area so special. By purchasing the ebook you will contribute to an ambitious initiative that aims to transform southwestern Uganda.

Mountain airs gives you powers; photo by Henriette Faye-Schjøll
Mountain airs gives you powers; photo by Henriette Faye-Schjøll