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Mgahinga

NATIONAL PARK

36 sq kms, the smallest national  park in Uganda and home of the Mountain Gorilla

fast facts

attractions

 

  • Mountain Gorillas
  • Volcanic peaks
  • Lava caves
  • Golden Monkeys

activities

 
  • Trekking – Gorillas
  • Walking safari – Garama Caves & volcano trek
  • Birdwatching

park information

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, but among the most scenic. It is located on the south western tip of the country on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and covers a small area of only 36 square kilometres.

The National Park is known for its mountain gorilla population and was gazetted as a gorilla sanctuary in 1930. The Virungas are currently home to more than half of the world’s total population of endangered mountain gorilla. Approximately 380 mountain gorilla roam the slopes of the volcanoes while the remaining 340 live nearby in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest.

Mountain gorillas are the big attraction in Mgahinga. Tracking the gorillas is a unique experience that will lead you into a strange land to meet unusual creatures on their own terms and in their natural environment.  The experience is breathtaking, humbling and poignant.

Tracking the gorillas is an intense experience that can take all day. The guide will lead you through their natural habitat explaining aspects of their ecology and behaviour along the way.  The gorillas have been habituated to people. The composition of any troupe changes as individuals are born, die, or transfer between troupes and your guide will be able to give you up to date details of the group dynamics.

Though gorilla tracking is the parks most popular activity, Mgahinga merits a visit to appreciate the scenery. A choice of hikes accommodates for all levels of hikers, ranging from the 8 hour return trip to the summit of Mt Muhabura, to gentle strolls across the lower slopes beneath the stunning backdrop of the peaks of the 3 volcanoes.

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