Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park yet the most scenic, protecting the Ugandan side of the three extinct volcanic Virunga mountains ranges. The three extinct volcanic ranges include Mt. Gahinga (3475m), Muhavura (4127m) and Sabyinyo (3669m) on the Rwanda and DRC boundary. These volcanic mountain ranges form part of the 6 extinct and 2 active volcanoes of the Virunga mountain ranges chain extending in Rwanda and DRC. The park was first gazzetted in the 1930’s as a gorilla sanctuary but up graded to the national park status in 1992 to protect a unique eco-system that lies above 2280m altitude line.

Gorilla tracking experience is a popular activity offered here with only 8 daily trek permits available to trek to the park’s one habituated mountain gorilla called Nyakagezi. Another popular activity offered to Mgahinga Gorilla NP is a trek along the Golden monkey (Cercopithecus.n.kandti) a beautiful Albertine endemic that range along the bamboo zone. Other wildlife Elephants, Buffalo, Duikers and a 115 bird species checklist that includes 14 of the 24 Albertine Endemics.

Quick Facts

  • Size: 34sq km
  • Altitude: 2280-4127m
  • Mammals: 76 animal species
  • Birds: 115 bird species

Things to do at Mgahinga Gorilla NP

  • Gorilla Tracking Experience

Maghinga Gorilla National Park protects the high-altitude montane forests of the Ugandan three volcanic slopes that’s part of the Virunga chain of mountain ranges that lie in Uganda. Currently one habituated mountain gorilla group call these slopes home, where they range from the secondary growth on the lower altitude of 2650 all the way 4127m on Mt Muhavura. Daily trek activities start from the visitor’s center at Ntebeko to the home range where gorilla group feeds and get to spend an hour watching their interactions and behavior. It worth noting that, gorilla trekking permits are a high demand product that require early booking and payment

  • Birding Watching

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best birding hotspots and features on most Uganda birding tours. Highlights her include a quality list of montane specialists and  Albertine Endemics. The vegetation zones across the park altitude ranges include; bamboo zones, heath and high-altitude swamps, and moorland hosting a variety of bird species.

Bird highlights include; Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Archers Robin Chat, Handsome Francolin and more. One of the popular and fruitful birding trail at Maghinga NP is Sabinyo gorge trail.

  • Mountain Hiking

Mgahinga Gorilla NP offers several hiking options to suit all adventure fitness levels and adrenaline apatite. Daily treks excursions begin early from the park’s offices to any of the 3 different volcanic peaks of Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Full hikes to the peaks range between 8-10 hours but Muhabura offers a chance to camp mid hike making it a multi-day hike. On a hike you will have excellent views of distant mountain ranges and chances to encounter local wildlife and birdlife as you hike through various vegetation types.

  • Golden Monkey Trekking and Habituation Experience

In the bamboo zones of Mgahinga NP is one Albertine Rift Endemic, Golden Monkey a recent split from the Blue Monkey is restricted to the bamboo slopes of this park. A very active and social primate characterized by golden back and cheeks, troops up 40 individuals led by dominant male feed primarily on young bamboo shoots and peaceful occur along the giant mountain gorilla. Daily activities lead out from Ntebeko visitors center.

  • The Batwa Cultural Walk and other guided Nature Walks

Mgahinga Gorilla NP offers an an excellent cultural experience with the Batwa, the original residents of most montane forests in the Albertine rift. This Batwa cultural tour is a demonstrative activity where the Batwa lead you along ancient foot paths showing hunting and fire-making, skills, point out useful medicinal herbs, warfare skills and story telling. Reaching at Garama cave compound also the former Batwa chiefdom headquarters, they will invite you to participate in their earth-shaking warrior and also display their hand-made crafts for you to buy as souvenirs.

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