Mgahinga National Park is located in South-Western Uganda, 15 km south of Kisoro town and stands astride Rwanda and DRC. Mgahinga is known for Gorilla trekking safaris and Golden Monkey tours. This National Park is Uganda’s smallest park covering a total area of 33.7 square kilometers (3370 hectares). This park is also a home of the renowned mountain gorillas, and there is one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagyezi group) but the group is always on the move (mobile) as they cross up to Rwanda and DRC. The Park area used to be the home of the Batwa pygmies but was gazetted as a national park in 1991. Mgainga National Park covers the northern slopes of three volcanoes i.e., Mount Gahinga (3,474m), Mount Muhavura (4,127m) and Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m) that offer a breathtaking and scenic view.
Mgahinga National Park - Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
There are over 39 recorded species of mammals with larger ones including the critically endangered mountain gorillas, Buffalos and elephants. Besides the endangered golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, golden cats, Serval cats, Giant Forest hogs, bushbucks and Side-striped jackals also inhabited this, Park. Over 79 species of birds were also recorded from the park and they include Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-billed kite, Back kite and crowned hornbill among others.
Due to the existence of the tourist attractions, several activities including Gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking, and the Batwa trail offer community walks and traditional dances among others. Other activities including birding and hiking take place in Mgahinga National Park.
Where to stay in Mgahinga National Park? A wide range of accommodation facilities exist in Mgahinga National Park and they include Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Traveler’s Rest Camp, Blue Sky Hotel and Red Chili Hideaway Gorilla Camp.
How to access Mgahinga National Park? The park is about 540 km or 336 miles (8-9 hours’ drive) from Kampala and can be accessed by both air and road transport. With road, 4WD vehicles are required as you drive from Kampala-Kabale-Kisoro then proceed up to the park. Those using public transport means can take a special hire vehicle up to the park gate on arrival to Kisoro town. By air, flight arrangements can be made by Eagle Air to Kisoro town.
