Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Where Gold Meets Silver

 About the Park

Size: 33.7 km², making it Uganda’s smallest National Park.

The British administration declared it a game sanctuary in 1930. In 1991, it was made a National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park features a habituated transboundary gorilla group.

Cultural Significance: The Batwa pygmies were the forest’s “first people.” They were self-sufficient hunter-gatherers. Visitors can take a tour with a Batwa guide to learn the secrets of the forest. They will gain insight into Batwa’s ancient knowledge and traditions.

The park is high in the clouds. It ranges from 2,227m to 4,127m in altitude. It was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas. It is also a key home for the endangered golden monkey.

The park boasts three cone-shaped, extinct volcanoes. These peaks are part of the stunning Virunga Range. It spans Uganda, the Congo, and Rwanda. Mgahinga is in the larger Virunga Conservation Area. It includes adjacent parks in these countries. The slopes of the volcanoes contain diverse ecosystems. They are biologically rich. Their peaks provide a stunning backdrop to the scenic landscape.

Mgahinga has high biodiversity. It is home to over 76 mammal species. These include elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, bushbucks, buffalos, and leopards. The park also has a bird checklist of over 180 species. This includes 14 Albertine Rift species that you can’t find anywhere else. Examples include the Kivu ground thrush and the turaco.

Download Park Brochure: MGNP PARK BROCHURE

Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Gorilla Trekking Tour: Feel the thrill of tracking rare mountain gorillas. They live in their natural habitat.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: Observe the endangered golden monkeys in the dense forest.
• Volcano Hiking/Mountain Climbing: Conquer the peaks of the dead volcanoes. They are in the Virunga Range.
• Watch birds in the Albertine Rift. Discover the diverse bird species, including many unique to the region.
• Explore Batwa culture: Learn forest secrets from pygmy experts.

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Mount Gahinga Lodge
• Mucha Hotel Kisoro
• Travelers’ Rest Hotel – Kisoro
• Mutanda Lake Resort

Explore a mix of wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes. They are at Maghinga Gorilla National Park. It’s where gold meets silver.