Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest national park protects the Ugandan side of the Virunga ranges. The park is made up of 3 main peaks: Gahinga, Sabinyo and Muhavura.

Despite its size Mgahinga is Uganda’s most scenic park offering panoramic views and stunning sites in East Africa.

The park protects 76 mammal species including: golden monkey, black and white colobus, mountain gorilla, leopard, elephant, giant forest hog, bush pig, buffalo, bushbuck and black fronted duiker.

Mgahinga harbors 115 bird species of which 12 are Albertine Rift endemics.   

Activities

Gorilla Tracking:
Historically, the habituated Nyakigazi group lived mostly in Mgahinga. However in 2005 a rogue silverback attacked it and frightened it to the neighboring Rwanda.  Therefore gorilla tracking is intermittently possible in this park. Roughly only 45 gorillas visit Mgahinga moving to and from the adjoining forests in DRC and Congo.

Mountain Hiking:
You can choose to hike any of the 3 volcanoes. Guides are readily available. Hikes last between 6-8 hours depending on choice made. An early start, good boots, rain gear are t recommended for mountain hikes. Hikers are often subjected to altitude related symptoms near the peak due to the rapidity of the ascent.

Nature Walks:
These are often embarked on by ardent bird watchers. The Sabinyo gorge trail through Ntebeko is commonly used for this activity. Encounter golden monkey, handsome francolin, regal ground thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, montane sooty boubou, strange weaver and other Albertine rift endemics.

Take a 3hours round trip to Garama cave. This cave was used as a hiding place by the Batwa after raiding neighboring Bantu tribes. It is also said that it was occupied by humans in the late Iron Age.

Golden Monkey Tracking:
Track this beautiful but endangered species. The Virunga volcanoes harbor the remnant of the breeding population of golden monkey. Fortunately the golden monkey dominates this park with a count of 3000-4000individuals resident in the park in 2005.

Cultural Walk:
Visit the local Batwa/pygmy community. Experience the traditional Batwa forest culture. This trail goes through the Garama cave. Practicals involve fire lighting, bivouac building, target practice with a bow and arrow and food gathering.

CAUTION
The road that leads off the main road to the park is a dirt track. A 4X4 is therefore recommended in cases of heavy rain.