Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. It is located in the southwestern part of the country, in Kisoro District, bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers.
- Mgahinga National Park was established in 1991 to protect and conserve the endangered mountain gorillas that were at risk of extinction.
- The park is home to about 76 species of mammals, including forest elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, duikers, giant forest hogs, and several primates such as golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
- Mgahinga also contains three of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Mount Muhavura, which rises to about 4,127 meters above sea level; Mount Gahinga, which stands at 3,474 meters; and Mount Sabyinyo, which reaches 3,645 meters above sea level.
- The name “Mgahinga” comes from the local word “Gahinga,” meaning piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmlands at the base of the volcanoes.
- Mgahinga National Park is the only park in Uganda where visitors can trek both endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on the same trip.
- The park has one habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, made up of about nine members.
- Mgahinga lies at a unique border point shared by three countries. When a hiker reaches the top of Mount Sabyinyo, they can stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same time.
- The park forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
- Mgahinga is culturally rich because it is closely linked to the Batwa people, who were the original inhabitants of the forest. The Batwa were traditional hunters and gatherers, and visitors can learn more about their history and lifestyle by following the Batwa Trail.
- The park lies at a high altitude ranging from 2,227 to 4,127 meters above sea level. It contains Afro-montane and bamboo forests that provide important habitats for primates and other wildlife.
- Mgahinga is also a great birding destination, with over 184 recorded bird species, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Mgahinga National Park is a special place filled with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rare wildlife. It is a treasure that every traveler to Uganda should experience.
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