Mgahinga National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda, located in the southwestern part of the country. The park sits at an altitude of about 2,227 to 4,127 meters above sea level and forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area. It covers an area of about 33 square kilometers and was gazetted mainly to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain Gorillas
The first and most famous attraction in Mgahinga is the mountain gorillas. This park is a great alternative to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking tours. Its dense rain-forest provides a perfect home for these endangered apes.
Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. The family is named after an area called Nyakagezi, which is rich in food that attracts gorillas. In the past, this family used to cross into Rwanda, but it now stays permanently within Mgahinga National Park.
The Nyakagezi group consists of nine members: five silverbacks, two adult females, and two young ones. The family is led by a dominant silverback called Mark, assisted by Mafia.
Golden Monkeys
Apart from gorillas, Mgahinga is also famous for its golden monkeys, which share the same forest habitat. These rare monkeys are found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes and are also considered an endangered species.
Golden monkeys live in large groups of about 60 members, led by a dominant male. They are playful and often seen jumping between trees. Their most unique feature is their bright golden-orange fur on the back, cheeks, and tail, which makes them easy to identify.
The Virunga Volcanoes
Another highlight of Mgahinga is the chance to see the Virunga Volcanoes, which lie along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There are three volcanoes located within Uganda:
- Mount Muhabura (4,127 m): The highest peak, whose name means “the guide.”
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 m): Known for its jagged peaks that resemble an old man’s teeth. It lies northeast of Lake Kivu in Rwanda and west of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda.
- Mount Gahinga (3,474 m): The smallest of the three, named after the piles of volcanic stones known locally as “gahinga.”
These volcanoes offer excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Wildlife in Mgahinga
Besides gorillas and monkeys, Mgahinga is home to about 76 species of mammals. Some of the animals you may see include elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, golden cats, giant forest hogs, and black-fronted duikers.
Birds in Mgahinga
The park is also an excellent destination for bird-watching, with about 184 bird species recorded. Some of the common birds found here include the African olive pigeon, alpine swift, blue-headed coucal, dusky crimson-wing, moorland chat, olive woodpecker, and Rwenzori turaco.
Mgahinga National Park is not just a place to visit but an unforgettable experience for every traveler. From the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to the Virunga Volcanoes, wildlife, and birds, the park offers an incredible combination of nature and adventure in one of Uganda’s most beautiful mountain regions.
