Located in the most south-western portion of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla Covering only 33.7 square kilometres of forest at an elevation of 2,000–4,000 metres, this national park might be Uganda’s smallest, but it’s very important for the mountain gorilla! This is because it offers one of very few habitats for the furry fellows. Unsurprisingly, the primary activity offered from Mgahinga Gorilla’s camps and lodges is gorilla treks. The park was actually created to safeguard the gorillas, therefore its name. Gahinga is the term for the volcanic stone mounds at the base of the Virunga volcanoes; these have been removed from agricultural land.

Trekking with gorillas

Mgahinga Gorilla is home to only one habituated population of mountain gorilla. Known as Nyakagezi, this group of nine includes two infants and a 50-year-old silverback named Bugingo. As the paths are less slippery then, the dry season—June to October, December to February—is the ideal time of year to hike. Green-season hiking, on the other hand, is less expensive in terms of the cost of a gorilla permit.

The experience of a gorilla hike is quite memorable no matter when you decide to visit. Though the terrain can be very challenging to navigate, the guides are more than capable of helping and the view of mountain gorilla in their native habitat is absolutely worth the work! A walk lasts from one to eight hours.

Other pursuits & wildlife

The park also allows for golden monkey excursions. Both events include witnessing a great deal of fauna. All told, 76 species live in the forest flora; safarists can watch for elephant, forest buffalo, gigantic forest hog, golden cat, side-striped jackal, black-fronted duiker, porcupines, and much more!

The birdwatching is really remarkable as well. Ibis, pin-tailed whydah, speckled moosebird, paradise flycatcher, and firefinch are among the 180 species reported by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Most homes provide birding walks, hence if this is something that excites you be sure to bring your binoculars!

The national park offers many additional activities as well, including volcano climbing, caldera hiking, and Batwa people encounters involving village tours, agricultural hikes, and even song-and-dance performances! Our suggestions are two fantastic lodges—Mount Gahinga (near the national park entrance) and Chameleon Hill (between Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable N.P.).

Should you wish to see this little but important national park, kindly get in touch with one of our knowledgeable staff.