Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The Park sits about 6 mils south of Kisoro and is bordered by the Republic of Rwanda to the south and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the Virungas, in the Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga respectively. The three parks together form the 167 square mile ‘Virunga Conservation Area’ or VCA. Mgahinga itself represents just 8% if the VCA, covering 13 square miles.
Mgahinga’s geography consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. Upon reaching the park, guests get a great overview of the area by walking up the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate. The park holds great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Safaris into Mgahinga center on the search for these endangered and majestic animals. The habituated gorilla population in this park is called the Nyakagezi, consisting of 9 members: 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.
Gorilla tracking is an intensive experience that can take the whole day. The guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behavior along the way.
Click to learn more about the camps found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park area
