Camp075 - Mgahinga National Park - visit the majestic Gorilla!

 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the far south western part of Uganda bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It occupies an area of 33 sq km and it is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The summit of Muhavura has a small crater lake and forms the highest point (4127m) in the park. The summit areas are dominated by wort and dwarf heath vegetation. This emerges into bamboo and broad leaved montane forest down the mountains. The lower slopes have high altitude Savannah woodland with lost of lichens and mosses.

Despite of its small size Mgahinga national park is of great importance given that it is a home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas and was established to provide a secure habitat for these massive, but gentle creatures. Access to the resident family at Mgahinga is strictly controlled. Only small groups of visitors (6 persons) always accompanied by a ranger/guide are able to observe the habituated Gorilla family here for a period of up to 1 hour. The time restriction and visitor numbers is maintained to keep the disturbance to the animals to a minimum. Remember these animals are in their natural environment, they are wild and unpredictable in their movements.

This park together with other two parks in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo: i.e. Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga respectively form the 434-sq. km 'Virunga Conservation Area'. Given that Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, it is just 8% of the Virunga Conservation Area.

The park’s vegetation is partly forested and the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes that dominate the landscape contribute to the great scenic view of the area. Though mountain gorillas form the major attraction to the park, the park also supports other additional wildlife which include 76 mammalian species such as golden monkeys a localized and distinctive race of the Blue Monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, leopard, forest elephant, giant forest hogs as well as a number of bird species.

The park is also arguably the most scenic park in Uganda, offering panoramic views that stretch northwards to Bwindi and a southern skyline dominated by the steep volcanic cones of the Virungas, surely one of the most memorable and stirring sights in East Africa. The park is also surrounded by different local communities including the Pygmy Batwa African tribe which in the past lived by hunting and gathering fruits from Bwindi Impenetrable forest. They were relocated after the Park was established to protect the Mountain Gorillas. They now sing and dance for visitors also sell their handmade crafts souvenirs.

Safari Suggestions to this destination

Other Suggested Destinations

Make Your Enquiry