Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda’s smallest yet most scenic National Park is situated in the extreme South-Western corner of the country, forming part of a large conservation area that straddles political boundaries to include Parc des Volcano in Rwanda and Parc de Virungas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Three extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga range, lie within the boundaries of the Ugandan portion of this biologically rich area, and provide a striking backdrop to Mgahinga’s gorgeous scenery. Mountain gorillas form the main attraction of the Park, and are the reason for its existence, thought the habituated group frequently crosses the border to Rwanda.

The Park also protects golden and colobus monkeys, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, bushbucks and giant forest hogs. The Park’s varied medicinal plants and fascinating Ngarama Cave can be explored with a Batwa guide – this tribe of hunter-gatherers was the region’s original inhabitants, and their ancient knowledge of the forest remains unrivalled.

The park also has 76 identified mammal species, including mountain gorillas, endangered golden monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, elephants, bushbucks and buffalos. Your guide will know which areas are most frequented by each species of animal. Regarding the birdlife, over 115 bird species have been recorded here, including several endemic to the Albertine Rift. Rwenzori turacos, handsome francolins, olive woodpeckers and western green tinker birds are among the species you can hope to spot in the forested hillsides.