Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Location:

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Virunga Mountains, which are part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The park covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers.

Wildlife:

• Mountain Gorillas: The park is home to a small population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors have the opportunity to go on guided gorilla trekking expeditions to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
• Golden Monkeys: Mgahinga is also known for its population of endangered golden monkeys, which can be found in the bamboo forests of the park.
• Other Wildlife: While gorillas and golden monkeys are the main attractions, Mgahinga is also home to other wildlife species such as buffalo, elephants, and various species of birds.

Activities:

• Gorilla Trekking: The main activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is gorilla trekking. Visitors can join guided treks to track and observe habituated gorilla groups in the forest.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: Another popular activity is golden monkey tracking, which offers the chance to see these unique primates in their natural habitat.
• Birdwatching: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 180 bird species recorded, including several Albertine Rift endemics.
• Hiking and Nature Walks: There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from short nature walks to more challenging hikes up the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
• Cultural Encounters: Visitors can also engage in cultural experiences with the Batwa pygmies, indigenous forest-dwelling people who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Landscape:

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is characterized by its rugged terrain, volcanic peaks, and dense montane forests.
• The park is dominated by three volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. These volcanoes provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing and trekking activities.
• The park’s diverse habitats include bamboo forests, montane woodland, and afro-alpine moorland.

Conservation:

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans three countries and protects a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife species.
• Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting the endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat, as well as promoting sustainable tourism and community development.