Mgahinga Gorilla National Park– “where Gold Meets Silver”

Conservation Importance: Provides habitat for mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkey, the two world’s rare and endangered apes.

Species diversity: 76 mammals among which are forest buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, leopards, civets, golden cats, jackals and porcupines, have their home there. Because of the difficult terrain and most being nocturnal, they are rarely seen. At least 127 bird species have been recorded.

Tourist attraction: Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorillas in Uganda can also be tracked here too. In this small park only one gorilla family, has been habituated for tourism. Advanced booking is also required. Golden Monkey tracking. A troop of Golden monkeys has been habituated for tourism. Bird watching is also an activity here too. the three mountains of the Virunga volcanoes-Mt. Muhabura(4,127m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m) and Mt.sabyinyo(3,645m), provides a good challenge to mountain climbers. New on the list of tourist activities in the park is the long walk Batwa Heritage Trail. The also offers cave exploration of the ancient Garama Cave.

Size and accessibility: At 33.7km² this park is the smallest in Uganda. Located in the South-West corner the park shares a park with Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The three parks, form the 434hm²(168miles²) Virunga conservation Area.

Elevation: 2300 – 4127m.

Timing: April – May. October – November.