Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in the south western part of Uganda in Kisoro district established majorly to protect the mountain gorillas, the endangered Golden monkeys which are characterised by the golden body patches and crown on their heads found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Others creatures include; giant forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, golden cats, side striped jackals, black fronted duikers and African porcupines, leopards, spotted hyenas, black fronted duikers among others.
It also has around 79 bird species, the list includes the Ibis, Pin-tailed Whydah, Speckled Mouse bird, Stone Chat, Grey-capped Warbler, Wax Bills, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinch, White-naped Raven, Black Kite, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Paradise Fly-catcher, Rwenzori Batis, Double-collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Nightjar.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is also home to 3 of the Virunga Volcanoes, known locally as the as the Mufumbiro Mountains, translated to “the Mountains that Cook.”
Things to do in Mgahinga include;
Gorilla tracking which is the most breath-taking activity done in the park, it starts in the morning to track the Nyakagezi gorilla group, this is an incredible activity with the movements through the forests and the sound of birds in the trees, monkeys, and other animals.
Golden monkey tracking to locate the primate among the bamboo trees is amazing to watch, Cultural Encounters with the indigenous group, the Batwas, to see how they live, dress eat, dance which breath taking.
Mountain climbing on the 3 majestic Virunga Volcanoes which is thrilling and adventurous, birding through the bamboo forest of around 79 species of birds, hiking and Nature walks around the wild vegetation, bamboo forests, the Rugezi swamp, which gives a chance to have beautiful scenic views of agricultural areas, surrounding lakes.
There are various accommodation facilities ranging from Campsites, Budget, Midrange to Luxurious lodges outside of the park and one a bit of journey and hotels, there is a choice for almost every budget found in the area.
The park is 510km away from Kampala the capital of Uganda and you can get there by Road or Air.