This is the smallest national park and it covers an area of 36 sq km and it was established in1991.It is the Ugandan part of the Virunga National park but with rare species. It is in the far south west of Uganda in Kisoro. It may be small but it is arguably considered as the most panoramic park. The park in habited by mostly the Bafumbira who lead a simple life mainly as cultivator batwa who once lived in the place and fed on wild life are the minority.

The protection of Gorillas in Mgahinga started began in the 1950'sThe gorilla protection later started decreasing not until the 1989 when gorillas began to reiceive some protection from Gorilla game resrve conservation project along the Uganda side.
Bafflingly, only 115 bird species have been recorded probably a reflection of the park's small size

Ecosystem and wild life; being a mountainous area, the park vegetation is afro montane with in a cool climate. The abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain gorilla. Other types of flora include the lobelia, Haegenia etc.

Gorilla Tracking

This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience, which might take one through a thick jungle. One gorilla group Nyakagezi is currently habituated and available for tourists. It has 11 members; 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants. Book at least 3 months earlier.

Volcano climbing

Mgahinga Gorilla National park offers three extinct volcanoes for physically fit hikers although they do not require special mountaineering gear. The three volcanoes are Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura.

Garama Cave excursion

This is one of the caves where the batwa (who were warriors) once lived and fought their neighbours , the Bantu. The range guide will show you how the abtwa lived and fought out of the cave. The cave is 342m in length and 14 m deep, and is now in habited mainly by bats.

Bird watching

Birding along the edge of the park is available on request. You will be taken out by the guides from 1700 hours to 1800 hours. A stroll along the buffalo wall towards democratic republic of Congo takes you through a wetland area where ibis, speckled mouse birds and fire finch are found.

Viewing plat form

This is about 800metresfrom the park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and the activity is free.

The Park, gazetted in 1991, covers an area of 33.7km2. It is found in the extreme Southwestern corner of Uganda that borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It includes parts of Muhavura, Mgahinga and Sabino Volcanic Mountains. 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 lots of lichens and mosses.

The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla brengei) are the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa. Unfortunately, man has not been merciful to them. Poachers have decimated them, and man has destroyed their natural habitat. They have faced extinction, but today sound conservation policies have slowed down their decline, and in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park they are able to establish their family groups untroubled by predatory man. Here on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in south west Uganda, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (33.7 sq.km) has been established to provide a secure habitat for these massive, but gentle creatures.

Access to the families is strictly controlled (and not always permitted) and small groups of visitors are always accompanied by a trained ranger. To keep disturbance to the animals to a minimum there are limits to the number of tourists allowed in at any one time. Here we are in the home of the animals and we must act as the perfect guests. The park can be reached by road through Kabale and Kisoro 510km from Kampala.