Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects the Ugandan slopes of the majestic Virungas, a range of freestanding volcanoes that rises to a maximum altitude of 4,507m/14,787ft on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is an alternative destination to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. Other attractions include hikes to the summit of three of the park’s volcanic peaks and golden monkey trekking.
Aside from the endangered mountain gorilla, Mgahinga is home to many other mammal species. However, as in all forests, animals tend to be hard to spot. The very rare golden monkey, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can be tracked. Other mammals include black-and-white colobus, buffalo, elephant, bushbuck and duiker.
Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park. It forms part of the Virunga Mountains and adjoins with the parks across the borders of DRC and Rwanda. The entire park is at a high altitude, and the views are out of this world. The most prominent feature are the volcanic cones of extinct volcanoes in the mountain range. It also offers great views over Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe.
The Nyakagazi group of mountain gorillas is notable for incorporating four sibling silverbacks. A troop of habituated golden monkey, which is endemic to the Albertine Rift and more or less restricted to the Virungas, can also be tracked. Bushbuck and buffalo are quite often encountered, while other more secretive resident mammals include golden cat, side-striped jackal, giant forest hog, bushpig and elephant.
More than 180 bird species have been recorded, and several are localized forest birds – 12 of which are considered endemic to the Albertine Rift (birds restricted to this area). There are several guided mountain hikes on offer where birders get an opportunity to tick off some Afro-alpine endemics, such as the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Malachite Sunbird "Scarlet Tufted"
