Mgahinga National Park is located in Kisoro and protects the Uganda part of the virunga Mountains and its three main peaks are Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo. It is the smallest park in Uganda but forms part of a cross-border system of reserves in Rwanda and the DRC extending over some 430km of the higher Virungas. It was established in 1930 as the Gorilla game sanctuary and was gazetted in 1991 when more than 2,000 were relocated from within its boundaries.
Mgahinga is the most scenic park in Uganda offering panoramic views that stretch northward to Bwindi. It protects 76 mammal species including the golden monkey, black and white colobus, mountain gorilla, leopard, elephant, giant forest hog to mention but a few and other several rodents, bats and small predators. The park is still of great interest to birdwatchers as several of the species recorded are localized forest birds and 12 are considered to be endemic to the Albert Rift region.
Gorilla tracking is the major activity carried out at Mgahinga National Park. No gorillas live permanently within the park, but fair number move freely between Uganda and the neighboring Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda and one habituated troop frequently spends a months at a stretch within Mgahinga. Roughly 14 gorillas spend part of their year in Mgahinga moving to and from the adjoining protected forests in Rwanda. Historically, the habituated Nyakagazi group lived mostly in Mgahinga but when it was disturbed by a rogue silverback, it has spent much of its time abroad.
The park offers broader range of activities like mountain guided day hikes are available to each of the three volcanic peaks in Mgahinga which offer a good chance of seeing various forest birds in the bamboo zone. The next best thing to seeing is the chance to track the golden monkey which is characterized by a bright orange-gold body, cheeks and tail, constructing with its black limbs, crown and tail. Nature and Forest walks are carried out from the Sabinyo Gorge Trail ascending through the health around Ntebeko into a stand of bamboo forest.
Ntebeko entrance gate lies roughly 14km from Kisoro along a dirt road that is used to get in and away from the park. This infamous route has recently been improved and it should now take no more than 30 minutes from Kisoro. To get to Mgahinga from the national park’s office in Kisoro, follow the main road towards the DRC for about 100m, turn left at the first main junction immediately before the Travelers Rest Inn, then turn right about 100m further. Follow the stone cairns up to Ntebeko.
It is possible to visit Mgahinga as a dry trip from one of the lodges in Kisoro but more atmospheric to stay in accommodation at the Ntebeko Entrance Gate. For luxury tourists can use Mount Gahinga lodge, for budget and camping can use Amajamber’iwacu Community Camp.