Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.
As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.
Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.
Birding 3days
Setting off early, birding to Kisoro via Echuya forest and the remaining stretch of papyrus swamp to look for the Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Papyrus Canary if you are lucky, as well as Carruther’s Cisticola, Little Rush Warbler and Fawn-breasted Waxbill among other birds.
Nature and culture 5days
Travel down to the park from Kampala or Bwindi, checking into your accommodation in Kisoro town or at the park entrance.