The Mghahinga National Park is with 34 sq km the smallest and youngest national park in Uganda. It belongs to the protected areas of the Virunga Volcanoes, which are mainly located in Rwanda and Republic of Congo. The three volcanic peaks of Mt. Sabinyo (3.645 m), Mt. Gahinga (3.474 m) and Mt. Muhavura (4.127 m) are located within Uganda, whereas the last one is the highest summit in the park. Due to the high altitude, the climate is moderately chilly and very wet. Higher up, an odd frosty night is possible.

Apart from the Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park, this is the only possibility for tourists to do gorilla trekking. But under admittedly more difficult circumstances. There is only one gorilla family which is used to humans, and this one stays frequentely in Rwanda or Republic of Congo. You can get information about the present state of the gorillas at the blog of "Wildlife Direct" and "Mountain Gorillas and Rain Forest Direct Help Club" (You will find weblinks at the end of the page).

Apart from gorilla trekking you have the opportunity to look at the rich fauna and flora from different hiking tracks. Well trained people can climb up to the highest peaks of the park.

You have to drive 500 km from Kampala, 213 km from Mbarara and 70 km from Kabale. The longest part is tarmaced. Regarding travelling times, the same applies as for the Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park: Go as soon as you can get a permission for gorilla trekking. Apart from that, journeys outside the main rainy season ( April/May and October/November ) are more convenient.

You will find hotels and camping sites right at the entrance gate, as well as in the cities of Kisoro and Kabale.

Related Links

• Website of "WildlifeDirect"
• Website of "Mountain gorilla & rainforest direct help association"
• Webiste of "Uganda Wildlife Authority"