Jewel Safaris-Mgahinga Tour

 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

 

Mgahinga National Park is located in south-western Uganda and it occupies an area of 38.6 sq km. This park is part of Virungas, a chain of extinct and three sporadically active volcanoes which follow the boarder with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is also the home of the rare mountain gorilla, some 300 of which live in the Virungas. Gorilla tracking remains the most popular activity here though it is dependent on the seasonal movements of the habituated groups. Mgahinga supports a diverse forest and a moorland fauna, notably the localized golden monkey and at least 12 bird species. Also small populations of elephant, leopard, buffalo and black and white colobus monkeys are present. The spectacular setting at the base of the volcanoes, the tallest of which reaches an elevation of 4,507m, is among the most amazing in East Africa.

 

Activities include, gorilla tracking depending on whether the gorillas are around, they sometimes not often move across the boarder. Permits must be booked in advance. Guided walks to the volcanic peaks are also are available. Don’t miss to visit Lake Bunyonyi en-route to Kisoro. This amazing lake is hemmed in by steep mountains and studded with small islands.

 

Accommodation; There are two privately run campsites, one just outside the park gates and a private lodge on the edge of the park. The nearest hotel is in Kisoro.