Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, specifically in Kisoro District. As its name indicates, the park was established to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests. It is also a vital habitat for the endangered golden monkey.

The park holds significant importance for wildlife and has profound cultural value, especially for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers is considered the "first people" of the forest, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unparalleled.

One of Mgahinga’s most striking features is its three conical, extinct volcanoes, which are part of the breathtaking Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. Mgahinga is also part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes neighbouring parks in these countries. The slopes of the volcanoes are home to a variety of ecosystems and are biologically diverse, while their peaks provide a stunning backdrop to the beautiful scenery.

Wildlife at the park

Mgahinga is home to over 76 species of mammals, including elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, and buffalo. The park also hosts leopards and has a bird checklist of over 180 species, which includes 14 endemics from the Albertine Rift, notably the Kivu ground thrush and turaco.

Impact and Importance of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

MGNP is a significant water catchment area. Its protective vegetation cover enhances its role in water catchment compared to the surrounding terrain. In addition to the numerous streams that flow north from the mountains, there is a crater lake on Mt. Muhabura and a swamp crater at the summit of Mt. Gahinga. Swamps also exist in the saddles between the three volcanoes, retaining water year-round, while the plains at the foot of the volcanoes are characterised by deep volcanic ash. As a result, runoff from the mountains quickly disappears underground. 

The primary source of the north-flowing surface water is the Kabiranyuma swamp located in the Muhabura-Gahinga saddle. The Kabiranyuma River drains this swamp and serves as a critical water source for the surrounding populations. It is notable for being the only river that does not completely dry up during the driest months of June to August. Additionally, the Ntebeko River drains the Rugezi Swamp in the Gahinga-Sabyinyo saddle to the north towards the DRC, while the Nyabirerema stream flows north from Mt. Sabyinyo into the DRC.