(Where Gold meets Silver)
Though Uganda’s smallest park covers just 38km2, it forms part of a far larger conservation area that protects wildlife and habitats on the Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The park enjoys a magnificent setting on the Northern slopes of three of the Virunga’s six extinct cones; Mt. Muhavura, Mt Gahinga and Mt Sabinyo. The park is home to two rare primates, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys both of which can be tracked through their forest habitats. The volcanic peaks can be climbed; the 4127m Muhuvura provides a stunning 3600 regional panorama while Sabinyo’s highest peak offers the rare privilege of standing over 3600m high whilst in three countries at once. A range of habitats including forest, bamboo and moorland, support a wealth of birdlife including the beautiful Rwenzori turaco. On the park’s lower contours, visitors can also follow an exciting tour along the Batwa trail led by the Batwa guides for an incredible opportunity to learn about their traditional forest life; a trek that leads all the way to the Garama Cave, historically the home of the Batwa King. This tour often climaxes in an energetic performance of music and dance.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda’s Kisoro District. It is the country’s smallest national park covering approximately 33.9km2. The park plays a significant role in conserving endangered species and preserving unique ecosystems regardless of its size. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is within the Virunga Mountains and encompasses three dormant volcanoes that are Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo. The park’s altitude ranges from 2,227m to 4,127m above sea level contributing to its diverse habitats including bamboo forests, montane forests, and alpine highlands. These varied ecosystems support a rich array of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, golden monkey making it the only park in Uganda where both species coexist. Other wildlife includes black-and-white colobus monkeys, leopards, elephants, bushbucks, and various bird species. The park boasts over 180 bird species including several Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco and the handsome spur fowl. It is a cultural importance for the indigenous Batwa people who were the original inhabitants of the forest known as “the keepers of the forest,” the Batwa lived as hunter-gatherers in harmony with the environment. After the park’s establishment, they were relocated but continue to share their rich cultural heritage through community tours, offering visitors insights into their traditional way of life. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers various activities like gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, bird watching, cultural encounters among others.
