Uganda has two main Parks that provide habitat to the rarely seen species of  Mountain Gorillas.

They include Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both are geographically located in the south western part of Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is placed in the south western part of Uganda in the hills of Kabale, about 530km from Kampala. It is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

The impenetrable forest that occupies part of the Park, is the oldest and biologically diverse rain forest with over 400 species of plants.

It lies on the edge of the Albertine rift valley in south western Uganda, protects at least 120 species of mammals, 346species of birds, 202species of butterflies, 163species of trees,100species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and more endangered species.

Bwindi impenetrable national park features Gorilla trekking as the major tourist activity with four gorilla tracking trail heads.

Over nineteen Gorilla families are habituated for trekking along with the ones used for habituation experience. These families are grouped in its four sectors namely Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija sector.

Besides Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Birding can be a perfect alternative to keep your day or days in Bwindi occupied especially lovers of different bird species.

The parks different regions grants magical opportunities for sights of different bird species including the Albertine rift endemic.

A 6 hour bamboo trail leads to Rwamunyonyi peak, the highest peak in the Park standing at 2607 m and notable spot for birding expeditions.

Or descend to Mubwindi swamp for the species of African green broad bill . Mountain biking and Nature walks are other rewarding pursuits offered in the Park.

A short drive north to Buhoma, offers wonderful hikes along the hill crests and rivers to discover waterfalls, pleasing views and the traditional lifestyle of the Kigezi people.This park can be reached by road through several routes…..Read more

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

If not Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only alternative to go for species of Mountain Gorillas while in Uganda. Its located in the south western part of Uganda, about 510 km from Kampala.

Moreover, Mgahinga is part of the Virunga conservation area that includes other two Parks – Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of DR Congo.

Sitting at altitudes between 2227m and 4127m, Mgahinga National Park was introduced to provide good habitats to the rare Mountain Gorillas that inhabit its dense Jungles. Golden monkey primates are other Wildlife species that call Mgahinga home.

Three conical and extinct volcanoes such as mount Gahinga , Sabyinyo and Muhavura add to the list of remarkable spots to awe while in the surbubs of Mgahinga National park. These volcanoes lie along the borders between Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda.

The Park offers a soothing sound of nature with cool temperatures owing to its Mountainous settings. Its home to part of the Gorillas that inhabit the Virunga massif.

The cultural heritage featuring folklore and traditional healing practices for local people covers the northern slopes of the three Northern Virunga volcanoes.

It is easily accessed via routes that winds through Kabale and Kisoro, the 434km journey from Kampala to Kabale can be completed in eight hours on a good tarmac. From Kabale, you continue further 76km to Kisoro town on a hill hugging road with steep ascents and descents.

An alternative route leaves the main road at Kabale and follow the shoreline of scenic Lake Bunyonyi to rejoin the Kabale – Kisoro main road at Muko. The Park’s main entrance “Ntebeko” is just 14 km from Kisoro.

Mgahinga can also be reached by air using the daily domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airfield.Read more