It is situated in kisoro district, in south western Uganda and was gazzetted in 1991 and is part of the great virunga conservation area.Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 33.7 sq. km and consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape . Mgahinga Park has great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas.
and due to the presence of three volcanoes other actvities have been carried out
Activities
Volcano Climbing.
Mgahinga gorilla national offers three extinct volcanoes for phyisically fit hikers although they do not require special mountaineering gear. These three volcanoes include;
Mt. Sabinyo;
This is 366 meters high and it is known as man teeth. This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to climb. A climb up to the mountain takes one up to a ridge a long the eastern side of the mountain to the peak. 1. if you are to continue, the climb to the peak ,2 involves walking a ridge with breath taking drops into the gorges of Rwanda and Uganda. Finally the hike up to peak 3 is steep and your hands will have to get dirty en route to peak 3. Once you are on top, you will be at a point in Rwanda, democratic republic of Congo and Uganda at the same time. A round trip journey takes about 8 hours to cover the 14 km sketch.
Mt.Gahinga;
This is 3474 meters high and it is known as small pile of stones On your way to the park there is a garden field of small piles of stones.The local people refer to such a pile as a gahinga. A hike to mountain Gahinga takes a round a couple of about 6 hours going through pure bamboo forest. The crater lake that once existed on top of Gahinga has now turned into a lush swamp.
Mt Muhavura;
This is 4127 meters high and it is refered to as the guide. And is seen from all over kisoro,hence the volcano acts as the guide. This typically cone shapped mountain provides some of the best views in the country.
