Three extinct volcanoes that are part of the spectacular Virunga range, lie within the boundaries of Ugandan portion of this biologically rich area. Mgahinga is best known for its Mountain Gorillas, a habituated group of which wanders back and forth across the international border. Owing to its relative remoteness, the park has received little attention from ornithologists and this fact is in the ridiculously short official bird list. Even if the prospect of adding exciting new records to the park list does not entice you, few birders will be able to resist the attraction of some of Uganda’s most spectacular birds such as the scarce Rwenzori Turaco, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird.
For visitors spending nights at the park, there are two campsites one at the edge of the park and the other just outside the gates of the park.
Gorilla Trekking Rules
- No one with a communicable disease (e.g. Flue, Diarrhea) is allowed to enter the park
- Stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas, do not surround them.
- Do not get closer than 5 meters to the gorillas.
- Do not use flashes while photographing.
- Do not eat or smoke when while with gorillas or within a distance of 200metres from the gorillas.
- Turn away from the gorillas if you have to sneeze or cough; cover your mouth and nose in the process.
- Burry all human feaces in a minimum of one foot deep and ensure that the holeis properly covered.
- No person less than 15 years is allowed to track gorillas.
- Do not make loud noise or move suddenly.
- You are allowed a maximum of one hour with gorillas.
- Do not spit on vegetation or soil while in the park; use your hankie or other garment.
