ROWAN is located in the equatorial country of Uganda & we enjoy sharing facts about the country with our readers. This is an immensely diverse country with plenty of irrigation water & an amazing variety of life. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to a nomadic tribe of endangered mountain gorillas, kept company by an array of diverse mammal & bird species.
So Much Nature
Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, at only 21 sq. miles in size (part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area). However, it makes up for size in it’s sheer diversity of life. As it’s name suggests, it was created as a haven for mountain gorillas, but these gentle giants seem happy to share their space. The endangered golden monkey also calls this park home, along with hundreds of other bird & mammal species. Mgahinga sits well above sea level, at between 7,000 & 13,500 ft in the clouds.
Local Lore
The park is named for the gahinga, a local word for volcanic rocks cleared from farmland & piled at the base of the volcanoes. The park also has cultural significance to the Batwa pygmies, an ancient tribe of indigenous people who are thought to be the area’s first inhabitants. This local group lives on the edges of the park in grass huts & hunt for substance. They too are endangered.
Come See Uganda
Want to see Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with your own eyes? Come visit us at ROWAN & learn even more about the lovely country of Uganda.
