Mgahinga is part of a larger ecosystem, the Virunga Conservation
Area (434km so) which includes two adjacent parks in Rwanda and
Congo. It rises from 2227 m to 4, 127m above sea level.
The park which is a cultural heritage featuring in the history, folklore
and traditional healing practices for local people, covers the north
slopes of the three northern Virunga volcanoes ; Muhavura, Gahinga
and Sabinyo. The park derives its name from “ Gahinga “, a
Kinyarwanda word for a pile of volcanic lava stone heaps around
which cultivation is carried out. On the other hand, Muhavura means
guide and Sabinyo means the Old man’s teeth. It is bordered to the
south by Rwanda and to the west by DR Congo. Mgahinga National
Park can be accessed by road or air transport.
