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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in the Virunga Mountains of southwestern Uganda, where three ancient volcanoes rise above the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.

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About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Kisoro District in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, covering 33.9 square kilometres of montane forest and volcanic terrain at altitudes between 2,227 and 4,127 metres. It is Uganda’s smallest national park and forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, sharing continuous forest with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to the south and the DRC’s Virunga National Park to the west. The park was declared a game sanctuary in 1930 and gazetted as a national park in 1991.
The park encompasses three dormant volcanoes, Mount Muhabura at 4,127 metres, Mount Sabyinyo at 3,669 metres, and Mount Gahinga at 3,474 metres, all rising above a landscape of bamboo forest, montane woodland, and afro-alpine vegetation. Mgahinga is one of only four places in the world where mountain gorillas can be tracked, and the only location in Uganda where golden monkeys are found. Its motto, where gold meets silver, reflects the rare opportunity to encounter both species within the same small park.

Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mountain Gorillas

Mgahinga is home to one habituated mountain gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, which is notable for having multiple silverbacks coexisting within the same family. The group moves between Uganda and the Rwandan side of the Virunga massif but has been consistently present on the Ugandan side since 2012. A maximum of 8 visitors per day are permitted to trek with the Nyakagezi family, offering a quieter and more exclusive gorilla trekking experience than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Golden Monkeys

Golden monkeys are found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga region and cannot be seen anywhere else in Uganda. Mgahinga supports one habituated troop of 60 to 80 individuals, which is tracked daily through the park’s bamboo zone. The golden monkey is classified as endangered and its range is now restricted to the Virunga volcanoes and a single adjacent forest in Rwanda, making Mgahinga one of the most important sites for the species.

Birds and Other Wildlife

Mgahinga records over 180 bird species including 14 Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Regal Sunbird. Other mammals include forest elephant, buffalo, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest hog, and black and white colobus, though the dense vegetation and steep terrain make most species difficult to observe outside of primate tracking contexts.

Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga follows the same format as Bwindi, with an early morning briefing at park headquarters followed by a guided trek through montane forest and bamboo to locate the Nyakagezi family. Treks take between 30 minutes and 7 hours depending on gorilla movement, followed by one hour with the family. A permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents and must be booked in advance. With only 8 permits available daily, Mgahinga offers a more private trekking experience than Bwindi.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkey tracking departs from the Gahinga trailhead each morning and typically involves 2 to 4 hours of guided walking through the bamboo forest, with one hour spent observing the habituated troop. A golden monkey habituation experience is also available, allowing visitors to spend up to 4 hours with researchers studying the troop’s behaviour. Golden monkey tracking is a lower-altitude and generally less demanding experience than gorilla trekking on the same day.

Volcano Hiking

All three volcanoes in the park are accessible on guided day hikes. Mount Gahinga at 3,474 metres is the most accessible, passing through bamboo forest to a crater swamp at the summit. Mount Sabyinyo at 3,669 metres follows steep ridges to the tri-border point where Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC meet at the summit. Mount Muhabura at 4,127 metres is the most demanding, with a crater lake at the top and panoramic views across all three countries on a clear day.

Batwa Cultural Experience

The Batwa are the indigenous forest people who historically inhabited the Virunga forests before the park was gazetted. Guided Batwa cultural experiences near the park boundary introduce visitors to traditional forest survival techniques, fire-making, plant knowledge, and cultural storytelling. The experience adds a significant cultural dimension to a Mgahinga visit and directly supports Batwa community programmes.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Road

The drive from Kampala to Mgahinga takes approximately 9 hours via the Mbarara and Kabale route to Kisoro, the nearest town to the park. The park entrance is approximately 15 kilometres south of Kisoro. From Kigali in Rwanda, the drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through the Cyanika border crossing, making Rwanda a common arrival point for visitors combining Mgahinga with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

By Air

Charter flights from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. From Kisoro airstrip, the park is a short drive of approximately 15 kilometres. Flying is the preferred option for travellers combining Mgahinga with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on a short itinerary, as both parks are accessible from Kisoro within a single day’s drive.

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Dry Season (June to September and December to February)

The dry seasons provide the most reliable trekking conditions in Mgahinga, with drier trails through the bamboo and montane forest zones and more manageable terrain on the volcano hikes. Gorilla and golden monkey permits are in highest demand during these months, and advance booking is strongly recommended. Visibility from the volcano summits is clearest during dry conditions.

Green Season (March to May and October to November)

Gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking are available year-round regardless of season, and permit prices do not change. The green season brings lush bamboo and forest conditions, fewer visitors, and better availability across both gorilla and golden monkey permits. Trails are muddier and the volcano hikes more demanding, but the park is fully operational and the forest scenery is at its most photogenic.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Insight

With only 8 gorilla permits available daily, Mgahinga sells out significantly faster than Bwindi during peak season months. Travellers should secure permits as early as possible, particularly if combining Mgahinga with Bwindi on the same itinerary.

Where to Stay near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accommodation near Mgahinga is limited to a small number of properties around the park boundary and in the Kisoro area, reflecting the park’s compact size and remote location. Most properties are positioned for early morning trek departures from the park headquarters.

Budget

Budget accommodation near Mgahinga includes community-run guesthouses and campsites in and around Kisoro town, offering basic facilities at accessible price points for travellers managing overall safari costs.

Mid-Range

Mid-range lodges near Mgahinga offer comfortable accommodation with meals and guided trek access, typically positioned with views of the Virunga volcanoes. These properties provide a practical and scenic base for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and volcano hiking within a single stay.

Luxury

Mount Gahinga Lodge is the primary luxury property near the park, located a short walk from the main gate with direct views of the Virunga volcanoes. It offers eco-luxury accommodation combining traditional design with high service standards and is the most convenient base for early morning gorilla and golden monkey treks.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park National Park Tour Packages

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8-Day Ultimate Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

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About Us

Trek Safaris Uganda is a Kampala-based tour operator specialising in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and tailor-made itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Founded in 2008, we handle everything from gorilla permits to lodge bookings, so you can focus on the experience.

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