Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park but holds immense significance. It’s one of only two places in Uganda where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Located in the country’s far southwest, Mgahinga offers quiet, uncrowded treks and dramatic scenery shaped by ancient volcanoes.
Where Is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Located?
Mgahinga sits in the Virunga Mountains, in Kisoro District, near Uganda’s borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. The park is about 540 km from Kampala and around 3–4 hours by road from Kabale or 1 hour from Kisoro town.
It borders Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park, forming part of the Greater Virunga Conservation Area.
Why Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path gorilla trekking experience. Unlike the busier Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga typically has fewer visitors. This makes it ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity and quiet interaction with nature.
Highlights include:
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking (only in Mgahinga, not Bwindi)
- Volcano climbing on Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabinyo
- Batwa cultural trail – an immersive experience with Uganda’s indigenous Batwa people
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family: the Nyakagezi group. Known for their relaxed nature, these gorillas often stay within the park, making treks more reliable than in the past.
Treks start at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre, where tourists are briefed before setting off with experienced rangers. The trek can last 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location.
- Permit cost (2025): $800 per person (same as Bwindi)
- Visitors spend 1 hour with the gorillas, observing their behavior and capturing photos
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkeys are rare and energetic primates only found in the Virunga ranges. Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where you can see them.
Tracking starts at 8:00 a.m., lasts about 2–4 hours, and provides a unique contrast to gorilla trekking. Their quick movements offer exciting photography opportunities.
- Permit cost: $100 per person
- Habituation experience (for longer visits): $140 per person
Volcano Hiking Adventures
Three extinct volcanoes dominate the park:
- Mount Sabinyo (3,669m): Known as the “Old Man’s Teeth,” offers views of three countries at once
- Mount Gahinga (3,474m): Easiest to climb; passes through bamboo forests
- Mount Muhabura (4,127m): The tallest and most challenging hike
These hikes are steep but rewarding, offering panoramic views and a chance to walk above the clouds.
Batwa Cultural Trail
The Batwa pygmies were the forest’s original inhabitants. This guided cultural walk shares their survival skills, traditions, and stories. You’ll visit a traditional homestead and hear songs, dances, and folklore that bring their forest lifestyle to life.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga
The park is open year-round, but the dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best hiking conditions.
Rainy months (March–May and October–November) are less busy and lush but trails may be slippery.
Where to Stay Near Mgahinga
Most accommodations are found in or around Kisoro town (about 14 km from the park). A few options are closer to the park gate.
Recommended lodges:
- Mount Gahinga Lodge – Luxury eco-lodge close to the park
- Lake Chahafi Resort – Mid-range option with beautiful lake views
- Kisoro Tourist Hotel – Budget-friendly and centrally located
- Amajambere Iwacu Camp – Community-run lodge near the park entrance
How to Get to Mgahinga
- By road: From Kampala via Kabale and Kisoro (8–10 hours)
- By air: Scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip (1 hour), followed by a 1-hour drive to the park
Plan Your Safari
Mgahinga is small but mighty. It offers unmatched peace, rare wildlife, and cultural richness in a compact setting. Gorilla trekking here feels intimate, golden monkeys add a playful twist, and hiking volcanoes takes your safari to new heights.
If you want an unforgettable and uncrowded gorilla experience in Uganda, Mgahinga is the hidden gem to choose.
