Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the country’s premier wildlife reserves. It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area that spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although it is the smallest national park in Uganda, covering only 34 square kilometers, Mgahinga is well known for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It shares a border with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as the Virunga National Park in Congo, making it a key piece of a larger conservation area.
The park’s slogan, “Where Gold Meets Silver,” reflects its dual treasures: the “silver” of the mountain gorillas and the “gold” of the rare golden monkeys, both of which can be found within the park’s rich, mountainous terrain.
Mgahinga's landscapes are dominated by three volcanic peaks - Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo all of which make it an ideal destination for hikers.
While gorilla trekking is the park’s primary attraction, visitors are also drawn by its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and opportunities to engage with local communities of Batwa and Bafumbira.
Things To Do In Mgahinga
1. Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the flagship activity at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which offers a unique and intimate experience with the the gentle giants.
In Mgahinga the gorilla trek can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on where the gorillas are. All the effort is richly rewarded with the chance to spend up to an hour observing these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
The trek takes you through bamboo forests, steep ridges, and dense jungle - for a true wilderness experience.
2. Golden Monkey Tracking
Apart from mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is also known for its population of endangered golden monkeys. Golden monkey tracking is another exciting activity for visitors, where you get to see these vibrant, agile creatures leap through the forest canopy.
Similar to gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is led by experienced guides, and visitors can spend about an hour with these primates.
3. Hiking & Volcano Climbing
The Virunga mountain range dominates the landscape of Mgahinga, and hikers can choose from several volcanoes to conquer.
Each of the three peaks offers a different challenge - each with its special reward.
- Mount Muhabura (4,127 m): The highest of the three, this strenuous hike offers breath-taking views of the surrounding region and on a clear day, you can even see Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
- Mount Gahinga (3,474 m): An easier climb, Mount Gahinga features bamboo forests and offers hikers a scenic experience. The peak is crowned by a swamp-filled crater.
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,645 m): Known for its jagged appearance, Sabyinyo offers a challenging trek with the unique opportunity to stand in 3 countries - at the point where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC meet.
4. Batwa Cultural Experience
Before the establishment of the national park, the Batwa people lived in the forests as hunter-gatherers.
Today, visitors can learn about their traditional way of life through the Batwa Cultural Experience, which includes guided tours of Batwa trails, performances, and demonstrations of of traditional skills in hunting, gathering, and making fire.
This cultural encounter helps visitors understand the Batwa’s deep connection to the forest and the challenges they face in modern times.
5. Bird Watching
Mgahinga is a great destination for birders - with more than 180 bird species recorded, including the rare Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu ground thrush, and several Albertine Rift endemics. The park’s varied habitats, from bamboo forests to montane woodlands, make it an excellent spot for birding.
Seasons & Best Time to Visit
Like many parts of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Here’s what to expect.
Dry Season (June to September, December to February)
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The reduced rainfall makes trekking easier and the forest paths less slippery.
Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 20°C during the day to cooler nights due to the park’s altitude.
The dry season period also offers excellent visibility, making it easier to see the gorillas, golden monkeys and other animals and birds in the park.
Related article: Best time for gorilla trekking
Wet Season (March to May, October to November)
The wet season brings more rain, making the trails muddy and challenging. However, the forest is even more lush and vibrant, and bird-watching opportunities improve as migratory species arrive.
Some travellers opt to visit during the wet season because permits may be more readily available, and there are fewer crowds. The park is still accessible, and trekking is possible, but it requires more physical effort due to the slippery terrain.
Overall, the dry season is ideal for those looking for comfortable trekking conditions, but the wet season offers a quieter, more intimate experience for those who think of the rain and muddy trails as yet another challenge to overcome.
How to Get There
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located about 510 km from Kampala, and while it’s a bit of a journey, the trip is scenic and rewarding.
By Road
From Kampala, the drive to Mgahinga takes around 10 hours, passing through Mbarara and Kabale. It’s advisable to break the journey in either of these towns, where there are good accommodation options.
From Kabale, it’s a 2-hour drive to the park through Kisoro. The short drive from Kisoro to Mgahinga has rough roads and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
While road travel to Mgahinga is long, most safari trips visit various attractions and by the time you are headed to Mgahinga, you are no more than 3 hours away.
By Air
For those seeking a quicker option, domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip.
From the airstrip in Kisoro town, it’s just a 45-minute drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Flights are operated by various local carriers, and they significantly reduce travel time.
Connections from Other Attractions
Mgahinga is close to other popular tourist attractions - especially the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more mountain gorillas. The drive from Bwindi to Mgahinga takes about 2-3 hours, making it easy to combine both parks for a more complete gorilla trekking experience.
Additionally, visitors coming from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can cross the border at Cyanika, which is just 14 kilometers from Mgahinga.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodation options around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that cater to a range of budgets and preferences.
Luxury Lodges
For a high-end experience, Mount Gahinga Lodge is an excellent option. It offers stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes, luxury cabins, and a range of services including guided treks and cultural experiences. The lodge focuses on sustainable tourism and is deeply involved with local community projects.
Mid-Range Options
In the nearby town of Kisoro, there are several mid-range lodges such as Kisoro Traveller’s Rest Hotel and Lake Mutanda Resort. These offer comfortable accommodation with amenities like restaurants, guided tours, and transport to the park.
Budget Accommodation
There are also more budget-friendly choices for travellers on a tight budget, such as Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp. This community-run camp provides basic facilities, but the warm hospitality and proximity to the park make it a great option for budget-conscious adventurers.
Nearby Attractions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Distance: 2 to 3 hour drive
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is famous for its high concentration of mountain gorillas and offers a more diverse forest ecosystem compared to Mgahinga.
For those interested in gorilla trekking, combining a visit to both parks gives you a chance to see these incredible creatures in the only 2 ecosystems they live in.
Lake Mutanda
Distance: 14 km, about 30 minutes
A beautiful crater lake surrounded by hills and the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Mutanda offers peaceful boat rides, canoeing, and bird watching. It’s a great place to relax after a day of trekking or hiking in the park.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Distance: 14 km to Cyanika border
Just across the border in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is another key area for gorilla conservation and trekking. Visitors can easily combine a trip to Mgahinga with Volcanoes, crossing the border at Cyanika to explore both parks.
Closing Thoughts
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be small in size, but it offers big adventures for travellers looking for special wildlife encounters and breath-taking landscapes.
From gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking to volcano hikes and cultural experiences with the Batwa people, Mgahinga presents an array of unique activities that immerse visitors in Uganda’s natural beauty and rich culture.
Whatever time you choose to visits, Mgahinga is a beautiful destination that promises adventure and unforgettable memories.
Mgahinga is an ideal stop for anyone looking to experience gorilla trekking away from the crowds, and its proximity to other great Ugandan and Rwandan attractions makes it worth visiting.