Type Of Your Journey

Adventure
Our travels are different from all the others! We love our business and want to see happy custo-mers, so we always do our best!

$149/Pax

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Kisoro District (UG)

8 Days

Uganda

Max People: 08

Drive/Flight

8+ Age

Discount: 15%

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, nestled in the Virunga Mountains along the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park. The nearest town is Kisoro (about 14 km away).

Quick Facts
  • Size: 33.7 km² (13 sq mi) – Uganda’s smallest national park
  • Established: 1991 (to protect mountain gorillas)
  • Altitude: 2,227–4,127 meters (7,306–13,540 ft)
  • Key Features: Three volcanic peaks (Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo), bamboo forests, and golden monkeys
  • UNESCO Status: Part of the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area
Wildlife & Activities

Mgahinga is best known for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, but it also offers stunning volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Key Wildlife Sightings

  • Mountain Gorillas – One of only two parks in Uganda where gorilla trekking is possible (along with Bwindi).
  • Golden Monkeys – Endangered primates found in the bamboo forests.
  • Other Wildlife: Forest elephants (rare), buffaloes, bushbucks, leopards, and over 180 bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco.

Main Zones & Sectors

  1. Gorilla Trekking Trails – Guided hikes to see habituated gorilla families.
  2. Golden Monkey Tracking Area – Bamboo forests near Mount Gahinga.
  3. Volcanic Peaks – Hiking trails up Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
  4. Garama Cave – A historic Batwa cultural site.
Special Experiences
  • Gorilla Trekking – Meet one of the park’s habituated gorilla families (permits required).
  • Golden Monkey Tracking – A more affordable alternative to gorilla trekking.
  • Volcano Hiking – Climb Mount Sabyinyo (Uganda’s oldest volcano) or Mount Muhabura for breathtaking views.
  • Batwa Cultural Trail – Learn about the indigenous Batwa pygmies and their forest traditions.
  • Birdwatching – Spot rare species like the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird.
Best Time to Visit
  • Dry Seasons (June–September & December–February) – Best for gorilla trekking and hiking (fewer muddy trails).
  • Wet Seasons (March–May & October–November) – Lush greenery but trekking can be slippery.
Other Attractions Nearby
  • Lake Mutanda – A scenic lake near Kisoro, perfect for canoeing.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Another gorilla trekking destination (about 3–4 hours away).
  • Echuya Forest Reserve – A birding hotspot with rare Albertine Rift endemics.
Why Visit Mgahinga?

Mgahinga offers a unique mix of gorilla encounters, volcano hikes, and cultural experiences, all in a compact, less-crowded setting compared to Bwindi. It’s perfect for adventurers who want gorilla trekking combined with mountain climbing in one trip.

Best Place

Related Destination

Kiruhura District (UG)

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kaabong District (UG)