Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, on the forested slopes of the ancient Virunga Volcanoes. Though small, covering just 34 km², the park is full of natural wonders.
With Congo’s Virunga National Park to the west and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to the north, Mgahinga completes the trifecta of parks protecting the Greater Virunga Ecosystem.
This ancient landscape, shaped by volcanic forces, is famous for its phenomenal scenic beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. It also protects half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. As you explore, you’ll see gorillas wandering through the forest and golden monkeys leaping from bamboo to bamboo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to many unique birds and animals like bushbucks and duikers. On the volcanic slopes, you can find small mammals, reptiles, and colorful butterflies. The climate changes as you move up in altitude, from the humid forest floor to the cooler bamboo zones and the fresh breezes at the top.
Why visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga is sometimes dismissed as the second-best place in Uganda to see mountain gorillas. In reality, this is not a fair judgment. Yes, there is only one gorilla family you can visit in Mgahinga, so there are fewer gorilla permits available. But this group is one of the best to see because it has three huge silverbacks and usually lives in more open bamboo forests, unlike the gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Many visitors choose to visit both Mgahinga and Bwindi, since the parks are close to each other. This way, they can experience different terrains and have the chance to see these amazing gorillas twice. Read more on our blog when considering Rwanda vs Uganda for Gorilla trekking.
2. Golden Monkey Trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only place in Uganda where you can track the beautiful golden monkeys. These playful, bright-furred primates live only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga region.
The guided trek to spot them is an exciting adventure, with the sounds of rustling leaves and quick flashes of gold as they jump around above you. They love to jump, swing and play. Photographing these special animals will therefore be a real challenge.
3. Bird Watching
More than 180 bird species live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including the rare Rwenzori turaco and the beautiful regal sunbird. Early morning walks, when the forest comes alive with sounds, are the best times to spot these birds. Bird-watching safaris give you a fantastic chance to see these species up close. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and listen carefully to the different birdcalls echoing through the trees.
4. Hiking, Nature Walks, & Cultural Trails
With so many natural wonders, it is easy to see why hiking is so popular in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The park offers well-maintained trails, ranging from short nature walks to full-day hikes up the three volcanic peaks—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura—where you can enjoy stunning views over Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The hike through Sabinyo Gorge is especially loved by birdwatchers but is also a magical experience for anyone wanting to explore the unique scenery and plants.
Another popular excursion is a hike to the Garama Cave, which stretches 342 meters under a plateau and holds great spiritual importance for the local Batwa people. In the dark cave, the Batwa once held meetings to discuss protecting their lands, and you can find remnants of their culture and beliefs inside.
The Batwa were a hunter-gatherer community who were removed from the Mgahinga area when it became a national park, though some still live on the park’s edges. Cultural tours give visitors the chance to learn about the Batwa’s way of life and the struggles they face after losing their ancestral lands.
Accommodation Near Mgahinga National Park
The nearest place to stay to Mgahinga National Park is Mount Gahinga Lodge, just a short walk from the park’s main entrance.
This lodge blends traditional design with eco-friendly luxury, offering a cozy and rustic atmosphere. With terraced gardens, stone pathways, and volcanic rock fireplaces, it’s a peaceful spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
If you’re looking for other places to stay, you can choose the nearby Orugano Bwindi Lodge or lodges near Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi. Both lakes are incredibly beautiful, surrounded by lush hills and filled with small islands.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is fairly easy. If you are coming from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, it’s a scenic 9–10-hour drive southwest through the beautiful countryside, giving you a chance to enjoy the changing landscapes and rural life along the way. For a quicker option, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip, which is close to the park.
If you are traveling from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s about 2 to 6 drive, with stunning views along the route connecting the two parks. Another popular choice is to travel from Kigali, Rwanda, which offers the fastest access, taking around four hours by road.
Best Time To Visit Mgahinga Gorilla Park
The best time to visit Mgahinga is during the dry season. The park has two rainy seasons: one from February to May and another from September to December. However, rain can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared and keep your valuables protected from the rain. To make the most of your visit, wear comfortable clothes with long sleeves, dress in layers, and bring sturdy boots.
Questions About Mgahinga?
We will be happy to answer all your questions about highlights, accommodations and possible travel routes!
