Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a small but spectacular national park located in southwestern Uganda, part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s best known for being one of the few places on Earth where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Key Facts about Mgahinga National Park:

Location:

Found in Kisoro District, Uganda.
Covers only 33.7 km² (13 mi²), making it Uganda’s smallest national park.
Sits at the intersection of three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo (all part of the Virunga Mountains).

Wildlife:

Mountain gorillas: Home to one habituated gorilla family (Nyakagezi Group), which can be tracked by visitors.
Golden monkeys: Mgahinga is one of the few places in the world where you can trek golden monkeys.
Other animals include buffalo, bushbuck, duiker, and many bird species (over 180, some endemic to the Albertine Rift).

Activities:

Gorilla Trekking – The park is a quieter alternative to the more visited Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Golden Monkey Tracking – Unique to this region.
Volcano Hiking – You can climb:
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 m) – known as the “Old Man’s Teeth” due to its jagged peaks.
- Mount Muhabura (4,127 m) – the tallest of the three.
- Mount Gahinga (3,474 m) – smallest and easiest to climb.
Batwa Trail Experience – Cultural tour led by the indigenous Batwa pygmies, showcasing their traditional forest-dwelling lifestyle.

Best Time to Visit:

Dry seasons (June to September & December to February) are ideal for gorilla trekking and hiking.
Permits are required for gorilla trekking — they’re less expensive and more available here

Would you like help planning a visit, choosing between Bwindi and Mgahinga, or info on permit costs and accommodations? Please don’t hesitate to contact us