Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Though it’s Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga punches far above its weight.
Nestled in the shadow of the Virunga Volcanoes, this 34 km² jewel in the country’s southwest corner is one of only two places on Earth where you can track mountain gorillas in Uganda—the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. But while Bwindi often steals the spotlight, Mgahinga offers a quieter, more intimate gorilla trekking experience, framed by dramatic volcanic scenery and far fewer crowds.
This guide dives deep into everything worth doing in Mgahinga, with gorilla trekking front and center, followed by golden monkey tracking, scenic volcano hikes, and immersive cultural experiences with the indigenous Batwa people.
Top Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
1. Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family—Nyakagezi, known for its playful, relaxed demeanor and tendency to stay within the park’s boundaries (unlike in the past when it wandered into Rwanda).
Tracking this group is a rare, intimate experience thanks to fewer visitors compared to Bwindi.
Group size: Maximum of 8 people per trek
Trek duration: 2–6 hours, depending on gorilla location
Permit cost: $800 USD per person (same as Bwindi)
What to expect: Challenging forest terrain, misty hills, heart-pounding moments when you first lock eyes with a silverback
Unlike Bwindi, where multiple families are spread across different sectors, Mgahinga offers a highly focused, less crowded trekking experience—perfect for travelers seeking serenity, exclusivity, and exceptional photo ops.
Pro Tip: The gorilla family in Mgahinga is often easier to track due to their predictable range and lower altitude territory.
2. Golden Monkey Tracking
Only found in the Virunga Mountains, the golden monkey is rare, energetic, and beautifully colored with a bright golden-orange patch across its back.
Trek group size: Up to 6 people
Permit cost: $100 USD
Trek time: Usually 2–4 hours
Photography: Fast shutter speed is key—they move quickly!
Mgahinga has a habituated group of about 60 golden monkeys, which makes it one of the best places in Africa to see them up close.
You can also opt for a Golden Monkey Habituation Experience, which allows you more time (up to 4 hours) in the forest to observe their behavior in depth.
3. Volcano Hiking
Mgahinga protects the Ugandan side of the Virunga Volcanoes, and three of its dramatic peaks are open to adventurous hikers:
Mount Gahinga (3,474m): The easiest and most popular, with a crater swamp at the top.
Mount Sabinyo (3,669m): Famous for its three “teeth” and the unique chance to stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC at once.
Mount Muhabura (4,127m): The most challenging, offering panoramic views and a crater lake at the summit.
Each hike is a full-day experience, guided by UWA rangers and filled with jaw-dropping views, Afro-montane vegetation, and possible wildlife sightings.
Sabinyo is a bucket-list hike for those wanting to touch three countries in one day.
4. Batwa Cultural Trail
Before the park was created, the Batwa were forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers who lived in these jungles for thousands of years.
Now displaced, they share their traditions through an immersive and emotional cultural experience known as the Batwa Trail.
Led by Batwa elders and Uganda Wildlife Authority guides
Includes: Demonstrations of fire-making, hunting, herbal medicine, storytelling, and a visit to Garama Cave, their former royal council chamber
Duration: ~5–6 hours
Cost: ~$80 per person (goes toward Batwa community support)
This isn’t a tourist gimmick—it’s a powerful, respectful look into a vanishing way of life. Many visitors say it’s just as moving as the gorilla trek itself.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
You can track gorillas year-round in Mgahinga, but seasons matter—especially for trekking and hiking.
Dry Seasons (Best for Trekking)
June to mid-September
December to February
Trails are firmer, photography is easier, and you’ll generally enjoy clearer views and more comfortable hikes.
These are also the busiest months, so book your gorilla permits well in advance.
Wet Seasons (Fewer Crowds, Muddy Trails)
Mid-March to May
Mid-September to November
Rain can turn paths into slippery climbs and cause visibility issues.
That said, permits are easier to get on short notice, and the rainforest is at its lushest and most photogenic.
Some trekkers actually enjoy the atmosphere—“mud-soaked and in the moment” with the gorillas, far from the crowds.
Bring waterproof boots, a poncho, and gaiters if trekking during rainy season.
Where to Stay in Mgahinga
Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury, On-Site)
This is the only lodge located directly near the park gate, and it’s outstanding. Owned by Volcanoes Safaris, Mount Gahinga Lodge blends rustic charm with elegant design and exceptional service.
Private bandas with volcano views
Organic gardens and wildlife-attracting grounds
Spa, fireplace lounge, private butlers
Direct access to park activities
It also funds a wide range of community projects for the Batwa, including housing, education, and cultural preservation.
Other Nearby Lodges (Accessible with Transfers)
If you’re combining Mgahinga with Bwindi or Lake Mutanda, several excellent lodges are within driving distance:
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo, Bwindi) – Ultra-luxury
Chameleon Hill Lodge (Lake Mutanda) – Unique and colorful
Bird’s Nest (Lake Bunyonyi) – Laid-back charm
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – Secluded, premium safari feel
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge – Another excellent sister lodge to Gahinga
How to Get to Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga sits just 14 km from Kisoro town, which serves as the main gateway.
By Air (Best Option for Luxury Travelers)
Scheduled flights by AeroLink from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip
Flight time: ~90 minutes
Lodge transfers from airstrip are easily arranged
Note: Flights can be delayed or rescheduled in poor weather.
By Road (Scenic but Long)
From Entebbe/Kampala: ~10 hours (500+ km)
From Lake Mburo: ~5–6 hours
From Bwindi (Nkuringo or Rushaga): ~1.5–2.5 hours
Roads are rough in parts but incredibly scenic, with views of Lake Bunyonyi, volcanoes, and local villages.
A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended, especially during the wet season.
Entry Fees & Permits
| Fee Type | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | East African Citizen (EAC) | Other African (non‑EAC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry (24 hrs) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 | $40 |
| Children (5–15 yrs) | $20 | $10 | UGX 5,000 | — |
| Gorilla Trek Permit | $800 | $700 | UGX 300,000 | $500 |
| Gorilla Habituation (4 hrs) | $1,500 | $1,000 | UGX 750,000 | $1,000 |
| Golden Monkey Trekking | $60 | $50 | UGX 40,000 | — |
| Golden Monkey Habituation | $100 | $80 | UGX 100,000 | — |
| Volcano Climbing / Hiking | $80 | $70 | UGX 50,000 | — |
| Gorge Walk | $30 | $15 | UGX 15,000 | — |
| Platform Viewing Experience | $10 | $10 | UGX 10,000 | — |
| Short Nature Walks (kids) | $5 | $5 | UGX 10,000 | — |
| Batwa Trail Cultural Experience | $80 | $70 | UGX 50,000 | — |
Vehicle Entry Fees: Vary by vehicle type (saloon/car, minibus, 4×4, etc.)—from $40 for foreign-registered cars/day to higher rates for buses, overlanders, and pilots
Notes & Booking Details
Gorilla trekking permits include park entry, guide fees, ranger/security fees, and community levy.
Children under 5 years enter free; the minimum age for gorilla treks is 15.
Foreign residents—non‑Uganda citizens living abroad—pay intermediate rates.
Rates apply to Ugandans, Kenyans, Tanzanians, Rwandans, Burundians, South Sudanese .
Fees are subject to change; always confirm with UWA or your tour operator before booking.
Tips for Planning
Gorilla permits are in high demand and sell out months in advance—especially in peak dry seasons (June–Sept, Dec–Feb).
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a deeper, 4‑hour encounter with habituated gorillas—and is priced higher accordingly.
Combine gorilla trekking with Golden Monkey Habituation and the Batwa Trail for a full cultural and wildlife package.
Geography, Climate & Ecosystems
Mgahinga sits within the greater Virunga Massif, sharing a landscape with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Altitude: 2,227m to 4,127m above sea level
Size: 34 km²
Established: 1991 (originally a Game Sanctuary from 1930)
The terrain is dominated by Afro-montane forest, bamboo zones, and volcanic ridges. It’s much cooler than most parts of Uganda, with daytime temps around 20°C, dropping to 9°C at night.
The temperature drops about 6°C for every 1,000m of altitude gain.
Why Choose Mgahinga?
If you want intimate, uncrowded gorilla trekking, coupled with adventure hikes, rare wildlife, and authentic culture, Mgahinga is a one-park wonder.
You’re not just ticking a bucket-list box—you’re immersing yourself in Uganda’s most cinematic corner.
And with fewer tourists and deep community roots, this park delivers raw, memorable experiences that feel private and personal.
