Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Home » Destinations » Uganda » Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, but it packs in a lot. You can trek mountain gorillas, track golden monkeys, hike volcanoes and walk with the Batwa, all in one place. The park lies in the far south-west of Uganda, where the country meets Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mgahinga covers just 33.7 square kilometres. Even so, it forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area, together with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. Three extinct volcanoes rise above it: Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. As a result, the scenery is some of the most dramatic in East Africa.

The name comes from “gahinga”, the local word for the piles of volcanic stones that farmers clear from their fields. Below, you will find the park’s wildlife, activities, best time to visit and how to get there.

Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The park’s mix of montane forest, bamboo and alpine zones supports a wide range of life. Around 68 mammal species and more than 350 bird species have been recorded here.

The mountain gorilla is the headline species. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family that visitors can trek. Because this family lives near the border, it has at times crossed into Rwanda or Congo, so we always confirm the trekking plan when you book. In addition, the bamboo forest is home to the endangered golden monkey. These lively groups stay mostly in the bamboo zone on the lower slopes. Other wildlife includes blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus, forest elephants and buffaloes, although the larger animals are shy.

Things to do in Mgahinga

Gorilla trekking

Of course, gorilla trekking is the main draw. Depending on where the gorilla family is, a trek can take between two and six hours. Once you find them, you spend a magical hour watching them. To learn how trekking works across the country, see our guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Golden monkey trekking

Golden monkeys are lively and playful, with bright orange-gold fur. In Uganda, Mgahinga is the only park where you can trek them. The walk through the bamboo is usually easier than a gorilla trek, so it suits most fitness levels.

Batwa cultural trail

For many years, the Batwa lived in these forests as hunter-gatherers. As a result, they depended on the forest for shelter, food and medicine. Today, Batwa guides lead you along the trail and show you how they once lived. Their knowledge of the forest is remarkable.

Volcano hiking

You can climb one of the three volcanoes in a full day. Each hike is steep but, in the end, very rewarding. For example, Sabyinyo has a series of peaks, while Muhabura gives views over the region. In addition, gentler nature walks follow the edge of the volcanoes, past bamboo forest, the Rugezi Swamp and farming villages.

Birding

Birding in Mgahinga takes place in beautiful settings. For instance, the gorge between Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga is a top spot. Look out for the Rwenzori turaco, white-necked raven, double-collared sunbird and pin-tailed whydah.

History of the park

In 1930, the British administration declared the area a game sanctuary. However, much of the lower land was later turned into farms. In 1989, rangers were trained, trees were planted and biological surveys began. Finally, in 1991, the area became Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In the early 1990s, settlers moved to new land outside the park boundary.

The park was created mainly to protect the mountain gorillas that roam the Virunga volcanoes. It also has deep cultural meaning for the Batwa, who were the first people to live in these forests.

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

You can visit Mgahinga at any time of year. However, the two dry seasons are the most comfortable for trekking and hiking. These run from December to February and from June to September. During these months, trails are less slippery and muddy.

In the wetter months, the forest is green and quiet. On the other hand, steep trails can be harder to walk. Whatever the season, pack good boots and a rain jacket. For more tips, read our gorilla trekking packing list.

How to get to Mgahinga

By road, the park is about 510 km from Kampala. The usual route goes through Mbarara, Kabale and Kisoro, and the drive takes nine to ten hours on a good tarmac road. Alternatively, you can leave the main road at Kabale and follow the shore of Lake Bunyonyi. This scenic route rejoins the Kabale-Kisoro road at Muko.

The main park entrance is 14 km from Kisoro town, at the end of a dirt road with some steep and rocky sections. You can also fly. Scheduled flights run from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro airstrip. In addition, Kigali in Rwanda is much closer than Kampala, so many travellers start their trip there.

Mgahinga on your Uganda safari

Mgahinga is a great choice if you want gorillas and golden monkeys on the same trip. For example, our 4 day gorillas and volcano hike includes gorilla trekking in Mgahinga. You can also combine it with nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or with Lake Bunyonyi. Before you travel, read our guide to booking gorilla permits.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the park and sets permit prices, which change from time to time. So, Roots will confirm the current rate when you enquire. Tell us your dates, and we will plan your visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with a free itinerary.