Explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s most beautiful and unique protected areas, nestled in the country’s southwestern corner within Kisoro District. This park forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. Mgahinga was officially designated as a national park in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, which were increasingly coming into conflict with nearby human communities.

Despite being Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 34 square kilometers, Mgahinga offers rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and exciting adventure opportunities.

Where is Mgahinga National Park Located?

Mgahinga is located in southwestern Uganda, near the town of Kisoro, close to the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park sits at a high altitude ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level and forms part of the majestic Virunga Mountain Range.

The park's name, "Mgahinga", comes from the Kinyarwanda word “Gahinga”, meaning piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmlands at the foot of the volcanoes.

Natural Features and Ecosystem

Mgahinga is incredibly scenic, with landscapes dominated by three dormant volcanoes:

• Mount Muhabura (4,127m)
• Mount Gahinga (3,474m)
• Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m)

These peaks provide amazing hiking experiences and views across three countries. The park is characterized by diverse ecosystems including savannah grasslands, bamboo forests, tropical forests, montane vegetation, bogs, and Afro-montane forests. The thick forest cover and mountainous terrain influence the region’s cool climate and frequent rainfall.

Mgahinga is also an important water catchment area, with streams flowing from crater lakes and swamps to nearby rivers such as Ntebeko, Nyabirerema, and Kabiranyuma, supplying water to local communities.

Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Though small in size, the park is home to a rich variety of wildlife:

Primates:

• Mountain gorillas (the park’s main attraction)
• Golden monkeys (endemic to the Virunga region)
• Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, patas monkeys, baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• Bush babies and mangabeys

Other Mammals:

Spotted hyenas, forest hogs, bushbucks, buffaloes, elephants, golden cats, serval cats, leopards, and African porcupines.

Reptiles:

• Snakes, chameleons, and geckos.

Birdlife in Mgahinga

Mgahinga is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 110 bird species recorded, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Some highlights include: Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Kivu-ground Thrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, Alpine Chat, Double-collared Sunbirds, White-starred Robin, Archer’s Robin-chat

The best time for birding is April to May and October to November when migratory birds are present and most species are breeding.

Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1. Gorilla Trekking

Mgahinga is one of only two places in Uganda where you can trek endangered mountain gorillas (the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park). The Nyakagezi Gorilla Group is the only habituated family available for tourism here.

• Treks start at 8:00 am from Ntebeko Visitor Center with a briefing.
• The hike can take 2 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
• Permits cost $700 USD, available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or licensed tour operators.

2. Golden Monkey Tracking

This rare and exciting activity allows visitors to observe playful and energetic golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

• Treks begin at 8:00 am and may last 30 minutes to 3 hours.
• Visitors spend 1 hour with the monkeys once they are located.
• Permit cost: $100 USD

A Golden Monkey Habituation Experience is also available for those wanting a deeper experience.

3. Volcano Climbing

Adventurous travelers can hike one or all of the three dormant volcanoes in the park:

• Mount Sabyinyo: Unique opportunity to stand in three countries at once (Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo).
• Mount Gahinga: Easiest to hike, about 6 hours round trip.
• Mount Muhabura: Tallest and most challenging.

Each hike offers stunning views of crater lakes, swamps, and the Virunga mountains.

Climbing fee: $80 per volcano.

4. Bird Watching Tours

Guided birding walks are available along several trails throughout the park, particularly during breeding and migration seasons. Expert guides help spot rare species and explain their behavior and habitats.

5. Nature Walks and Hiking Trails

• The Sabyinyo Gorge Trail offers a 5-hour hike through bamboo forests and high-altitude terrain.
• The Border Trail leads to the point where Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo meet.
• Gisozi Hill trail offers panoramic views of the park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

These trails also provide opportunities to see golden monkeys, birds, and possibly even elephants.

6. Cultural Encounters – The Batwa Trail

The Batwa people are the original forest dwellers of this region. Through the Batwa Trail Experience, visitors can learn about their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, cultural dances, herbal medicine, and ancient forest survival techniques. This activity supports local conservation and community development efforts.

Getting to Mgahinga National Park

By Road:

• From Kampala: About 9 to 10 hours drive via Masaka-Mbarara-Kisoro (approximately 509 km).
• A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rugged Murram roads from Kisoro to the park.
• From Kigali, Rwanda: A faster route through Cyanika or Katuna border, only 3 to 4 hours by car.

By Air

• Flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip are available via Aerolink or Eagle Air (operating on select days).
• Advance booking is required. Most tour companies can assist with booking flights and arranging airport transfers.

Why Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

• Less crowded than Bwindi or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
• Affordable gorilla permits compared to Rwanda ($700 in Uganda vs. $1500 in Rwanda).
• A variety of wildlife and primates, not just gorillas.
• Excellent for multi-day hiking, volcano climbing, and birding.
• Cultural immersion through the Batwa community experience.
• Great for visitors coming through Rwanda or combining with a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.