Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, where it meets Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a small yet spectacular sanctuary. Covering just 34 square kilometers (13 square miles), this emerald gem is part of the UNESCO-listed Virunga Mountains. Despite its modest size, Mgahinga is brimming with natural wonders, from its towering volcanoes to its rare and endangered wildlife.

Home of the Mountain Gorillas

The park’s star attraction is undoubtedly its population of mountain gorillas. While smaller than the one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga offers a more intimate and less crowded trekking experience. Trekking through dense forests to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is nothing short of magical. Watching the Nyakagezi gorilla family interact is an unforgettable encounter, one that will leave you both awed and humbled.

Most Common Animals

Mgahinga is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a variety of wildlife, including:

Mountain Gorillas
Golden Monkeys
Forest Elephants
Buffalos
Bushbucks
Hyenas
Duikers
Genets
More than 180 bird species

Fascinating Facts About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Border Location: Shares boundaries with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanic Landscape: Features three dramatic peaks—Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga.
UNESCO Heritage: Part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area.
Rare Wildlife: Home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Cultural Heritage: The Batwa people have lived in this area for thousands of years.

Volcanic Majesty

Mgahinga is home to three dramatic volcanoes, all part of the iconic Virunga Mountain Range. Each volcano offers unique hiking opportunities for adventurers:

Muhavura (“The Guide”): Towering at 4,127 meters, this peak is the tallest in the park. The challenging trek to its summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sabyinyo (“Old Man’s Teeth”): With its jagged crater rim, this volcano offers a thrilling hike. At the summit, you’ll find yourself standing in three countries at once: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gahinga (“Small Pile of Stones”): The smallest of the trio, Gahinga is a gentler hike but no less scenic. Trails take you through fertile lava fields, bamboo forests, and alpine flora before reaching the crater’s edge.

Unique Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga is a top destination for gorilla trekking, offering a serene alternative to the busier Bwindi. Spend an hour with the majestic Nyakagezi gorilla family and marvel at their social dynamics and gentle behavior.
Golden Monkey Tracking
This park is one of the few places in the world where you can track the endangered golden monkeys. Their vibrant orange and black fur stands out against the green foliage, making them a delight to spot.
Hiking Trails
For those who love to explore on foot, Mgahinga offers a variety of trails:

Sabyinyo Gorge Trail: Perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Bamboo Trail: A scenic route through lush bamboo forests.
Volcano Hikes: Take on any of the three volcanoes for breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.

Cultural Encounters with the Batwa People
The Batwa, the forest’s original inhabitants, share their ancient traditions through guided community walks. Learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, traditional songs, and sacred sites within the park.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Air: Domestic flights to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport are the fastest option. From Kisoro, it’s a short drive to the park.
By Road: From Kampala, the 540-kilometer journey takes 8–10 hours, winding through Uganda’s beautiful Kigezi Hills.
From Rwanda: Kisoro is just a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali, depending on border crossing times at Cyanika or Gatuna.

Pro Tip: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents and visas for border crossings.

Best Time to Visit

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with mild temperatures (15°C during the day, 10°C at night). The best times to visit are during the dry seasons:

June to September
December to February

These months offer better trail conditions for trekking and hiking. However, the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush greenery and are ideal for birdwatching.