Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

“Where Gold Meets Silver” – Trek Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in one of Uganda’s Smallest Yet Most Magical National Park Nestled in Uganda’s southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hidden gem in the Virunga Mountains, offering travelers a unique opportunity to track mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys in one place. Though Uganda’s smallest national park, it plays a big role in conservation tourism, forming part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area that spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga is a favorite for those seeking off-the beaten-path gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, combining culture, adventure, and breathtaking volcano views.

Highlights of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, the only habituated group in the park.
• One of the few places in the world to spot the golden monkey .
• Spectacular hikes on the Virunga Volcanoes – Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Muhabura & Mt. Sabyinyo .
• Rich Batwa cultural encounters with indigenous forest-dwelling communities .
• Ideal for exclusive, less-crowded gorilla safaris in Uganda .

Top Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Gorilla Trekking – Track the Nyakagezi family in the bamboo forests .
• Golden Monkey Tracking – Unique and lively experience in the high altitude forest .
• Volcano Hiking – Summits of Mt. Sabyinyo (3,669m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), and Mt. Muhabura (4,127m) .
• Batwa Cultural Trail – Explore the forest from the perspective of its first people .
• Birdwatching – Spot over 180 bird species including the Rwenzori turaco .

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The best time to visit Mgahinga is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are optimal. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge – an exclusive eco-luxury lodge with volcano views .
• Midrange: Lake Chahafi Resort, Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro .
• Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp – simple, community run accommodation near the park gate.

All accommodations are within easy reach of the park headquarters in Ntebeko and provide access to various activities in and around Mgahinga.

How to Get There

• By Road: Approximately 9–10 hours ‘drive from Kampala or 4 hours from Lake Mburo National Park .
• By Air: Scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip (1 hour), then a 1-hour drive to the park .

Ideal For

• Travelers looking for less-crowded gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda .
• Adventurers interested in volcano climbing and rare primates .
• Cultural travelers keen on authentic Batwa encounters .
• Photographers and birding enthusiasts .