Of all the National Parks within Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands out as one of the best places- it is where silverback meets Gold (where you can see silverback mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys), and thus one of the unmissable places to explore during Uganda safaris.

History, Location, and Size of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, in Kisoro Town and bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga National Park welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Many come for the nature-rich hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and the plethora of avian species. Others are there intending to climb the Virunga Volcanoes (especially Sabyinyo and Gahinga).

This 33.7-square-kilometer Protected Area was officially gazetted in 1991 and is part of the extensive Virunga Conservation Area. Being one of the few bio-diverse protected areas in the African Continent, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is largely associated with primates, birdlife, and other species.

Popular for its jaw-dropping landscape marked by the Greater Virunga Eco-system, comprising Virunga volcanoes (Sabyinyo towering at 3645 meters above sea level, Mount Muhabura towering at 4127 meters above sea level, and Mount Gahinga at 3474 meters above sea level).

Attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s varied natural habitat consists of the bamboo forest, lush wetlands, Albertine rift montane habitat, moorland, and alpine zones. These are shelters for numerous mammal, reptile, Amphibian, and Bird species.

Wildlife

No matter your ideal itinerary, one thing is for sure. You will want to come across some of the wildlife species. There are over 39 mammal species that call this National Park home. These include mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, bush pigs, elephants, buffaloes, and many others.

Birds

Though Mgahinga is the smallest National Park in Uganda, it is endowed with over 180 avian species, of which some are Albertine rift endemic species, while others are resident birds. For your birding tour, expect to come across cape robin chat, montane double collared sunbird, red-faced woodland, paradise flycatchers, blue-headed sunbird, pin-tailed whydah, speckled mousebird, black-headed coucal, black kite, dusky turtle dove, streaky seed eaters, scarlet tufted malachite, Rwenzori nightjars, grey-capped warblers, double-collared sunbird, olive thrush, brown crowned tchagra, Rwenzori Turaco, stone chat, white napped raven, to mention but a few.

Things to do in/around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda

Mountain Gorilla trekking

If there is one thing to check off your list in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is Gorilla trekking. Regardless of how many times you undertake this activity, the thrill of getting face-to-face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is usually unforgettable.

This Park is one of the four National Parks in Africa where mountain gorillas can be trekked (others are Bwindi Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park).

This adventure involves walking through the jungle for 1-6 hours searching for the Park’s only habituated family of mountain gorillas and is climaxed with a complete one hour for close interaction with a group of mountain gorillas. The activity begins with a briefing at Ntebeko.

A permit is essential for visitors (especially above 15 years old) to visit the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family and can be booked at USD 800 per person.

Golden monkey tracking

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also a popular safari destination for Golden monkey tracking, providing ultimate encounters with the rare golden monkeys in the wild.

The search for golden monkeys is also done on foot and involves navigating via the verdant bamboo-dominated area in the Virunga region. Considered shorter than gorilla treks, golden monkey tracking provides the opportunity to see one of the troops of golden monkeys in the lower slopes. Mgahinga Golden Monkey trekking permits cost USD 60 per person.

Golden monkey habituation

Also in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an opportunity to track a semi-habituated troop of these creatures through the Golden monkey habituation, providing a rare opportunity to spend more time with them. Before these primates are opened for tracking, they have to first undergo a training process to get used to human presence.

Guided Nature walks/hikes

Known for providing some of the best nature walking/hiking expeditions, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can’t be ignored. With several trails that include the 1100-meter hiking trail, which begins from the park gate up to Mount Gahinga Peak, the 1300-meter-long Sabyinyo trail that lasts 8 hours, and the Muhabura peak trail that makes it possible for hiking enthusiasts to conquer the 4127-meter summit.

Birding/bird watching.

With more than 180 bird species inside Mgahinga National Park, it comes as no surprise that birding excursions take precedence in the wet months, especially in April and November. Some of the top birding spots include the Gorge trail between Sabyinyo and Gahinga Volcano, the bamboo belt, and the trail through the montane forest. There are high chances of sighting pin-tailed whydahs, scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, grey-capped warblers, Rwenzori batis, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, crowned hornbills, brown crowned tchagra, red-faced woodland, regal sunbird, olive thrush, montane double-collared sunbird, crowned crane, bronze sunbird, black-headed coucal, paradise flycatchers, and others.

The Batwa trail experience

Until 1991, Mgahinga Forest was home to the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of East-Central African forests. The 4-hour Batwa trail takes you on a close interaction with the former forest dwellers led by the Batwa guide, taking visitors through their ancient hunting and gathering techniques, fire-making, and many other adventures.

Places to stay

If you are looking for a luxurious accommodation option when exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, then Mount Gahinga Lodge is your number one option. Other accommodation options include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Lake Mutanda Campsite, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro, and Mucha Hotel Kisoro, to mention but a few.

Best Time to Visit  

Mgahinga National Park is open year-round, although its appeal, adventures, and number of visitors shift by the season. If you are ready to navigate the crowds, you will be rewarded with excellent conditions for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and mountain climbing.

However, if you want to avoid the crowds of June, July, August, September, and December, and get a glimpse of the verdant foliage and lots of bird species, including the migratory species, then head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the wet season (March to May and October to November).

How to get to the park

The closest main airstrip to Mgahinga National Park is Kisoro, and it is about an hour flight from Entebbe Airport. This will be followed by a 60-minute drive to the Park’s main entrance.

However, if you want the flexibility and freedom to explore the countryside when heading to Mgahinga, then take a road trip from Kampala/Entebbe to the Park via the Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale/Kisoro route, which lasts between 9 and 10 hours. You can also take the shorter (4-5 hours’ drive) Kigali-Kisoro route via Cyanika border.