Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 33.7 square kilometres in the southwestern corner of the country. Nestled within the breathtaking Virunga Mountain Range, the park is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. It forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which stretches across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Despite its size, Mgahinga offers exceptional biodiversity and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Its bamboo forests, montane woodlands, and volcanic peaks provide a sanctuary for rare wildlife while offering visitors stunning scenery and unique hiking opportunities.
Top Things to Do
Discover a variety of exciting activities that showcase the park's remarkable wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking adventure or unforgettable wildlife encounters, Mgahinga has something for every traveller.
Gorilla Trekking
Track the famous Nyakagezi Gorilla Family through the rainforest and spend one unforgettable hour observing these endangered primates in their natural habitat.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Follow playful golden monkeys through the bamboo forest and enjoy close encounters with these rare primates while capturing memorable wildlife photographs.
Volcano Hiking
Hike Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Sabyinyo and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, rewarding summit views, and unforgettable hiking adventures.
Batwa Cultural Trail
Discover the rich heritage of the Batwa people through guided forest walks, storytelling, traditional dances, and demonstrations of their ancient forest lifestyle.
Bird Watching
Explore the park’s forests and mountain slopes in search of over 180 bird species, including several rare Albertine Rift endemics and colourful forest birds.
Garama Cave Exploration
Visit the historic Garama Cave and learn about its fascinating Batwa history while exploring one of Mgahinga’s most unique cultural and natural attractions.
Travel Tips & Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open to visitors throughout the year, making it an excellent destination in every season. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are considered the best times to visit. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making the trekking trails, access roads, and hiking paths drier and easier to navigate.
The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, also offer rewarding experiences, particularly for bird watchers. The park’s lush vegetation attracts a variety of resident and migratory bird species, while the greener landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography and nature enthusiasts seeking a quieter safari experience.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, approximately 510 kilometres from Kampala. Visitors can travel by road through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, with the journey taking approximately 9 to 10 hours in a comfortable safari vehicle. The scenic drive passes through rolling hills, rural communities, and beautiful countryside, making the journey part of the adventure.
Travellers can also reach the park by air with scheduled or charter domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip. From the airstrip, it is a short road transfer to the park headquarters.
For visitors arriving through Rwanda, Mgahinga is easily accessible from Kigali. The drive from Kigali International Airport to the park via the Cyanika Border in Kisoro or the Katuna Border in Kabale takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it an excellent option for combined Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
Where to Stay
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a wide selection of accommodation to suit every traveller and budget. Whether you are looking for a comfortable budget lodge, a mid range retreat, or a luxury safari experience, you’ll find excellent options located close to the park entrance for convenient access to trekking activities.
Popular accommodation options include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Lake Chahafi Resort, and Montana Guest House. These properties provide comfortable facilities, warm hospitality, and beautiful views of the surrounding Virunga Mountains, ensuring a relaxing stay before and after your adventures.
