Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is the smallest national park in the country, covering 33.7 square kilometers. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When you arrive at the park, you can take a 15-minute walk to the viewpoint of the volcanoes near Ntebeko Gate. The park gets its name from Mount Gahinga, a volcano inside the park. The name means “pile of stones,” describing the stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the mountain.
List of Mgahinga Tour Operators
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Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga is one of only four national parks in the world with endangered mountain gorillas. It is also home to Uganda’s highest concentration of golden monkeys, making it a special park to visit.
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity. Currently, there is only one gorilla family here, called the Nyakagezi group. Trekking starts in the morning and can take several hours depending on where the gorillas are.
Only eight visitors are allowed per trek, and they must be healthy and free of infections like flu or cough. A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 700 per person and allows one hour with the gorillas for observation and photos. Permits should be booked 3–6 months in advance.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
The park is home to about 4,000 golden monkeys, found only in the Virunga region. Golden monkey trekking starts at 7:30 am with a briefing at the park headquarters. The hike is easier than gorilla trekking since the monkeys live on the lower slopes.
Once found, you have one hour to watch and photograph them. The minimum age is 8 years. A permit costs USD 100 for foreign visitors and residents (USD 60 trekking fee + USD 40 park entry). East African citizens pay 40,000 UGX.
Park Entry Fees
- Foreign non-residents: USD 40
- Foreign residents: USD 30
- East African citizens: UGX 2,000
- Foreign children: USD 10–20
- East African children: UGX 5,000
- Pupils and students: UGX 3,000–5,000
- Wildlife clubs: UGX 2,000
Annual passes are also available for individuals, couples, families, and corporate groups.
Other activities:
- Volcano climbing: USD 70–80 (UGX 50,000 for East Africans)
- Platform view: USD 10 (UGX 10,000 for East Africans)
- Batwa trail: USD 80 for foreigners, UGX 50,000 for East Africans
History of Mgahinga
The park was once home to the Batwa people, who depended on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter. It was a game reserve from the 1930s to 1950s, then declared a national park in 1991 to protect gorillas.
In 1989, traps were removed, trees were planted, and rangers deployed. In November 2013, the M23 rebel group surrendered inside the park after defeat in Congo, but today Mgahinga is safe for visitors.
Location of Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in Bafumbira County, Kisoro District, near the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. From Kampala, the drive takes 9–10 hours, while from Kigali it takes about 3 hours. Visitors can also fly from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro Airstrip.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga
Mgahinga can be visited all year, but the best time is June to August and December to February when trails are easier to hike. However, rain can fall at any time, even in the dry season, so visitors should bring hiking boots, jackets, gloves, raincoats, insect repellent, and enough energy snacks.
Accommodation in Mgahinga
Accommodation is limited inside the park, but nearby options include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Community Campground, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Montana Guest House, Muhabura Motel, 3 Way Gorilla Resort, Kisoro Travellers Inn, Travellers Rest Kisoro, Landmark Guest House, and Mubano Hotel.
Animals & Birds of Mgahinga
The park has 39 species of mammals, including buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers, jackals, golden cats, and primates like gorillas, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys.
There are also 79 bird species, including 24 Albertine Rift endemics. Birds here include the Rwenzori turaco, black kite, crowned crane, and hornbills.
See top birding tour operators here.
Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 3 of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. All these volcanoes are open for climbing and hiking. Below are the mountains found in this small national park.
Mount Muhabura
Mount Muhabura borders Uganda and Rwanda standing at an elevation of 4,127 kilometers above sea level. It is the third highest of the Virunga Mountains. The name Muhabura was derived from a local word that means “the guide”, because the mountain can be seen in many parts of Uganda and Rwanda.
The climb to the summit of Mount Muhabura takes 7 hours. At the summit, you get to view other Virunga Volcanoes, the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera and the spectacular vegetation zone.
Mount Sabyinyo
The word Sabyinyo is derived from a local word that means “tooth”. This is because the peak of the mountain resembles worn out teeth in a gum. Mount Sabyinyo stands at an elevation of 3,669 meters above sea level and it’s the oldest all the 8 Virunga volcanoes . Its beautiful summit marks the intersection of three borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo.
Mount Sabyinyo can only be climbed from the Ugandan side because of its nature of rugged terrain on the Rwanda and Congo sides. The climb takes 4 hours to the summit and 4 hours descending. This is one of the hardest climbs because it is done in 1 day.
See recommended Sabyinyo hiking companies here
Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga lies in between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo, at the border of Uganda and Rwanda. Its stands at an elevation of 3473 meters above sea level with a swampy caldera at its peak. The round trip to climb to the top takes about 6 hours from Ntebeke visitors center.
Mgahinga Cultural Experience
The Batwa, also known as the forest people inhabited Mgahinga Gorilla National Park before they got evicted in 1991. You can add a Batwa visit to your itinerary after your Uganda gorilla trekking activity.
The Batwa trail in Mgahinga starts at the base of Muhavura cave. Your Batwa guide takes you through the forest imitating how they used to hunt and live in a forest environment.
They will also show you several medicinal plants. This visit ends with a traditional dance from the Batwa people.
You can also engage in basket weaving and cooking local food at a Batwa homestead.
Travel Tips
Visitors planning to trek gorillas, golden monkeys, or climb any of the 3 volcanoes should carry:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Garden gloves
- Drinking water
- Energy snacks
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Raincoats and jackets
- Warm long-sleeved clothes
For a well-organized trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is best to book through trusted tour operators. I have traveled with the companies I recommend and advise you to use them.
See list of recommended tour and travel companies here.
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