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Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park

Uganda’s smallest national park, home to the Virunga volcanoes, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and Albertine Rift endemics.

📍 Kisoro • SW Uganda ⛰️ 2,227m – 4,127m 🦍 Gorillas & Golden Monkeys 🦜 ~180 Bird Species

Overview

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7km². It lies in the southwestern tip of Uganda in Kisoro district, adjoining Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park—together forming the Virunga Conservation Area.

The park takes its name from “Gahinga” – a local word for piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmlands. You’ll experience diverse vegetation zones including Afromontane, bamboo, montane forest, tree heathers, montane woodland, and former farmland.

Virunga Volcanoes

The Virunga ranges have eight volcanoes; three of the conical peaks are in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Muhabura (4,127m), Gahinga (3,474m) and Sabyinyo (3,669m). Hikes reward you with panoramic views and memorable photo moments.

Gorillas in Mgahinga

The main attraction is gorilla trekking. Mgahinga has one habituated family: the Nyakagezi gorilla group, led by Silverback Bugingo (about 50 years old).

  • Gorilla trekking is done on foot due to the park’s mountainous terrain.
  • Briefings start at Ntebeko gate around 8:00am.
  • You can spend up to one hour with the gorillas once located.
Gorilla in Mgahinga

Animals of Mgahinga

Mgahinga is home to 76 mammal species (many can be hard to spot due to vegetation). Look out for bush pigs, porcupines, forest buffaloes, bushbucks, forest elephants, and golden cats. The signature species are mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Birds of Mgahinga

Mgahinga hosts about 180 bird species, including spectacular Albertine Rift endemics. Its varied montane habitats make it excellent for birding.

  • Kivu Ground Thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis
  • Archer’s Robin Chat, Olive Pigeon, Black-headed Waxbill
  • Sunbirds: Bronze, Regal & Blue-headed (and more)
Bird in Mgahinga

Safaris and Activities

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla tracking is done on foot and begins with a briefing at Ntebeko gate. Rangers share guidance, safety tips, and expected behavior around gorillas. If you have a communicable disease, you may not be allowed to track to protect gorillas from infection.

Pack long-sleeved shirts, trousers, garden gloves, sun hat, rain poncho, insect repellent, and sturdy boots.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where you can track golden monkeys. They are endangered and endemic to the Albertine Rift. An estimated 3,000–4,000 live in the Virunga area, with 40–65 habituated in Mgahinga.

  • Expect a more active trek: golden monkeys move frequently.
  • Average fitness helps—terrain is mountainous.
Golden monkey in Mgahinga

Bird Watching

Mgahinga offers excellent birding trails. The gorge trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo takes about 3 hours. Watch for Brown-crowned Tchagra, Rwenzori Batis, Black-headed Waxbill, Cape Robin-chat, and sunbirds.

The bamboo trail (starting around 2,500m) increases chances of seeing Rwenzori turaco, Banded Prinia, and Red-faced woodland warbler.

Nature Walks and Hiking

Hike Gisozi hill for views of Kisoro, Bunagana, and Lake Mutanda. Walks along the Congo border traverse different vegetation zones.

Mountain and Volcano Climbing

Mt Muhabura (4,127m) is a ~12km round trip taking around 8 hours, with views of the Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi forest, and (on clear days) Rwenzori peaks. Mt Sabyinyo (3,669m) is ~14km and also about 8 hours. Mt Gahinga (3,474m) features a swamp-filled crater and giant lobelia.

Caves

The most famous is Garama Cave near park headquarters—historically used by the Batwa and as a refuge in times of conflict.

Cultural Experiences: Batwa Trail

The Batwa lived in the forest for centuries as hunter-gatherers. The Batwa trail brings their heritage to life through demonstrations of hunting, honey gathering, medicinal plants, and traditional skills.

  • Guided cultural walk with stories and practical demonstrations
  • Learn how forest resources supported Batwa life
Batwa cultural experience

Accessing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

You can reach the park by road from Kampala via Kabale to Kisoro. You can also take a scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe to Kisoro.