Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Part of the Virunga Mountains, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in bamboo forests
Park at a Glance
Uganda’s smallest park (33.7km²) protects mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and 76 other mammal species on the steep slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
Though small in size, Mgahinga contains a dramatic landscape that rises from montane forest through three volcanoes. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla group.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park once in a year provides the portion of the range’s present-day Congo and Rwanda’s volcanoes. Parc National des Volcans and Virunga National Park support the population of the range’s present-day gorillas.
Though small in size, Mgahinga contains a dramatic landscape that rises from montane forest through three volcanoes. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla group.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park once in a year provides the portion of the range’s present-day Congo and Rwanda’s volcanoes. Parc National des Volcans and Virunga National Park support the population of the range’s present-day gorillas.
33.7km²
Total Area
76
Mammal Species
180
Bird Species
1991
Established
Wildlife & Primates
Home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and diverse montane forest wildlife
Mountain Gorillas
The Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for crossing borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.
Golden Monkeys
Endangered golden monkeys endemic to the Virunga Mountains, living in bamboo forests.
Forest Elephants
Small population of forest elephants occasionally spotted in the park’s montane forests.
African Buffalo
Small herds of buffalo graze in the park’s montane grasslands and forest clearings.
Rwenzori Turaco
Endemic colorful bird species found in the park’s montane forests.
Black & White Colobus
Black & White Colobus
Distinctive black and white monkeys with long flowing tails inhabit the forest canopy.
Mountain Gorillas
The Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for crossing borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.
Golden Monkeys
Endangered golden monkeys endemic to the Virunga Mountains, living in bamboo forests.
Forest Elephants
Small population of forest elephants occasionally spotted in the park’s montane forests.
African Buffalo
Small herds of buffalo graze in the park’s montane grasslands and forest clearings.
Rwenzori Turaco
Endemic colorful bird species found in the park’s montane forests.
Black & White Colobus
Black & White Colobus
Distinctive black and white monkeys with long flowing tails inhabit the forest canopy.
Activities & Attractions
Gorilla tracking, volcano climbing, and unique montane forest experiences
Volcano Climbing
Climb the three Virunga volcanoes: Mount Gahinga (3,474m), Mount Muhabura (4,127m), and Mount Sabinyo (3,645m).
- Peaks: Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabinyo
- Duration: 6-8 hours per volcano
Gorilla Tracking
Track the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for their cross-border movements. This habituated family offers intimate gorilla encounters.
- Family: Nyakagezi group
- Duration: 2-6 hours
Nature Walks
Guided walks through bamboo forests and montane vegetation to spot birds, primates, and learn about the ecosystem.
- Trails: Border trail, bamboo trail
- Duration: 2-4 hours
Golden Monkey Tracking
Track endangered golden monkeys in bamboo forests. These playful primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains.
- Habitat: Bamboo forests
- Duration: 2-4 hours
Batwa Cultural Trail
Learn about the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers, through cultural performances and traditional forest activities.
- Activities: Cultural performances, forest skills
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Bird Watching
Over 180 bird species including Albertine Rift endemics. The park’s varied altitudes support diverse bird communities.
- Species: 180+ including endemics
- Highlights: Rwenzori turaco, sunbirds
The Virunga Volcanoes
Each volcano offers unique climbing experiences and spectacular views
Mount Gahinga
- Height: 3,474m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 6 hours
The smallest of the three volcanoes, covered in bamboo forest. Offers excellent views of the other peaks and surrounding landscape.
Mount Muhabura
- Height: 4,127m
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Duration: 8-10 hours
The highest peak with a crater lake at the summit. Challenging climb rewarded with panoramic views of the Virunga chain.
Mount Sabinyo
- Height: 3,645m
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 8 hours
“Old Man’s Teeth” – the most challenging climb. Summit marks the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. Three countries in one step!
Local People
Historically, the forests of Mgahinga were home to Batwa pygmies whose hunter-gatherers lifestyle created an other human solution. In the region today, several thousand Batwa live in poverty on the edge by Bufumbira farmers who cultivate up to the edge of the montane forest protected within the national park.
The Batwa Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional lifestyle of these forest people, their hunting techniques, traditional medicine, and cultural practices.
- Batwa Cultural Trail Experience
- Traditional Hunting Demonstrations
- Community Development Projects
Access
Roads
From Kampala: 540km via Mbarara and Kabale to Kisoro (8-9 hours). The park is 14km from Kisoro town.
From Kigali: 4-5 hours drive via Musanze, offering scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes.
From Kigali: 4-5 hours drive via Musanze, offering scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes.
By Air
Charter flights to Kisoro airstrip (30 minutes drive to park). Scheduled flights available from Entebbe to Kisoro.
Park Headquarters
Ntebeko visitor center serves as the main entry point for all park activities and briefings.
Climate & When to Visit
Temperature
Cool mountain climate with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C. Nights can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes.
When to Visit
Best time is during dry seasons (December-February and June-September) for gorilla tracking and volcano climbing.
Pack warm clothing and rain gear as weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Pack warm clothing and rain gear as weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Accommodation
Limited accommodation options near the park, mostly in nearby Kisoro towN
Luxury Lodges
- • Mount Gahinga Lodge
- • Chameleon Hill Lodge
- • Virunga Lodge (Rwanda)
- • Mutanda Lake Resort
High-end lodges with mountain views and premium facilities near the park.
Mid-Range
- • Kisoro Tourist Hotel
- • Mgahinga Community Campground
- • Golden Monkey Guesthouse
- • Virunga Hotel
Comfortable accommodations in Kisoro town with easy access to the park.
Budget Options
- • Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
- • Mgahinga Community Bandas
- • Local Guesthouses
- • Camping Facilities
Community-run facilities and budget accommodations supporting local communities.
Important Information
- Tariffs & Payment
- Park entrance and activity fees payable at UWA offices
- Payment in Uganda shillings, US dollars, British pounds, Euros
- Book permits in advance through tour operators
- What to Bring
- Warm clothing and rain gear essential
- Sturdy hiking boots for volcano climbing
- Camera equipment (no flash for gorillas)
Ready to Explore the Virunga Volcanoes?
Track mountain gorillas, climb volcanoes, and discover golden monkeys in Uganda's smallest but most dramatic national park