National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda 34 km² (13 mi²) Est. 1991
About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park at just 33.7 square kilometres, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in significance. Perched at the juncture of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, it protects the Ugandan slopes of three of the Virunga volcanoes — Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo.
The park offers gorilla trekking with one habituated family (the Nyakagezi group), golden monkey tracking, and three volcano summit hikes. The Batwa Trail provides a moving cultural experience with the indigenous Batwa pygmies, former forest dwellers who were relocated when the park was established.
0
Safari Tours
4.3
Avg Rating
2/5
Big Five
35
Years Protected
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking at the same permit price as Bwindi ($700)
- Golden monkey tracking — a unique and playful primate experience
- Three Virunga volcano summit hikes
- Batwa Trail offers a deeply moving cultural experience
- Malaria-free due to high altitude
Considerations
- Only one habituated gorilla group — permits limited to 8 per day
- Gorilla group occasionally crosses into Rwanda or DRC
- Very small park with limited exploration options
- Challenging altitude — summit hikes are strenuous
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
Not present
🐆
Leopard
Not present
🐘
Elephant
very_rare
🦬
Buffalo
occasional
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Elephant
Present
Cape Buffalo
Occasional
Mountain Gorilla
Common
Vervet Monkey
Occasional
Bush Baby
Occasional
Golden Monkey
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Mgahinga is approximately 9 hours drive from Kampala via Kisoro. Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip take about 1 hour, followed by a 30-minute drive. Can be combined with Bwindi (2-3 hours drive).
Nearest Airport
Kisoro Airstrip
Nearest City
Kisoro
Drive Time
9 hours