Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park is one of Uganda`s most rewarding tourism destinations despite being the country`s smallest National Park at an area of 33.7 km^2. Mgahinga National Park was established in 1991 in the western part of Uganda in Bufumbira Kisoro district, 14km south of Kisoro town and 519km form the country`s capital Kampala.  Mgahinga national park features three of the mountains that form the famous Virunga massif and these include Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura respectively.

Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s second gorilla habitat after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Nestled in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga is a Sanctuary for Gorillas and Golden Monkeys, making it an incredibly rich and rewarding destination.  Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where you can see both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, making it a truly unique safari destination.

Endangered mountain gorillas, with Nyakagezi as the only habituated mountain gorilla family that is available for tracking by visitors on a Uganda gorilla safari. The Park does not only boast for housing mountain gorillas but also the large number of the rare golden monkeys that are only found in the Virunga massif on the global scale.

The initial dwellers of Mgahinga National Park were the Batwa also known as pygmies who inhabited the forest especially the Garama cave within the park which was a congregator area for the Batwa during the festive season and the cave was also believed to be the palace for their king. However, after the park had been established, the pygmies were evicted from the area in order to conserve the forest part and its attractions. Currently the Batwa dwell around the environs of the forest. They are also one of the most rewarding local communities in the whole of Africa that every person who appreciates culture should visit.

The Park lies in the shadows of three extinct volcanoes including the mount Muhabura, mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo (3,669m) These dramatic peaks form part of the Virunga Mountain Range and offer stunning scenery, hiking opportunities, and incredible photo moments.

How to get to Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park can be connected to from Kampala by a road distance of 519km (11hours drive).

The neighboring town is Kisoro which is just 14km (1hour drive) to Mgahinga National Park

From Kigali-Rwanda’s capital, Mgahinga is only 144km (5hours drive) and from Buhoma, the famous region of Bwindi national park, Mgahinga is located 204km away which is about 7hours drive, however from Rushaga region which also in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, the distance is just 53km to reach Mgahinga.

By air

Aero link is a domestic airline which operates flights from Entebbe to Kisoro, Nyakabande airfield. You can also get charter flights from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe airport and they all land to Nyakabande airfield.

Attractions in Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family and it  is the only habituated gorilla family, known for being relatively easy to track due to their preference for staying within the Ugandan side . It has 10 members headed by one silverback who sometimes leads his group members to the Democratic republic of Congo which is at the neighborhood. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is a magical experience hiking through bamboo forests and thick vegetation to spend one unforgettable hour with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Depending on the direction of the mountain gorillas, the trekking encounter can begin from Muhabura or Ntebeko areas. The duration of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga lasts between 2-8hours starting at 8am with a briefing the park headquarters.

Permits are limited, giving the experience a peaceful, intimate feel.

Local people around Mgahinga National Park

The Park is surrounded by the Bafumbira and the Batwa people in Kisoro district. The Batwa are the original people who lived in the forest and survived by hunting small game and gathering food in the forest while the Bafumbira are farmers who practice crop growing. These two tribes are rich in tradition and practices that rise visitor experience on a Uganda safari. For example, the story of the Batwa, how they lived in the forest and how they still believe they are attached to this forest national park.

Mgahinga National Park also has 3 peaks of Muhabura (4127m), Sabyinyo (3669m) and Gahinga (3474m) volcanic mountains that make up Mgahinga National Park offer an impressive scenery of the park, the Virunga massif and the sights of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges from a distance.

Birds in Mgahinga National Park

At least 115 species of birds have been recorded in Mgahinga national park. Some of the interesting bird species in Mgahinga include; White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Handsome Francolin, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Dusky Turtle White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Dove, Equatorial Akalat, Red-throated Alethe, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Banded Prinia, Mountain Masked Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Montane Oriole, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, and Strip-breasted Tit among others. These have made Mgahinga National Park a paradise for birder.

Wildlife

Mgahinga National Park is not only a home for mountain gorillas but also other wildlife that can give a remarkable experience to safari visitors in Uganda. Some animals in the park include; buffaloes, forest elephants, side-stripped jackals, golden monkeys, bush pigs, golden cats, giant forest hogs, giant forest hog. This wildlife is however rarely seen.

Golden Monkey Tracking

This is one of the only places in Africa where you can track the rare and beautiful golden monkeys playful, fast-moving primates with striking golden-orange fur. The tracking experience is lighter than gorilla trekking and perfect for families or those looking for a second primate adventure

Theses Volcano Climbing adventure lovers can hike one (or all) of the three volcanoes. Each climb offers Panoramic views of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo Encounters with rare alpine vegetation.

The thrill of standing on the border of three countries (especially at the top of Mount Sabinyo)

 Birdwatching & Nature Walks

The Park hosts over 180 bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco, dusky turtle dove, and blue-headed sunbird. Walking safaris offer chances to explore the lower slopes, caves, bamboo zones, and viewpoints with local guides.

🛖 Cultural Experiences

The Batwa Trail is a powerful and educational experience. Led by Batwa elders (Uganda’s indigenous forest people), the trail offers, A guided walk through the forest Traditional storytelling, hunting demonstrations, and fire-making a visit to sacred Garama Cave once a shelter and spiritual site.

This experience supports Batwa communities and helps preserve their disappearing heritage.

Mgahinga has fewer lodges than Bwindi, but great options include: Luxury Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mid-range: Mucha Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Community Campsites in Kisoro

 Best Time to Visit Dry Seasons: June–August & December–February. These months offer easier hiking conditions and better wildlife visibility, though the park is open year-round.