Mgahinga National Park
One gorilla family. That is what you get at Mgahinga, and it is enough. The Nyakagezi family, 10 members strong under a single silverback, is the only habituated group in a park built from three volcanoes.
Mgahinga covers 33.7 sq km in Kisoro district, 519km from Kampala, making it Uganda's smallest national park. It was established in 1991 and sits inside the Virunga massif alongside Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. This is Uganda's second location for mountain gorilla tracking, and the only place in the country where you can track the endangered golden monkey.
The park is located in the Virunga Mountains and is contiguous with the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mgahinga is one of two locations in Uganda in which mountain gorillas can be found; the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mgahinga covers an area of 33,7 sq km.
Park size
33.7 sq km — Uganda's smallest
Gorilla family
Nyakagezi — 10 members, 1 silverback
Golden monkey permit
$50
Bird species
115 recorded
Where is Mgahinga National Park?
The park sits 14km south of Kisoro town, an hour's drive away. From Kampala, plan on 519km and roughly 11 hours by road. From Kigali, the distance drops to 144km, about five hours. Coming from Bwindi's Buhoma sector, expect 204km and seven hours. From Bwindi's Rushaga sector, it is a short 53km hop.
By air, Aerolink flies from Entebbe to Kisoro's Nyakabande airfield, with charter flights available from Kajjansi or Entebbe.
What will you see here?
The Nyakagezi gorilla family sometimes crosses into the Democratic Republic of Congo, since the park borders it directly. Tracking them means hiking volcanic slopes through thick jungle, with a trek lasting anywhere from two to eight hours.
Golden monkeys live only in the Virunga massif's bamboo forests, nowhere else on earth. A permit to track them costs $50. The trek runs four hours, though your actual time with the monkeys is capped at one hour to limit disturbance.
Three volcanic peaks define the park's skyline: Muhabura at 4,127m, Sabyinyo at 3,669m and Gahinga at 3,474m. Each takes six to eight hours to summit. From the top of Muhabura, you get clear views over Bwindi and the Rwenzori range.
Birders get 115 recorded species here, including the White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Turaco and Regal Sunbird. The gorge trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo is your best stretch for spotting them.
Who lives around Mgahinga?
The Batwa lived inside this forest for generations before the park's creation in 1991 pushed them out. Garama Cave, inside the park, served as their gathering site and the seat of their king. Many Batwa now work as guides, leading a two to three hour trail that covers wild honey harvesting, edible plants and their traditional building methods. The Bafumbira, farmers by trade, live alongside them and add their own traditions to the mix.
Things to do
What can you do in the park?
Gorilla trekking
The Nyakagezi family, 10 members under a single silverback. Two to eight hours hiking volcanic slopes through thick jungle.
Golden monkey tracking
A four-hour trek through the bamboo for a species found only in the Virunga massif. Permits cost $50; your hour with them is capped to limit disturbance.
Volcano hikes
Muhabura (4,127m), Sabyinyo (3,669m) and Gahinga (3,474m), each six to eight hours. Muhabura's summit gives clear views over Bwindi and the Rwenzoris.
Nature walks
Guided walks through the Rugezi swamp.
Birding
115 species including the White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Turaco and Regal Sunbird. The Gahinga–Sabinyo gorge trail is the best stretch.
Batwa cultural trail
A two to three hour trail led by Batwa guides at Garama Cave, covering wild honey harvesting, edible plants and traditional building methods.
Lodging
Where should you stay?
Closest to the park
Amajambere Iwacu Camp and Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge.
Kisoro town
Kisoro Traveler's and Countryside Guesthouse, a short drive away.
Access
How do you get there?
Fly into Kisoro if the schedule works for you — Aerolink serves Nyakabande airfield from Entebbe, cutting an 11 hour drive down to roughly an hour. By road it is 519km from Kampala, 144km (about five hours) from Kigali, or 204km from Bwindi's Buhoma sector. If you are combining Mgahinga with Bwindi, the Rushaga sector is your fastest connection at just 53km.
Plan it
Safaris that include Mgahinga National Park
Keep exploring
Other places to visit
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Southwest Uganda. Home to the mountain gorilla.
View destination
Kibale Forest National Park
Western Uganda. Home to the chimpanzee.
View destination
Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge here. Savannah game drives round out the visit.
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