Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Trek mountain gorillas and witness the playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a small but special park in southwestern Uganda, covering 33.7 square kilometers. It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This unique location gives the park rich biodiversity.
The park has many types of plants, including some found only in this area. Its forests are home to many animals, such as Golden Monkeys, Mountain Gorillas, Bushbucks, Buffalo, Forest Elephants, Golden Cats, Jackals, Giant Forest Hogs, Bushpigs and over 180 bird species. You can also see many different types of butterflies.
Mgahinga has a range of ecosystems, from bamboo forests to high-altitude moorlands, making it a great place for nature lovers. Visitors can trek to see mountain gorillas in a quiet, peaceful setting. The park is also a great spot for hiking the three volcanoes and watching playful golden monkeys.
The park offers more than just wildlife. The surrounding Virunga Mountains provide stunning views, and visitors can meet the Batwa people, an indigenous group with a unique culture. This mix of wildlife, adventure, and culture makes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a perfect destination for those who love nature and want to experience Uganda’s wildlife. With only one habituated gorilla troop and limited permits, you can enjoy a private and unforgettable trekking adventure.
Mgahinga Attractions & Activities
Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see endangered mountain gorillas up close. The park has one group of gorillas, the Nyakagezi family, with 9 members, including 4 silverbacks, adult females, a young male, and 2 baby females. Trekking to find them can be tough, but the reward of seeing these gentle, large animals in their natural home is worth it. Only 8 tourists are allowed to visit the group each day, along with two armed rangers and a guide.
The Nyakagezi gorillas are special because they move between three countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This group also stands out because they live peacefully with several silverbacks, something rare among gorillas. Visiting this group offers a unique look into their social behavior, making the trek an unforgettable experience.
Endangered Golden Monkeys
The golden monkey, found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is a rare and beautiful primate. It has bright golden-orange fur on its back, which stands out against its black limbs, tail, and face. These monkeys are very active and spend most of their time in the treetops, skillfully moving through the branches. The golden monkey in this park is a special subspecies, found only in this area.
Golden monkeys live in groups of 30 to 80, usually led by a strong female. They eat fruits, leaves, and sometimes insects. Sadly, their numbers are going down because of forest destruction and poaching. Protecting them is very important for their survival. Visitors to the park can join tours to see these amazing animals and learn about the efforts being made to keep them safe.
Hiking Virunga Volcanoes
Mgahinga National Park is famous for its three dormant volcanoes: Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. These volcanoes are part of the Virunga Mountains and offer amazing views and challenging hikes. The first volcano you see when you arrive at the park is Mount Muhabura. It is the tallest at 4,127 meters and means “guide” in the local language because it was used as a landmark in the past. Hiking to the top of Mount Muhabura gives you great views of the surrounding mountains and landscape.
Mount Gahinga, at 3,474 meters, means “pile of stones” and has a swampy crater at its summit. Hiking here provides views of the park’s forests and the town of Kisoro. The third volcano, Mount Sabinyo, stands at 3,669 meters and has jagged peaks, earning it the name “old man’s teeth.” It is located where Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet, offering views of all three countries.
Bird Watching
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 180 bird species, including many unique and migratory ones. Bird-watching tours are available, allowing visitors to see rare and colorful birds in their natural environment. The park’s guided hikes into the Virunga Mountains offer a chance to spot special birds like the Rwenzori turaco, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, and handsome francolin. From November to April, you can also see migratory birds.
The best times to visit Mgahinga for bird-watching are from April to mid-May and from October to November. June and July have the least rain, while March to mid-May has the most. Heavy rains can make roads and trails difficult, limiting bird-watching opportunities. May and June are key months for bird nesting, and food is plentiful from late May to September.
Cultural Experiences With Batwa People
Visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can take part in the Batwa Cultural Experience, which offers a unique chance to learn about the Batwa people. The Batwa lived in the mountain forests for centuries but were relocated due to conservation efforts. Today, they live on the park’s edge. Guided tours let visitors explore Batwa culture, history, and traditions. They can see how the Batwa hunted, gathered food, used traditional medicines, and practiced their rituals. Visitors also enjoy traditional dances and songs and hear personal stories about the Batwa’s life in the forest and their displacement.
This experience is both educational and supportive. The money from the tour helps the Batwa community maintain their culture and way of life. By joining the Batwa Cultural Experience, visitors help the Batwa in their fight to keep their culture alive and learn about the importance of cultural diversity in Uganda.
