Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the two national parks in Uganda that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

The Nyakagezi family is composed of 9 members: 4 silverbacks, 2 infants, 2 adult females, and 1 juvenile. The dominant silverback is Mark, who took over leadership from his father, Bugingo. The other members include Mathew and Mafia (silverbacks), Nyiramwiza and Nshuti (adult females), Nkanda (juvenile), Mutagamba and Rukundo (Infant). Bugingo, the oldest silverback, is believed to be more than 50 years old.

The park covers approximately 33.7 square kilometers and is characterized by a diverse landscape of dense forests, grasslands, and swampy valleys. The park's altitude ranges from 2,227 to 4,127 meters above sea level, providing a variety of habitats for flora and fauna.

The park is home to a number of endangered species, including the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the rare and elusive ivory-billed barbet. Other wildlife found in the park includes elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species.

According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the park is open for tourism year-round, with the best time for gorilla tracking during the dry season from June to September. Visitors can explore the park's diverse habitats and wildlife through guided walks, bird watching, and gorilla tracking.

What to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a range of tourism activities that cater to different interests and preferences. From gorilla trekking to cultural experiences, hiking, bird watching, and volcano climbing, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this unique and biodiverse national park.

One of the main attractions at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is gorilla trekking. Visitors have the opportunity to go on guided hikes through the dense forests to observe and interact with habituated gorilla groups. This activity provides a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing tourists to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

In addition to gorilla trekking, the park offers other wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can go on nature walks and birdwatching excursions to spot a variety of bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. The park is home to over 180 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

For those interested in cultural experiences, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provides opportunities to engage with the local Batwa community. The Batwa are indigenous people who have lived in the region for centuries and have a deep connection with the forest. Tourists can participate in cultural tours and learn about their traditional way of life, including hunting and gathering techniques, music, dance, and storytelling.

Another popular activity at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is hiking. The park offers several trails that lead visitors through stunning landscapes, including bamboo forests, swamps, and volcanic peaks. One of the most famous hikes is the climb to the summit of Mount Sabinyo, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

For those seeking more adventurous activities, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also provides opportunities for volcano climbing. The park is home to three extinct volcanoes: Mount Sabinyo (3,669 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mount Muhabura (4,127 m). Climbing these volcanoes offers a thrilling experience and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park and the neighboring countries.

Batwa Trail and Cultural Experience is always combined with gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. The Batwa Trail leads from the base of Muhuvura Cave. The walk is a living museum where you can learn about the Batwa People, a pygmy tribe that once lived in Mgahinga National Park.

To ensure the conservation of the park's natural resources and wildlife, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has implemented strict regulations for tourism activities. Only a limited number of permits are issued each day for gorilla trekking, and visitors are required to follow guidelines to minimize their impact on the gorillas and their habitat. Additionally, trained guides accompany tourists on all activities to ensure their safety and provide valuable information about the park's flora and fauna.

Where to stay on a gorilla tracking tour in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Is there decent accommodation in and around Mgahinga Forest National Park?

There is a limited availability of high-end lodges in and around Mgahinga National Park. If you plan to come for Gorilla tracking in this remote destination, be sure to confirm the availability of lodging options. Lodges here fill up during high tourist seasons, and those who book late are left with few options. Listed below are some of our researched accommodation options near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mount Gahinga Lodge Luxury

Mutanda Lake Resort Midrange

Ndere Tala Resort Midrange

Lake Mulehe gorilla lodge Midrange

Ichumbi Hotel Midrange

Ikoro Resort Hotel Midrange

Lake Mulehe safari lodge Midrange

Travellers Rest Hotel Midrange

Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge Budget

Mucha riverside Budget

Neeza Eco Lodge Budget

Gahiza Island Retreat Budget

Mondi lodge Budget

Mt. Muhabura Climbers' Rest Camp Backpacking

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp Camping

Advice and tips for the best gorilla tracking tour in Uganda

These are tips and travel advices about what you must know before planning your Gorilla tracking trip to Uganda, this section covers gorilla tracking tips, visas, currency and so much more.

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Gorilla tracking in Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park are located in the same geographical region and share the same weather and seasons, the best time to visit both parks for gorilla tracking in Uganda is the same remains the dry seasons of June – September and December to February, wet seasons are also possible.

How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

To get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda, several transportation options are available. The park is situated in the Virunga Mountains and is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes national parks in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are the different ways to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

1. By Air: The nearest international airport to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Entebbe International Airport in Uganda's capital city, Kampala. From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to the park. Several airlines operate domestic flights between Entebbe and Kisoro, including Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda.

1. By Road: If you prefer traveling by road, there are two main routes to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

From Kampala: The most common route is to drive from Kampala to Kisoro, which takes approximately 8-9 hours. The journey passes through Kabale town and offers scenic views of the countryside. From Kisoro, it's a short drive to the park entrance.

From Kigali (Rwanda): Another option is to travel from the capital, Kigali. The drive from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes around 4-5 hours. You will need to cross the border at Cyanika or Katuna and proceed to Kisoro before reaching the park.

It's important to note that road conditions in some areas may be challenging, especially during the rainy season. It is advisable to use a 4x4 vehicle for better maneuverability.

3. By Public Transport: For budget travelers, public transport options are available but may require more time and patience. From Kampala, you can take a bus or shared taxi (known as matatu) to Kisoro. The journey can take up to 10-12 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic. From Kigali, you can take a bus or shared taxi to Cyanika or Katuna border crossing, and then proceed to Kisoro.

Once you reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can enjoy various activities, including gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, birdwatching, and cultural encounters with the Batwa people.