Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

  • Where Gold Meets Silver
Hidden deep in Uganda’s southwest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest, and most biologically diverse forests on earth.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

  • Where Gold Meets Silver
Hidden deep in Uganda’s southwest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest, and most biologically diverse forests on earth.
Perched high in Uganda’s southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s parks at just 33.7 km², but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in magic. It is the only place in Uganda where you can trek the legendary mountain gorillas (“the silver”) and the rare, playful golden monkeys (“the gold”) in one forest. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes — Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, the park’s landscapes are breathtaking. From misty bamboo forests to jagged volcanic peaks, Mgahinga is where primates, culture, and scenery collide in unforgettable harmony.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Did You Know? (Quick Facts)

  • Coordinates: 1.3532° S, 29.5726° E
  • Distance from Kampala: ~510 km (9–10 hours by road; flights available to Kisoro airstrip, ~14 km away)
  • Size: 33.7 km² — Uganda’s smallest national park
  • Gorilla Families: Home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for its adventurous nature and frequent cross-border movements between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo
  • Golden Monkeys: Endangered and found only in the Virunga range — Mgahinga is Uganda’s best spot to track them
  • Volcano Peaks: The park includes three extinct volcanoes — Muhabura (4,127m), Sabyinyo (3,669m), and Gahinga (3,474m)
  • Tri-Border Location: Mgahinga sits where Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo meet, making it part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area
  • Name Origin: “Gahinga” means “a pile of volcanic stones” in the local Kinyarwanda language, reflecting the rocky terrain at the mountain base
  • Culture: The Batwa Trail lets visitors walk with the Batwa pygmies — the forest’s original inhabitants — to learn their traditions, hunting skills, and spiritual rituals
Build Your Trip

Why Visit Mgahinga with
Gonja Safaris?

  • Gorilla Trekking:
    Meet the famous Nyakagezi gorilla family in their misty volcanic home.
  • Golden Monkey Tracking:
    A chance to see one of the world’s most endangered and vibrant primates.
  • Volcano Hiking:
    Conquer peaks like Sabyinyo, where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo meet at the summit.
  • Cultural Immersion:
    Walk the Batwa Trail to experience the forest through the eyes of its first people.
  • Purposeful Travel:
    Your booking supports our Primate Conservation Fund, protecting gorillas, golden monkeys, and their fragile habitats.

Mgahinga is where “Gold meets Silver.” A sacred corner of Africa where volcanoes touch the sky, gorillas rule the forest, and golden monkeys leap through bamboo shadows.

Key Attractions

Our travellers' wildlife sightings across Mgahinga National Park

When travelling through Uganda, many of our travellers document their wildlife encounters – be they of lions, Chimpanzees or black rhinos – and generously share their records with us.

Gorilla
98% success
red colobus
Red Colobus
98% success
Black and White Colobus
Black & White Colobus
98% success
Grey-cheeked Mangabeys
98% success
Red tailed monkey
Red tailed monkey
98% success
Lion - Gonja Safaris
Lion
98% success
Rhino - Gonja Safaris
Rhino
91% success
Gazelle
74% success
Leopard -Gonja Safari

Leopard

98% success

  • Language
    English (official), Swahili; Thank you is Webale in Luganda
  • Visa
    eVisa available for most nationalities
  • Religion
    Christianity (majority), Islam
  • Climate
    Tropical; warm year-round with wet & dry seasons
  • Currency
    Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
  • Power Plugs
    Type G (British-style)
  • Apps
    SafeBoda (for motorbike taxis), Uber (limited to Kampala),
  • Capital
    Kampala

Flight Information

Most international travelers fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), just outside Kampala. There are direct flights from major hubs like Nairobi, Dubai, and Addis Ababa. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, you’ll likely connect through one of these cities. Domestic flights are available to places like Kidepo (KID) and Kisoro (KSR) for gorilla trekking, but most travelers use buses or private transfers for shorter distances. You can compare flight prices on Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Safety Information

Uganda is generally safe, but petty theft in cities like Kampala can occur. Gorilla trekking Uganda zones and national parks are low-risk. Avoid political demonstrations and use trusted transport apps like SafeBoda. Political demonstrations are rare but best avoided if they occur. Road travel can be chaotic, so if you’re not comfortable with local driving styles, consider hiring a private driver.

Climate

Best Time to Visit Uganda
The dry seasons (June-August & December-February) offer ideal conditions for Uganda safari experiences. Wet seasons (March-May, September-November) are lush but muddy. Temperatures are usually between 20°C – 28°C (68°F – 82°F), though it can get cooler in highland areas like Bwindi.

Other Essential Travel Tips

  • Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required. Malaria is present, so take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent.
  • Transport: Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are popular but risky use SafeBoda for trained drivers.
  • Culture: Ugandans are friendly but conservative dress modestly outside tourist areas.
    Wildlife: Always follow park rules; never approach wild animals without a guide.

Final Thoughts

Uganda combines gorilla trekking, epic safaris, and warm hospitality.