Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda’s smallest national park, offering gorilla trekking and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes
Uganda’s smallest national park, offering gorilla trekking and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the country’s smallest national park, covering 33.7 square kilometers. Nestled in the Virunga Volcanoes, it shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, forming part of the Virunga Conservation Area.
The park is home to one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, and is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including three of the Virunga volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. Its diverse ecosystems range from montane forests to bamboo zones, supporting a variety of wildlife.
Mgahinga is also a haven for the endangered golden monkey, with over 4,000 individuals, and hosts 180 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics, making it a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a unique blend of gorilla trekking and volcanic exploration in a compact, scenic setting. As part of the Virunga massif, the park features lush forests, bamboo zones, and the iconic volcanoes that dominate the skyline.
The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, one of the few habituated groups available for trekking in Uganda. Visitors can also track golden monkeys, a rare and playful species endemic to the Virunga region, or hike the challenging trails of the volcanoes.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga starts with a morning briefing, followed by a trek in groups of up to 8, guided by expert rangers. The Nyakagezi family’s location can make treks range from 1 to 4 hours. Visitors spend one hour observing the gorillas’ behaviors.
Golden monkey trekking is equally captivating, with groups of up to 8 tracking these agile primates through bamboo forests. The experience offers a lighter, less strenuous alternative to gorilla trekking, with one hour spent watching their playful antics.
Mgahinga’s compact size offers diverse experiences across its key areas:
Dense forests for tracking the Nyakagezi gorilla family
Bamboo forests ideal for tracking golden monkeys
Challenging hikes up Muhavura, Gahinga, or Sabinyo
Learn about Batwa pygmy heritage and traditions
483 kilometers (300 miles)
33.7 sq km (13 sq mi) of volcanic terrain
2,227 to 4,127 meters (7,306 to 13,540 ft)
1991 (National Park status)
Part of Virunga Conservation Area, not individually listed
~10-12 individuals in Nyakagezi family
180 bird species
Over 4,000 golden monkeys
76 mammal species
$800 per person (Foreign Non-Residents)
$700 (Foreign Residents)
$500 (Rest of Africa Residents)
UGX 300,000 (East African Residents)
Climb Muhavura, Gahinga, or Sabinyo for breathtaking views
Learn about the traditions of the Batwa pygmy community
Spot 180+ bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics
Explore bamboo and montane forests for flora and fauna
Early morning briefing at park headquarters. Pack water, snacks, rain jacket, and sturdy boots. Porters available to assist.
Treks last 1-4 hours depending on gorilla location. Terrain can be steep. Groups of 8 visitors max, led by expert guides.
One hour with the Nyakagezi gorillas. Maintain 7m distance. No flash photography. Observe their natural behaviors.