Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Safaris
Forming part of the Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a great destination for travellers interested in gorilla treks and golden monkey treks. And with its three extinct conical volcanoes, the park offers some serious hiking too!
When to go to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Best Time to Go
Small park in Uganda’s South-West
Many activities on offer
Very highly rated for gorilla treks
Fantastic lodge options in the area
Iconic Primates & Epic Scenery
Mgahinga Gorilla is situated in the farthest south-western corner of Uganda. Covering just 33.7 square kilometres of forest at an altitude of 2,000–4,000 metres, this national park may be Uganda’s smallest, but it’s highly significant for the mountain gorilla! This is because it provides one of very few habitats for the furry fellows. Unsurprisingly, the main activity available from Mgahinga Gorilla’s camps and lodges is gorilla treks. In fact, the park was set up to protect the gorillas, hence its name. The word Gahinga refers to the piles of volcanic stones found at the base of the Virunga volcanoes – these have been cleared from farmland.
Activities & Wildlife
From gorilla trekking and golden monkey encounters, to adventurous hikes and cultural excursions, there is plenty to do in this scenic national park.
Gorilla trekking
Golden monkey trekking
Wildlife
Birdlife
Adventure and culture
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Mgahinga Gorilla is home to just one habituated group of mountain gorilla. Known as Nyakagezi, this group contains nine members. The best times of year to go on treks are during the dry season – June to October, December to February – as the trails are less slippery then. The terrain can be quite difficult to negotiate, but the guides are well able to assist and the sight of mountain gorilla in their natural habitat is well worth the effort! A trek lasts from one to eight hours.
Golden monkey treks are also possible within the park. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see habituated golden monkeys.
In total, 76 species inhabit the forest vegetation, and safarists can look out for elephant, forest buffalo, giant forest hog, golden cat, side-striped jackal, black-fronted duiker, porcupines, and much more!
The birding is impressive too. The Uganda Wildlife Authority reports approximately 180 species, including ibis, pin-tailed whydah, speckled moosebird, paradise flycatcher, and firefinch. Most properties provide birding walks, so if this is something that interests you, make sure you pack your binoculars!
Many other activities are on offer in the national park, such as volcano climbing, caldera hiking, and experiences with the Batwa people including village visits, farm walks, and even song-and-dance performances! We recommend two excellent lodges – Mount Gahinga (close to the national park entrance) and Chameleon Hill (between Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park).
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