Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the far southwest of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 33.7 square kilometers. The park was established in 1991 to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit the forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.
The park encompasses three volcanic peaks—Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo—which are part of the larger Virunga range. Though small in size, Mgahinga plays an important role in conserving endangered species such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. It is also culturally significant, having been home to the Batwa people, forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers who now lead cultural tours for visitors.
Gorilla Tracking
Visitors can track the Nyakagezi gorilla group, the only habituated family in the park. Permits are required and group sizes are limited.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where golden monkeys can be seen. Tracking involves short forest walks guided by park rangers.
Volcano Hiking
Hikes to the summits of Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura are available for physically fit visitors.
Batwa Cultural Trail
Learn about the Batwa’s traditional forest lifestyle through a guided cultural experience led by community members.
Bird Watching
The park is home to Albertine Rift endemics such as Rwenzori turaco and handsome francolin.
Mgahinga can be reached by road or air. By road, it is about 500 kilometers from Kampala, requiring 9 to 10 hours of travel via Kabale and Kisoro. From Kisoro town, it is a 14-kilometer drive to the park entrance.
For quicker access, domestic flights are available from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip. Road transfer from the airstrip to the park takes about 45 minutes.
Luxury
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mid-Range
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Traveler’s Rest Hotel
Budget
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Mutanda Eco Community Centre
Kisoro Tourist Hotel