Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a compact jewel of wilderness where the Virunga volcanoes rise in dramatic cones and mist drifts through ancient bamboo forests. Founded in 1991 and covering just 33.7 km², it’s small in size but immense in experience—home to endangered mountain gorillas, playful golden monkeys, and over 115 bird species.
This is the only place in Uganda where you can track both gorillas and golden monkeys, often in the same trip. Treks begin at dawn with expert ranger guides, leading you through lush slopes to spend an unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family—feeding, grooming, and interacting in their natural world. Golden monkey trekking is lighter and lively, with sparkling, cinnamon‑flecked primates bouncing through bamboo at lower elevations.
Adventure continues on the volcanoes: Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) for vast panoramas, Mount Gahinga (3,474 m) with a summit swamp and giant lobelia, and rugged Mount Sabinyo (3,669 m) where the tri‑border ridgeline places you in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo at once. Between hikes, Lake Mutanda’s glassy waters and the Batwa cultural trail reveal the forest’s human story—traditional skills, caves, songs, and dance shared by its original inhabitants.
The park is open year‑round, with peak, drier months in June–September and December–February offering firmer trails and clear views. The greener, quieter shoulder months bring excellent birding and value.
Trip Inspiration
Mgahinga Featured Safaris
Discover handpicked adventures in Uganda’s most intimate gorilla haven. Our Mgahinga Featured Safaris combine mountain gorilla encounters, golden monkey tracking, and Virunga volcano hikes—seamlessly planned with expert guides, comfy lodges, and effortless transfers. Start your story “where Silver meets Gold.”
Essential FAQs for Bwindi National Park
What makes Mgahinga special?
Mgahinga is Uganda’s only park where you can track both endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, set against the dramatic Virunga volcanoes in a compact, scenic landscape.
Where is it and how big is the park?
It sits in Uganda’s far southwest, bordering Rwanda and Congo, and covers about 33.7 km².
When is the best time to visit?
Drier months June–September and December–February offer firmer trails and clear views. Wet season has fewer crowds, good birding, and occasional lodge discounts.
How does gorilla trekking work?
Treks start at dawn with a briefing, then guided hiking to find a habituated gorilla family. You’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close.
Is golden monkey trekking different?
Yes—it’s typically shorter and at lower elevations in bamboo forests, with energetic sightings of these striking, cinnamon‑flecked primates.
What volcano hikes can I do?
Three classics: Mount Muhavura (4,127 m) for vast panoramas, Mount Gahinga (3,474 m) with a summit swamp, and rugged Mount Sabinyo (3,669 m) where you stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo at once.
