Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. The park sits at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in southwestern Uganda, within the Kisoro district. Although it is the smallest of Uganda’s ten national parks, covering just 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga holds enormous tourism value. The park was officially declared a national park in 1991 to protect its most treasured residents: the endangered mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys. Three dramatic Virunga volcanoes, namely Sabinyo, Muhavura, and Mgahinga, dominate the park’s landscape and are open for hiking. The local communities surrounding the park include the Bafumbira, Bakiga, and the Batwa people, adding rich cultural depth to any visit.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
By Road from Kampala
Traveling by road from Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes approximately nine to ten hours. Public buses run daily routes from downtown Kampala to Kisoro town, where you can hire a private taxi to the park gate. Note that public vehicles are not permitted inside the park. If you travel by private vehicle, Anthill Safaris recommends stopping at the Kayabwe Equator line for photos and the Igongo Cultural Center for lunch along the way.
By Air
Aerolink Uganda operates scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. Flights depart at 7:00 a.m. and land at 8:10 a.m., making it a quick and convenient option. Upon landing, your Anthill Safaris driver will transfer you directly to your lodge.
From Kigali, Rwanda
Traveling from Kigali is actually the fastest and most cost-effective option. The drive from Kigali to Mgahinga takes only three to four hours through the Cyanika or Katuna border crossings. In comparison, traveling from Entebbe to Bwindi takes nine to ten hours. Therefore, flying into Kigali and driving to Mgahinga saves both time and money.
Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
One major advantage of visiting Mgahinga is the smaller crowds. You can explore the entire park quietly and peacefully. Most activities start at the Ntebeko Visitor Center. Here is what Anthill Safaris has lined up for you.
Gorilla Trekking
Mgahinga is one of only two Ugandan national parks where you can trek mountain gorillas, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The park is home to around 80 mountain gorillas, with the Nyakagezi gorilla group open to tourism. This group is one of the largest habituated gorilla groups across Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda, and trackers locate it relatively quickly compared to some Bwindi families.
Trekking begins at 8:00 a.m. with a briefing, after which park rangers lead you into the forest. Along the way, you pass through pristine forests and encounter birds, primates, and other forest creatures. A gorilla permit costs USD 800, available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Anthill Safaris. The best trekking months are June to August.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkeys are among Africa’s most sought-after primates. These small, playful creatures wear beautiful golden coats and live in large groups of up to 80 individuals. They are endemic to the Albertine Rift and Virunga ranges, and Mgahinga is one of only two places in the world, alongside Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, with habituated groups open to tourists.
Tracking starts at 8:00 a.m. and takes between 30 minutes and three hours. A golden monkey permit costs USD 60. If you want a deeper and more immersive experience, Anthill Safaris can arrange a longer golden monkey habituation experience alongside researchers. This extended activity costs a little extra, but it gives you far more time with the monkeys and a much richer understanding of their behavior and daily life.
Mountain Climbing
Mgahinga’s three volcanoes offer exciting climbing opportunities for all fitness levels. Mount Gahinga, standing at 3,474 meters, is the easiest climb, taking about six hours. Mount Sabyinyo, at 3,669 meters, is the most popular among hikers. However, Mount Muhavura, the tallest at 4,127 meters, offers the most challenging climb. Remarkably, it is possible to hike all three volcanoes over three days. The cost of climbing each volcano is USD 80.
Bird Watching
Mgahinga is one of Uganda’s finest birding destinations, recording over 110 bird species across its forests, caves, lakes, and mountain slopes. The best time for bird watching is from November to April, when migratory birds from Europe arrive. Notable species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Paradise Flycatcher, Handsome Francolin, Malachite Sunbird, and the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, among many others.
Nature Walks
The park’s forests, rivers, swamps, and mountain slopes create perfect settings for nature walks. The border trail on Mount Sabyinyo’s slopes leads to the exact meeting point of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, taking about five hours. Other trails pass through diverse vegetation, offering sightings of golden monkeys and scenic landscapes. Some trails are more demanding, so good fitness levels are recommended.
The Batwa Trail and Cultural Visit
The Batwa people have a deep and moving connection to Mgahinga‘s forest. For thousands of years, they lived freely inside the forest until the government established the national park and relocated them to surrounding areas. This sudden change forced them to adapt to entirely new ways of life, including farming and trade. Today, the Batwa Trail gives you a touching and eye-opening look into their history and culture. The trail costs USD 80 and directly supports Batwa community programs.
Best Time to Visit
Mgahinga is open year-round. However, the dry seasons offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking. These periods run from late May to early October and from December to February. During these months, trails are drier, firmer, and much easier to walk on, making it simpler for you to track and locate the gorillas with your Anthill Safaris guide.
What to Pack
Anthill Safaris recommends bringing a flashless camera, an extra battery, a travel adapter, long-sleeved clothing, sturdy tracking boots, binoculars, a safari cap, insect repellent, a first aid kit, a foldable water bottle, energy snacks, a torch, and hard cash for personal expenses.
Contact Anthill Safaris today to book your Mgahinga Gorilla National Park adventure.
