Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga at a Glance

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga

Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, so only a small number of permits are issued each day and trekking here feels quiet and personal. Treks start with a briefing at the Ntebeko visitor centre, then climb through farmland edges and bamboo onto the volcano slopes. The permit costs the same as in Bwindi — currently US$800 per person for foreign non-residents — and the same rules apply: up to eight visitors, one hour with the family, minimum age 15.

Because there is only one family and few permits, Mgahinga should be booked well in advance. Our gorilla trekking guide covers permits and preparation, and Mgahinga vs Bwindi helps you choose between the two parks.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkeys are an endangered monkey found only in the Virunga volcanoes and a few nearby forests, with bright orange-gold backs and black limbs. Mgahinga and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are the places to track them. Troops live in the bamboo zone on the lower slopes, and the walk is usually shorter and easier than a gorilla trek. They are lively and quick, so be patient: the troop often settles to feed, giving good views and photographs.

Golden monkey permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and cost far less than gorilla permits. A longer golden monkey habituation experience is also available. See golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga and golden monkey permit costs.

Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes

All three hikes need good fitness and an early start, are led by armed rangers and have their own fees. Do not plan a volcano climb on the same day as a gorilla trek. See hiking Mount Sabinyo and the Mount Muhabura hike.

The Batwa Trail and Garama Cave

The Batwa lived in these forests for generations before the park was created. On the Batwa Trail, Batwa guides share how their families hunted, gathered food and medicine, made fire and made music in the forest, and the walk ends at Garama Cave, a large lava tube once used as a refuge and meeting place. Proceeds support the Batwa community. See the Batwa Trail experience and Garama Cave.

Birding and Nature Walks

Mgahinga has recorded more than 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics such as Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori double-collared sunbird. Gentle nature walks along the base of the volcanoes and around a crater-lake viewpoint suit rest days and companions who are not hiking. See birding and forest walks in Mgahinga.

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga

Mgahinga is open all year. The drier months, June to September and December to February, are best for trekking and volcano hikes, with firmer trails and clearer summit views. The wetter months bring mud and cloud on the peaks but fewer visitors. At this altitude mornings and evenings are cold all year, so bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket.

How to Get to Mgahinga

• From Kigali, Rwanda: about three to four hours via the Cyanika border — the quickest route for most international visitors.
• From Entebbe or Kampala: about nine to ten hours by road via Kabale, usually broken with a night at Lake Mburo or Lake Bunyonyi.
• By air: scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip, about 30 minutes from the park.
• From Bwindi: about an hour from Rushaga and around two hours from Nkuringo.

Where to Stay Near Mgahinga

There are a few lodges at the park gate with views of the volcanoes, and more choice in and around Kisoro town, from simple guesthouses to comfortable lodges. Many travellers stay at Lake Bunyonyi or in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector and visit Mgahinga for its activities.

Combining Mgahinga With Other Parks

Mgahinga is a natural partner for Bwindi: trek gorillas in one park and track golden monkeys or climb a volcano in the other. It is also an easy link to Rwanda, and pairs well with Lake Bunyonyi for a rest day. See the Rushaga sector, the nearest Bwindi sector, and our Uganda and Rwanda combinations.