Discover Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest National Park with a size of 33.7km. It’s part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area that spans through Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. It was founded in 1991 and happened to be one of the few parks to harbor Mountain Gorillas in the world.
The park also has a unique type of primate known as the Golden Monkeys, which can also be found in Volcanoes National Park. One of the major activities carried out in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Gorilla Trekking. The park is also home to also buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, duikers, giant forest hogs, and about 115 bird species.
It is also blessed with Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhavura, which are situated in the Virunga Ranges that offer great hiking spots. Among other attractions in the park are the Batwa people, the indigenous people of the forest, who offer cultural tours that give insights into their traditional way of life.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Entry Fees
Gorilla Trekking Permit: USD $700 per person for foreign non-residents, USD $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.
Golden Monkey Tracking: USD $60 per person for foreign non-residents, USD $50 for foreign residents, and UGX 40,000 for East African citizens.
Park Entry Fees: USD $40 per adult per day for foreign non-residents, USD $30 for foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens.
Hiking and Nature Walks: Vary between USD $30 to $80 depending on the activity and duration.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February): These are the best times for gorilla trekking and hiking as the trails are drier and less slippery.
Wet Seasons (March to May and November): It’s a good time for bird watching as you’ll be able to view migratory bird species.
Low Season
March to May
This is the wet season in Mgahinga, with frequent rainfall and muddy trails, which can make hiking more challenging. However, the park is less crowded, and visitors can enjoy lower accommodation rates. The lush environment is also great for birdwatching as migratory species are present.
High Season
June to September
The dry season offers the best conditions for gorilla trekking, as the trails are less slippery, and the weather is cooler. This is a peak time for tourists, especially those wanting to see the mountain gorillas, and visitor numbers increase. It’s ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing, with better visibility of the gorillas and other animals.
Peak Season
December to February
This is the dry season, coinciding with holidays and peak tourist activity. It is the best time for gorilla trekking, as the weather is favorable and the trails are easier to navigate. As a result, accommodation prices are higher, and permits may need to be booked well in advance. The park is relatively busy during this time, but it offers optimal trekking conditions.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
By Road: Mgahinga is about 540 kilometers from Kampala, making the drive approximately 9 to 10 hours. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. The drive from Kigali, Rwanda, is shorter, about 3 to 4 hours.
By Air: Scheduled and charter flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, which is about a 1 to 2-hour drive from the park.
Best Places to Stay at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Safari Packages to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Other National Parks to visit
Find other national parks related to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that you either combined your safari with or get inspired to book them later on in your next adventures. The destinations are some of the best that you can visit that are close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
