Africa · Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda's hidden gem for gorilla trekking — the Ugandan sector of the Virunga volcanoes also harbours the only golden monkeys in Uganda, sharing habitat with Rwanda's Volcanoes NP across the border.
About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park at 33.7 km², but what it lacks in size it more than compensates for in drama and exclusivity. Nestled in the southern corner of Uganda where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC converge, Mgahinga protects Uganda's portion of the Virunga Massif — the same chain of dormant volcanoes that houses Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family (the Nyakagezi group), the only golden monkeys in Uganda, and three climbable volcano peaks: Muhabura (4,127m), Gahinga (3,474m), and Sabyinyo (3,645m). Because gorilla permit availability at Mgahinga is more limited than Bwindi, the experience is quieter and more intimate.
Highlights
- One habituated gorilla family — the famous Nyakagezi group
- Uganda's only golden monkey population
- Three climbable Virunga volcanoes: Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo
- Tri-country border: Uganda, Rwanda, DRC meet at Sabyinyo summit
- Batwa cultural walk — last forest communities of the Virungas
- Far fewer visitors than Bwindi — an intimate gorilla experience
Best Time to Visit
June–August and December–February. Mgahinga has only one gorilla family so permits are highly limited — book as early as possible.
Weather & Seasons
Mgahinga sits at 2,227–4,127m on the Virunga volcanoes, sharing climate patterns with Rwanda's Volcanoes NP. Cool, misty conditions year-round; two drier windows June–August and December–February.
Dry Season 1
Jun – Aug
Best trekking window. Firm trails and clearer views of the volcanic peaks.
Dry Season 2
Dec – Feb
Second prime window. Fewer permits booked — slightly better availability.
Short Rains
Sep – Nov
Moderate rain. Trails manageable. Park rarely crowded.
Long Rains
Mar – May
Heavy rainfall. Challenging conditions on the volcano trails.
Gallery
Tours and lodges for this destination are coming soon.