Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park, covering just 33.7 km² at the meeting point of three countries — Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — and three ancient volcanoes: Muhavura (4,127m), Gahinga (3,474m), and Sabinyo (3,645m). It forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, a cross-border protected ecosystem shared with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DRC.

The park protects two species of great primates: mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The Nyakagezi gorilla group, which calls Mgahinga home, moves seasonally across the border, meaning gorilla trek availability can vary — but when the group is present, the experience of tracking gorillas against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes is one of the most memorable in Uganda. Golden monkey habituation and trekking are Mgahinga's most reliable daily activities, offering close encounters with these vivid, endangered primates found only in the Albertine Rift.

What to Do

• Gorilla trekking — the Nyakagezi family is habituated and available for trekking when in Uganda. Permit: USD 800 per person. Availability subject to gorilla location — confirm with Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking.

• Golden Monkey Tracking — habituated golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are found only in the Virunga region. A 1-hour encounter in the bamboo forest. Permit: USD 100 per person.

• Golden Monkey Habituation Experience — a half-day with the golden monkeys, following the habituation process. Ideal for photographers and primate enthusiasts.

• Volcano hiking — guided climbs of the three Virunga volcanoes from Mgahinga's trails. Sabinyo (4–6 hours) straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC simultaneously at the summit.

• Batwa Trail — cultural experience with the Batwa forest people, the original inhabitants of the Virunga Mountains.

Key Facts

• Size: 33.7 km² — Uganda's smallest national park, part of the 434 km² Virunga Conservation Area.

• Elevation: 2,227–4,127 metres.

• Golden monkeys: found only in the Albertine Rift — Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where they can be tracked.

• Gorilla availability: the Nyakagezi group moves seasonally into Rwanda — confirm availability before travel.

• Getting there: 9–10 hours from Kampala to Kisoro town (500km). 15km from Kisoro to the park.

• Combines well with Bwindi (2 hours north) for a complete gorilla and golden monkey experience.