Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Volcanoes

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the far south-west of Uganda is a small park with a big landscape: three extinct volcanoes of the Virunga range rise above montane forest and bamboo. It offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, the Batwa Trail and some of the country's best day hikes.

For many travellers it is an alternative or addition to Bwindi. See Mgahinga vs Bwindi, the Mgahinga birding guide and gorilla safari packages.

What to Do

• Gorilla trekking. Gorilla families here sometimes range across the border, so sightings depend on where the group is at the time.
• Golden monkey tracking. A rare primate found in the bamboo forest.
• Volcano hikes. Day hikes up Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga or Muhabura, depending on your fitness.
• Batwa Trail. A cultural walk led by Batwa guides.
• Birding in montane forest and bamboo.

Getting to Mgahinga

Mgahinga is near Kisoro, a long drive from Kampala. It is also a short journey from northern Rwanda, so it combines well with a Rwanda trip; see Uganda and Rwanda.

Best Time to Visit

The drier months are best for hiking. Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so bring layers and rain gear. See our season guide.

Beyond Gorillas: Other Activities

• Golden monkey tracking: a forest walk to spend time with the playful, endangered golden monkeys.
• Volcano hikes: the park protects part of the Virunga volcanoes. Hikes up Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo are available, with a wide range of difficulty.
• Batwa trail: a cultural experience led by the Batwa, the forest's original inhabitants.
• Birding: the high-altitude forest hosts several mountain species. See our blog on birding in Mgahinga.

Who Should Choose Mgahinga

Mgahinga is smaller and quieter than Bwindi, with fewer permits and a different atmosphere in the Virunga landscape. It is a good choice if you want a wider mountain experience as well as gorillas, or if Bwindi permits are scarce. However, the gorilla family can cross into neighbouring countries, so sightings are less predictable than in Bwindi. Read the full comparison: Mgahinga vs Bwindi.

Plan permits early through your operator, and see how gorilla permits work and fitness and preparation.

Getting There and Staying

Mgahinga is near Kisoro in the far south-west. Most visitors reach it from Kabale or Bwindi, or after a night at Lake Bunyonyi. Lodges are limited and small, so book early.

Mgahinga Fees at a Glance

Ugandan students pay UGX 5,000 for volcano climbing. See platform walk.

About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.

More Guides in This Section

• Platform Walk
• Gorge Walk