The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
A single habituated mountain-gorilla group ranges across the Virunga massif fewer trekkers, drier terrain than Bwindi, and unmatched volcanic backdrops when conditions align.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
A small park dominated by three Virunga volcanoes, home to mountain gorillas and the only park in Uganda where you can track golden monkeys.
Overview
Mgahinga is Uganda's quiet alternative to Bwindi smaller, higher and dramatically framed by three Virunga volcanoes that march along the Rwandan border. A single habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, roams freely across the three countries (Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC) and when they're home, the trekking is exceptional. Add habituated golden monkeys found nowhere else in Uganda, a half-day immersion with the indigenous Batwa, and the option to summit Mt Sabyinyo straddling all three borders Mgahinga is small but layered, and well worth the effort.
Mgahinga at a Glance
- Location
- Southwestern Uganda
- Size
- 33.7 km²
- Altitude
- 2,227 4,127 m
- Best Time to Visit
- June–August & December–February
Why Visit
The
Nyakagezi gorilla family, ranging freely across the Virunga volcanoes of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.
Habituated
golden monkeys found nowhere else in Uganda, with an easier trek than gorilla tracking.
Three
climbable Virunga volcanoes Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura with views into three countries.
A
half-day Batwa Trail with the indigenous forest-dwelling people of the Virungas.
Key Attractions
Habituated Golden Monkeys
A vibrant, endemic monkey species found only in the Virunga bamboo zone. The morning trek is far easier than gorilla tracking and the photography is sensational.
Three Virunga Volcanoes
Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Gahinga and Mt Muhabura three dormant volcanoes that define the park, each climbable as a full-day summit hike with extraordinary triple-country views.
Top Activities
Batwa Trail Experience
A half-day cultural walk led by Batwa elders the original forest-dwelling people of the Virungas showing fire-making, hunting techniques, medicinal plants and traditional song in the lower forest.
Volcano Summit Hike
Climb Mt Sabyinyo (3,669 m) to stand simultaneously in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC, or take on the steeper Muhabura (4,127 m) for fit walkers, two of East Africa's most rewarding day-summits.
Stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge
Stone-and-thatch bandas at the foot of the volcanoes intimate, fire-warmed and the most direct base for both gorilla and golden-monkey trekking.
Getting There
By air: fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip (approximately 2 hours by charter), followed by a 15–20 minute road transfer to the park headquarters at Ntebeko. By road from Kampala: 9–10 hours via Kabale and Kisoro on mostly paved roads. By road from Bwindi: approximately 2.5 hours. By road from Kigali (Rwanda): 2–3 hours via the Cyanika border crossing, making Mgahinga a natural link between the Uganda and Rwanda gorilla-trekking circuits.
Plan Your Journey
Our team handles all logistics airport transfers, cross-border road trips, and charter flights. Reach out and we'll design the smoothest route to suit your itinerary.
ENQUIRE NOWWhere to Stay
LuxuryMount Gahinga Lodge
Stone-and-thatch bandas at the foot of the volcanoes, with fireplaces in every room the most direct base for both gorilla and golden-monkey trekking.
BudgetUWA-run
bandas and campsite at the Ntebeko park headquarters the most affordable base, directly at the trailhead.
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Permits
- Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 per person, the same nationwide rate as Bwindi. Golden monkey permits cost significantly less. Because only one gorilla family is available and it occasionally crosses into Rwanda or the DRC, we confirm the group's location in Uganda before issuing a permit.
- Minimum Age
- Gorilla trekking is restricted to those 15 years and older.
- What to Pack
- Warm layers for high-altitude starts, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, and rain protection conditions on the volcanic slopes can turn cold and wet quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bwindi has 20+ habituated families and near-certain tracking. Mgahinga has one family that occasionally crosses into Rwanda or the DRC we secure a permit only when our local team confirms the group is currently in Uganda.