Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorillas, golden monkeys, and three Virunga volcanoes.
Road transfer or fly via Kisoro, then continue by road
June to September, December to January
Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, volcano hiking
Southwest Uganda
About this Destination
Three volcanoes rise from Uganda's southwestern corner at Mgahinga: Muhavura at 4,127 metres, Gahinga at 3,474 metres, and Sabinyo at 3,669 metres. These are the Virungas, the volcanic chain that straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. From the Sabinyo summit you can stand in all three countries simultaneously. It is one of the stranger geographical experiences on the continent.
Mgahinga is small by park standards, 33.7 square kilometres, but it punches well above its size. The park holds mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and a Batwa cultural trail. The Nyakagezi group is the park's habituated gorilla family; tracking plans depend on current park arrangements and the family's movements.
The golden monkey is the reason many serious wildlife visitors add Mgahinga to a Bwindi trip. Found only in the Virunga mountains, this species, with its vivid amber-and-black colouring and sociable behaviour, is one of the most striking primates in Africa. The trek through Mgahinga's bamboo zone to find them is as enjoyable as the encounter itself.
Key Wildlife
In photographs
A closer look at Mgahinga.
Forest, volcanic slopes, gorillas and golden monkeys: the different sides of this highland park.
What to Do
Experiences in Mgahinga Gorilla
Gorilla Trekking
Track the Nyakagezi group with park rangers through bamboo and afromontane forest. The terrain can be steep, and the volcanic backdrop makes this a distinctive gorilla trekking setting. Confirm permit arrangements and tracking conditions for your dates.
Golden Monkey Tracking
The golden monkey tracking here is arguably the best in the world. Mgahinga's habituated golden monkey troop ranges through the bamboo zone below the volcanic peaks. The permit allows one hour with the troop. Their movement through bamboo at speed, their vocalisations, and their total indifference to human observers make for a remarkable morning.
Sabinyo Volcano Hike
A demanding guided day hike toward the summit of Sabinyo, where Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC meet. The trail climbs steeply through changing vegetation zones, with wide views across the Virunga range when conditions are clear.
Muhavura Volcano Hike
Muhavura is the highest of Mgahinga's three volcanoes at 4,127 metres. A long but technically straightforward day hike with spectacular views from the crater rim. Small crater lake at the summit. Clear days offer views into Rwanda, DRC, and across the western Rift Valley.
Batwa Cultural Trail
The Batwa of the Virunga region were displaced from their forest home when Mgahinga became a national park. The Batwa Trail, run by the community itself, walks through the forest with Batwa guides demonstrating the knowledge they carried for generations: hunting techniques, plant medicine, oral history, and the deep ecology of the Virunga zone.
Before You Go
Practical information
Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and volcano hikes require their own park arrangements. Confirm current permits, guide requirements, and conditions before choosing dates. Mgahinga is often paired with Bwindi on a southwest Uganda circuit; we can plan both stops together.
Plan This Journey
Let us arrange every detail of your Mgahinga Gorilla National visit.