Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Attractions, Lodges & More
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, and the Virunga National Park of Congo which are famously known to be home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The park is located in the southwestern regions of Uganda in the Kisoro district, approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) accessed via Kampala-Mbarara Highway.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park was established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitats. Historically, the park was mainly used by the locals for agriculture and settlement until when it was established as a game reserve to protect wildlife.
In the 1991s when the conservation efforts effectively began, it was upgraded to being a National Park to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is one of the smallest national parks of Uganda occupying an area of about 33.7 square kilometers known for its rich biodiversity.
The word “Mgahinga” comes from the local Rukiga language spoken by the Bakiga people living around the park meaning “the place with small stones” which describes the terrain of the park that is featured with rocky terrains and volcanic landscapes.
Being part of the Virunga Mountain ranges and despite its small size, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is featured with extinct volcanoes namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo which offer exceptional opportunities to hiking enthusiasts to this destination.
Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is documented to hold about 100 mountain gorillas which are the key attractions, 400 golden monkeys, 100 bird species inclusive of the endemic and rare species, and other different mammals namely the forest elephants, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, bush backs, bush babies, porcupines, different wild cats, vervet monkeys, black and white Columbus monkeys, baboons, mangabeys, hogs, and different reptiles.
The communities living around the park are primarily composed of ethnic groups from the southwestern regions of Uganda which include the Bakiga, Bafumbira, and the Batwa pygmies.
The Bakiga are the predominant group in the region known for their vibrant cultures and customs. The Batwa people also known as the pygmies are the indigenous people who once lived in the forests of the park but were driven out with development and conservation efforts to protect the wildlife. They were relocated to areas around the park and practiced subsistence farming for survival.
The Bafumbira, who are closely related to the Bakiga also rely on cattle keeping and Agriculture on the slopes of the volcanic mountains.
These local communities have a deep cultural and historical connection with the park and hence play an important role in the conservation efforts through participating in ecotourism and different community projects that are beneficial both to them and the wildlife.
Top 6 Attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National park is a less crowded compared to other gorilla trekking destinations like the Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Volcanoes National park.
Its smaller size and the fact that it issues small gorilla permits in a day that’s 8 permits for one habituated gorilla group called Nyakagezi, it contributes to its relatively smaller numbers of visitors. This makes it to offer a more serene and intimate experience with wildlife especially for those seeking a quiet adventure.
The park has a variety of exciting activities to offer among which include gorilla and golden monkey tracking, nature walks, cultural visits, birding, game drives, hiking, among others. The popular activities enjoyed at the park include;
Gorilla tracking;
There is one major habituated gorilla family tracked at the park called Nyakagezi comprised of about 9 individual members and hence 8 permits are issued in a day to 8 individuals.
Other gorilla groups seen at the park include the Hirwa gorilla family of Volcanoes National Park which occasionally moves to Mgahinga, the Muyinga group which is not tracked but present in the park, and the Habinyanja gorilla family which was part of the gorilla groups in Bwindi but now found in the Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
Gorilla tracking at the park is a thrilling and exciting adventure sought after by different tourists to Uganda hence requiring one to book a gorilla permit in advance of at least 3 months before the actual travel dates to avoid missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime activity.
A gorilla tracking day at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starts as early as 8:00 am with a simple briefing at the park headquarters from an experienced and knowledgeable guide. He provides trackers with vital information on rules and guidelines to follow to ensure their safety and the well-being of gorillas.
A smaller manageable group which often consists of 8 individuals is led by a guide, an armed ranger, and a porter if necessary to the gorilla habitats.
During the trek, you navigate through different challenging trails ranging from muddy and slippery trails to steep slopes featuring dense vegetation.
The duration of the trek can vary from a few hours to a day depending on the location of the gorillas. However, a simple gorilla trek usually takes about 4 hours inclusive of the standard 1 hour of observation.
Therefore, once gorillas are encountered, visitors have usually one hour to observe them feed, groom, interact, and play.
As of the latest information, a gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost USD 800. This fee includes an individual permit for a single trek, park entry fees, and services from a knowledgeable park guide.
A traveler can acquire this permit directly from any of the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or through a licensed tour operator who organizes travel itineraries to different tourist destinations in Uganda.
The best time to track gorillas in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the dry months of June and August as they are featured with dry passable trails and vibrant gorilla habitats.
Golden Monkey tracking:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the endangered golden monkeys which are loved for their unique and vibrant golden fur. The habituated groups of these fascinating primates are found in the Virunga region which is in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and the Mgahinga Gorilla Park making it one of the few destinations on the globe offering opportunities to encounter them.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starts as early as 8:00 am taking about 2 to 4 hours to track them in their natural habitats. This adventure involves hiking through different terrains under the guidance of experienced rangers.
When you encounter the golden monkeys, you often have 1 hour of observing them swing through the forests, play, feed, and interact with each other which is very thrilling to watch.
Golden monkey observations are a more active and engaging adventure compared to gorilla observations as they involve following and running about them for the best views as they roam about their habitats.
A gorilla tracking permit in Uganda costs USD 100 and you can acquire it directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through licensed tour operators.
Mountain Climbing;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is featured with three extinct volcanoes offering hiking enthusiasts exceptional opportunities to enjoy mountain climbing adventures. These volcanoes include;
Mount Sabinyo which is 3,669 meters (12,036 feet) above the sea level. It is a moderate mountain to hike featuring rugged terrains, very steep slopes, and spectacular views on its summit.
Mount Gahinga is 3,474 meters (11,365 feet) above sea level, the shortest of the 3 volcanoes but offers an intriguing climb featuring diverse vegetation, volcanic caldera, and panoramic views of the surrounding vegetation.
Mount Muhabura is the highest of the Virunga volcanoes with an elevation of 4,127 meters (13,540 feet). Its great height featured with steep and rugged terrains, makes it a more challenging mountain to conquer taking hikers 2 days to get to its summit.
Just like any adventurous activity in the park, mountain climbing starts with a simple briefing about what to expect and then the group is led by an experienced hiking guide, an armed ranger to ensure safety, and a porter to help carry the hiking gear.
Mountain climbers are advised to prepare right and light because of the varying weather and terrain conditions. The essential hiking gear must include light steady hiking boots, energy snacks, water, light and warm clothes if you are to spend a night, and rain gear. Hiking is a physically demanding activity requiring an individual to be physically fit for the best and most enjoyable adventure.
As of the latest, a hiking permit in Uganda costs USD 80 and is acquired from the Uganda wildlife offices through tour operators or in person.
Bird Watching:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a birding haven documented to hold over 100 bird species inclusive of the rare species, some of the notable species of birds at the park include the Rwenzori Turaco, Mountain yellow warbler, African green broadbill, and scarlet tufted Malachite sunbird.
Other birds spotted at the park include yellow-throated long claw, White-starred Robin, White-necked raven, White-naped Raven, White-naped Raven, White Starred Robin, Western Green Tinker bird, Wax Bills, Thrush and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Striped breasted Tit, Streaky Seedeater, Stray seedeater, Stone Chat, Speckled Mousebird, Southern Red Bishop, Shelly’s Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Rufous chested swallow, Regal Sunbird,
red-throated alethe, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Greater Double collard Sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Alpine chat ,Fly eagle, Red necked spur fowl, Collared Apalis, Chubb’s Cisticola, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Brown Woodland Warbler, Bronze Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Pin-tailed whydah, Paradise Fly-catcher, Olive woodpecker, Olive Thrush, Olive Pigeon, apalis, Montane nightjar, Malachite Sunbird, Scarlet-tufted Sunbirds, Kivu-ground Thrush, Ibis, Handsome Francolin, Grey Capped Warbler, Firefinch, Fire Finch Stonechat, Dusky Turtle Dove, Dusky crimson wing, Double-collared sunbird, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Crowned Hornbill, Crowned Crane, Blue-headed Coucal, Black-headed Waxbill, Black Kite, Banded Prinia, Archer’s ground robin, Archer’s Robin Chat and Cape Robin-chat.
The park features different bird habitats namely the bamboo forests, montane forests, caves, and mountains which contribute to its diversity.
Birdwatching tours are the park are led by an experienced birding guide who is well-versed in different birding habitats in the park. He helps to locate and identify different bird species which offers a more immersive experience during these adventures.
Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National is all year round but the best time is during the dry months which range from June to September and October to November. During these months, the forests are relatively dry and birds are very active roaming about their habitats. they offer better visibility and bird photography.
A pair of binoculars is essential for excellent visibility at a distance. A good digital camera with a good zoom lens is also essential to enhance your birding photography.
Nature Walks:
Nature walks at the park offer an up-close of the park’s diverse ecosystems which is an immersive experience. Nature walks at the park include;
The bamboo forest walks which take you to explore the park’s lush bamboo forests, home to the fascinating golden monkeys and different wildlife species.
The village walks take you through the local communities living around the park. These offer deep cultural insights into the daily lives of the Batwa, Bakiga, and Bafumbira local people. While there, you get a chance to interact with them, watch, and engage in the traditional performances.
The volcano trails lead you up to the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes found in the park namely Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura offering panoramic views of the park and close encounters with different plants and animal species.
Just like any adventurous activity around the park, guided nature walks are led by an experienced guide who is well-versed in the park’s trail networks. He helps to spot different unique features within the park that you might have skipped an eye on hence offering an immersive experience.
Walks at the park vary in length and levels of difficulty taking you from short and easy to long and tiring hikes. With the help of the guide, you choose a trail that matches your fitness and interests for an enjoyable experience.
Along the trails, you get an up-close view of different wildlife which includes birds, monkeys, invertebrates, plant species, and different small mammals.
For the best and an immersive experience, you have to choose your gear wisely. opt for light hiking boots, and light clothes, carry rain gear as weather conditions are dynamic, water, energy snacks, and a good camera to capture scenic views.
Cultural Visits: There are three local tribes living near the park but the most fascinating to visit is the Batwa people also known as the pygmies. These are indigenous to the region and are believed to have lived in the forests of the mountains for over 1,000 years until when they were driven out. Visits to the Batwa people offer an opportunity to learn about their traditional way of living which includes herbal medicines to cure various diseases, hunting practices, fruit gathering, and craftsmanship, among others.
The Batwa people are kind and welcoming, they present their expressions to visitors through music, dance, drama performances, and storytelling offering a warm and pleasant stay with them.
Visits in the other villages around the park will offer insights into the daily lives of the local communities. During the visits, you enjoy your watch and learn their traditional crafts such as basket weaving, pottery, and craft making, among others which are demonstrated by the local artisans.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Tickets 2024
Mgahinga Gorilla National park tickets are fares that allow you access to different park’s adventurous activities. These are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government body which is in charge of Uganda Tourism.
A Mgahinga Gorilla National park ticket is issued per specific individual meaning it cannot be shared or transferred to another person and is valid for only 24 hours from the date of its activation. The park tickets and their prices include;
Gorilla Tracking permits allowing you access to the gorilla natural habitats to encounter with the fascinating mountain gorillas. As of 2024, a Gorilla trekking permits to the park costs USD 800 Per Person, Per day for foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for foreign residents with working permits in Uganda, and UGX 300, 0000 for EAC nationals.
These come with a limited supply and high demand with only eight tickets available for eight visitors in per day hence requiring to be booked in advance of your travel dates.
Golden Monkey Tracking Tickets allow you access to the bamboo forests of the park to encounter with the golden monkeys.
As of 2024, a Golden monkey tracking ticket to Mgahinga Gorilla National park costs 100 USD per individual for foreign non residents, 80 USD per individual for foreign residents, and UGX 60,000 for EAC residents.
Birding Tickets to Mgahinga Gorilla National park take on thrilling guided nature walks through trails leading to different sections of the park to catch glimpse of different bird species.
As of 2024, a birding ticket to Mgahinga Gorilla National park costs 30 USD per person for both foreign non residents and foreign residents, and UGX 10,000 for EAC citizens.
Nature walk tickets taking you to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem cost USD 30 for foreign non-residents, USD 15 for foreign residents, and UGX 10,000 for East African citizen.
Mountain Hiking tickets taking you to hike Mount Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo cost USD 75 for foreign non-residents, USD 60 for foreign residents, and UGX 50,000 for East African citizens.
These tickets includes park entry fees, services of an English speaking guide and access to the desired adventurous activity.
How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National can be conveniently accessed both by Air and Road transport.
Travel by Air
From Entebbe airport, the primary international gateway to Uganda, a visitor may choose to take a domestic flight to Kisoro airstrip. Airlines like Aerolink Uganda offer convenient flights which are ideal choices for travelers who don’t want to spend much time featured with using Road transport.
Travel by Road
It is approximately 500 kilometers journey from Entebbe to Kisoro covered in about 8 to 10 hours via Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro road Highway. This road from Entebbe to Kabale is well paved but the final stretch to Kisoro, then to the park is rugged requiring a reliable and durable vehicle for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Renting a private car specifically the 4×4 wheel drive is a popular option for travelers who are seeking comfort and reliability. These 4×4 cars are renowned for their excellent off-road capabilities and therefore if complemented with a private driver guide, you get the best immersive experience throughout your road trips to the park.
For a budget traveler, you may have to use public means of transport. You can access public taxis or buses heading to Kisoro from their parks in Kampala such as the New or Old taxi park.
They drop you in Kisoro town when you grab a motorcycle or a special hire to the park headquarters.
Border Crossing
If you are traveling from Rwanda, you can conveniently cross to Uganda through the Cyanika border post which is approximately a 2 to 3-hour journey to the border. You should ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents which include visa and permits, your car rental documents if you are a sole traveler, and some local currency to clear payments where needed. It is approximately 14 kilometers from the border to Kisoro.
From Congo, you cross to Uganda through the Bunagana border which is a few hour journey from Goma. Ensure that you have all the required documents and hard local cash for a seamless road trip.
Final Stretch to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
It is about a 30-minute short drive from Kisoro to the park headquarters. This short distance is featured with a rugged and more challenging road most especially during the rainy seasons hence requiring a reliable car to navigate through these narrow and steep trails.
Accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga national park offers a range of accommodations located both within and outside the park catering to various traveler’s preferences and budgets. They are strategically located to allow visitors to conveniently access the park’s activities that start very early in the morning such as gorilla tracking. They also offer travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Some of these lodges include;
Gorilla Safari Lodge: located just a short drive from the Park, Gorilla Safari Lodge is a luxurious and comfortable lodge featured with stunning views of nature. It offers well-furnished cottages each with a private veranda that offers panoramic views of the Virunga mountains. It has a well-stocked bar and restaurant serving both local and international cuisines, it offers a campfire in the evening, guided nature walks, and community visits.
Mount Gahinga Lodge: Located just on the edge of the park, Mount Gahinga Lodge offers high-end eco-friendly grass thatched and self-contained cottages. Each has its private veranda where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding environment. The lodge has a fireplace, a restaurant serving both local and international cuisines, a bar, a hospitable team, and ample space, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge: Although located in the neighboring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this lodge is a reliable option for travelers seeking a comfortable lodge while at the same time being close to the Mgahinga Gorilla Park. It offers self-contained bandhas with ample space, a bar and a restaurant, excellent customer service, and Wi-Fi, among others ensuring that you have a pleasant stay.
Chameleon Hill Lodge: strategically located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Mutanda, Chameleon Hill Lodge features a variety of elegantly designed cottages and suits crafted with attention to detail ensuring that they offer a comfortable and luxurious experience to guests. It has a well-stocked bar and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisines, a lounge, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a spa, hospitable customer service team, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.