Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest park at 33.7 km², protects mountain gorillas and other wildlife. Despite its small size, it offers stunning views with a backdrop of three volcanoes. This park, home to one habituated gorilla group, attracts visitors from all over the world. It spans the slopes of Muhuvura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo, with altitudes ranging from 2,227m to 4,127m. Mgahinga adjoins Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo, forming the transboundary Virunga Conservation Area.

Conservation efforts in the Virungas began in 1925, with Belgium protecting parts of present-day Congo and Rwanda. In 1930, the British administration declared the Ugandan section a game sanctuary, upgrading it to a national park in 1991. The three volcanoes offer a dramatic backdrop, each with a descriptive name. Besides gorillas, Mgahinga hosts 76 mammal species, including the endangered golden monkey in its bamboo habitat.

Attractions and Activities

Ntebeko Visitor Centre

The Ntebeko Visitor Centre serves as the trailhead for nature walks, volcano climbs, and golden monkey and gorilla tracking. Inside, exhibits explore the Virunga environment. A trail along the nearby drystone Buffalo Wall, built to keep animals out of farmland, offers excellent birding and views of the park’s volcanic backdrop.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking, a sought-after wildlife experience, starts daily at 8:00 AM at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre. The activity typically lasts 3-5 hours, following trails of trampled vegetation to spend an hour with mountain gorillas. Visitors must book permits in advance through the UWA Booking Office in Kampala. To protect the gorillas and visitors, strict rules and guidelines apply, which participants must follow. Gorilla tracking is only available for individuals aged 15 and above.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Though gorillas receive the most attention, golden monkeys also inhabit the park. These endangered primates can be tracked in their bamboo habitat. Contact time with golden monkeys is limited to an hour, but the habituation experience allows visitors to spend a full day observing them with researchers.

Volcano Climbing

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park features three volcanic summits, all climbable within a day. The highest peak, Muhuvura (4,127m), offers panoramic views and a crystal-clear crater lake at the summit. The hike passes through various vegetation zones, including montane forest, bamboo stands, and heather groves. Mount Gahinga (3,474m), the smallest volcano, has bamboo-covered slopes and a lush, swamp-filled crater. Sabinyo (3,669m) features several summits separated by deep gorges. Climbers must navigate steep sections and fixed ladders to reach the summit, standing in three countries simultaneously.

The Batwa Trail

The Batwa Trail introduces visitors to the indigenous Batwa Pygmies, who once lived in Mgahinga’s forests. Batwa guides lead visitors through the lower forest slopes, showcasing survival skills and traditional practices. The trail’s highlight is the descent into Garama Cave, the largest of several lava tubes in the Virungas. Once home to the Batwa king, the cave hosts a memorable music and dance performance. Visitors can choose between full and half-day trails.

Access to the Park

By Road

Visitors can reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road from Kampala or Kigali. The journey provides scenic views and an opportunity to explore Uganda’s countryside.

By Air

Alternatively, visitors can fly to Kisoro airstrip, a short drive from the park. Flights are available from Entebbe International Airport, offering a quicker and more comfortable option.