DESTINATION GUIDE // UGANDA
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda smallest park, wedged beneath three volcanoes, with gorillas and golden monkeys in the same forest.
33.7 km2
PARK AREA
3
VOLCANOES
Golden
MONKEYS
1 family
HABITUATED GORILLAS
510 km
FROM KAMPALA
Quick answer: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers just 33.7 square kilometres in the far southwest of Uganda, forming part of the Virunga range shared with Rwanda. It has one habituated gorilla family and is the only Ugandan park where golden monkeys can be tracked.
OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park At A Glance
Mgahinga is small, high and dramatic, sitting beneath the cones of Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It offers gorilla tracking with far fewer visitors than Bwindi, plus golden monkey tracking, which is a lively and much easier alternative. The Batwa Trail, led by members of the community who once lived in this forest, is among the more meaningful cultural experiences in the region.
| Detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Kisoro District, southwestern Uganda, in the Virunga range |
| Distance from Kampala | Approximately 510 km, 8 to 9 hours by road |
| Size | 33.7 km2, the smallest park in Uganda |
| Established | 1991 |
| Permit cost | Around 800 US dollars for gorillas, 100 for golden monkeys |
| Known for | Gorillas, golden monkeys, Batwa Trail, volcano climbs |
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES
What You Will See and Do
Gorilla Tracking
One habituated family. Permits are easier to secure here than in Bwindi and the trekking terrain is generally more open.
Golden Monkey Tracking
An endangered species restricted to the Virunga forests. Fast, noisy and highly photogenic and permits cost a fraction of gorilla ones.
Batwa Trail
Guided by Batwa community members who lived in this forest before it became a park, covering hunting, medicine and the Garama cave.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
When To Go
| Months | What to expect | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jun to Aug | Driest, firmest trails | High |
| Dec to Feb | Second dry season, clear volcano views | High |
| Mar to May | Long rains, muddy, permits easier | Low |
| Sep to Nov | Short rains, quiet | Medium |
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