Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park (33 km²) but one of its most dramatic, protecting the Ugandan portions of three of the eight Virunga Volcanoes: Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mount Sabinyo (3,645 m). The park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. Mgahinga is home to a troop of mountain gorillas and is one of the only places in Africa where you can track golden monkeys.

The park sits at a crossroads of borders, where Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC meet. The landscape is stunning — volcanoes draped in bamboo forest, with sweeping views over the surrounding highlands.

By Plane

Kisoro Airstrip (15 km north) has flights from Entebbe. Chartered flights also serve the park.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Mgahinga.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 7–8 hours via Kabale. The road from Kisoro to the park is paved. From Kabale, the journey is about 1.5 hours.

Walking only within the park, with UWA guides. 4x4 vehicles for transfers between the park and Kisoro.

• Virunga Volcanoes — Three spectacular peaks, all climbable with guides

• Golden monkeys — Mgahinga is one of only two places in Uganda to track the rare golden monkey

• Mountain gorillas — The Nyakagezi gorilla group ranges within the park

• Rwanda and DRC border — The park sits at the convergence of three countries

• Golden monkey tracking (half-day, permits US$100)

• Mountain gorilla tracking (permits US$700)

• Volcano climbing: Mount Muhavura (6–8 hours), Mount Gahinga (4–6 hours), Mount Sabinyo (6–8 hours)

• Batwa (pygmy) cultural experience — a guided walk with the Batwa people who once lived in the forest

• Birdwatching — look for the Rwenzori turaco and other Albertine Rift endemics

Meals provided by lodges in Kisoro and near the park.

Lodges provide drinking water and drinks. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Mgahinga UWA bandas (from US$30) and Kisoro Backpackers (dorm from US$10)
• Mid-range: Kisoro Tourist Hotel (from US$40) and Lake Mutanda Resort (from US$50)
• Upscale: Mgahinga Safari Lodge (from US$250 per person)

Gorilla and golden monkey permits must be booked in advance through UWA. Souvenirs available at lodge gift shops.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (40 km north, 1.5 hrs) — Gorilla trekking
• Lake Mutanda (15 km north) — Stunning volcanic lake
• Kisoro (15 km north) — Gateway town
• Rwanda border (Cyanika, 20 km south) — Cross into Volcanoes National Park
• DRC border (Bunagana, 10 km west) — Cross into Virunga National Park