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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects the Ugandan slopes of the majestic Virungas, a range of freestanding volcanoes that rises to a maximum altitude of 4,507m/14,787ft on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is an alternative destination to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. Other attractions include hikes to the summit of three of the park’s volcanic peaks and golden monkey trekking.
Best Time to Visit
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open for gorilla trekking the whole year, but the best times are during the drier seasons from June to August and December to January. At these times the trails tend to be easier to navigate and spending a precious hour with the gorillas might be more pleasant when it isn’t raining.
June to August & December to January –Dry Seasons
February to May & September to November –Wet Seasons
Activities The primary activities that attract tourists to Mgahinga include:
Scenery
Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park. It forms part of the Virunga Mountains and adjoins with the parks across the borders of DRC and Rwanda. The entire park is at a high altitude, and the views are out of this world. The most prominent feature are the volcanic cones of extinct volcanoes in the mountain range. It also offers great views over Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe.
From: $319 to $2000 pp/da
From: June to August and December to January
From: June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
From: 34km² / 13mi²
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is best known as an alternative destination to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, but it also offers good birding, and an opportunity to spend time with the localized golden monkey. There is only one habituated gorilla troop here. This means a maximum of only eight permits a day are available, resulting in a very exclusive experience on the day of trekking.
Wildlife Highlights
The Nyakagazi group of mountain gorillas is notable for incorporating four sibling silverbacks. A troop of habituated golden monkeys, which is endemic to the Albertine Rift and more or less restricted to the Virungas, can also be tracked. Bushbuck and buffalo are quite often encountered, while other more secretive resident mammals include golden cat, side-striped jackal, giant forest hog, bushpig, and elephant.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The Dry seasons (from June to August and December to January) are the best times for trekking gorillas. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk, and time with the gorillas and photography can be compromised.
The climate in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mild to cold and wet. The high altitude (2,227m to 4,127m or 7,306ft to 13,540ft) makes this one of the coldest destinations in the country. It is on average 20°C/68°F during the day, becoming cold in the evening (9°C/48°F).
Mgahinga experiences no real Dry season, so rain is always possible, but there tends to be less rainfall in December to January, while June and July receive the least amount of rain. There are two recognizable Wet seasons: from February to May and from September to November. It is advised to pack decent hiking shoes and waterproof clothing.
Dry Seasons –June to August & December to January
Wet Seasons –February to May & September to November
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies 14km/9mi from the small town of Kisoro along a rough ascent road (allow 45 minutes). A 4WD vehicle is recommended for this road at all times and is essential in the Wet seasons (from February to May and September to November). The park is 510km/317mi from Kampala (at least 9 hours’ drive*) and it can be reached by road from Queen Elizabeth National Park (around 6 hours* to drive 310km/193mi) or Lake Mburo National Park (5 to 7 hours* to drive 316km/196mi).
Your point of entry into Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located about 46km/29mi from the capital, Kampala. It is possible to take a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
All domestic flights will most likely be booked by your tour operator as part of your safari package. Aerolink offers daily morning flights to Kisoro.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Uganda page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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