Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, where the country meets Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands as a small but spectacular haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Often overshadowed by its bigger sibling, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga offers a more intimate and serene gorilla trekking experience in a dramatic volcanic landscape. In 2025, Mgahinga remains a hidden gem for travelers looking to connect with nature, encounter mountain gorillas, and enjoy the tranquility of Uganda’s highlands.
Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a memorable safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Why Visit Mgahinga in 2025?
Mgahinga may be Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 33.7 square kilometers, but it boasts a richness of wildlife and scenery that rivals any larger reserve. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains — a chain of extinct and active volcanoes — and offers breathtaking views, cool mountain air, and mist-covered slopes teeming with life.
Mgahinga is home to one habituated family of mountain gorillas known as the Nyakagezi group. Unlike Bwindi, where trekking permits are spread across multiple families and sectors, Mgahinga focuses on this one group, making the experience more exclusive and personal. The park is also the only place in Uganda where you can see golden monkeys, another rare and beautiful primate species, in their natural habitat.
In 2025, Mgahinga remains an excellent alternative for visitors who want to avoid the busier trails of Bwindi, enjoy a quieter trekking experience, or combine gorilla trekking with volcano hiking and golden monkey tracking.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
The highlight of any safari in Mgahinga is trekking to see the mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi family is known for being playful, photogenic, and relatively easy to track since they tend to stay within the park boundaries.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Visitors are assigned to small groups led by experienced guides and trackers, who take you on a hike through bamboo forests, montane woodland, and open clearings until you find the gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from two to six hours depending on the group’s location, but the reward — spending an unforgettable hour watching them — is worth every step.
In 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga remains USD 800 per person, the same as in Bwindi. Permits are limited and must be booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Another unique attraction in Mgahinga is the opportunity to track golden monkeys, an endangered primate found only in the Virunga region. These lively, brightly colored monkeys live in the bamboo zones of the park and offer a delightful complement to the more serene gorilla trek.
Golden monkey tracking is less strenuous and shorter than gorilla trekking, making it perfect for visitors of all fitness levels. It’s also more affordable, with permits costing about USD 60 per person in 2025.
Volcano Hiking Adventures
For hikers and adventure seekers, Mgahinga offers the chance to climb one of the three volcanoes within the park — Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabinyo. Each presents its own level of challenge and reward, from the moderate slopes of Gahinga to the rugged, triple-peaked Sabinyo that straddles the borders of three countries. These hikes offer stunning panoramas of the Virunga range, the Albertine Rift, and the surrounding forests.
Volcano hikes are guided and can often be arranged on the same day as golden monkey tracking if time permits.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga
Mgahinga can be visited year-round, but the best time for trekking is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February — when trails are less slippery and visibility is better. Even during the dry months, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to dress in layers and bring rain gear.
How to Get to Mgahinga
Mgahinga is located about 510 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The drive takes roughly 9–10 hours and passes through scenic countryside and rolling hills. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe or Kampala, reducing travel time significantly. Many visitors also combine a trip to Mgahinga with visits to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Rwanda, which is just a short drive away.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options around Mgahinga range from budget-friendly guesthouses in Kisoro town to comfortable lodges near the park entrance. Staying close to the park is highly recommended to ensure an early start for your trek. Many lodges offer spectacular views of the volcanoes, cozy mountain-style rooms, and hearty meals after a day of trekking.
Tips for Your 2025 Mgahinga Safari
Book your gorilla and golden monkey permits well in advance, especially for peak months, to secure your preferred dates. Pack sturdy hiking boots, gloves, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of water. Always follow your guides’ instructions and maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife. Remember, your visit directly supports conservation and the livelihoods of local communities.
Why Mgahinga Should Be on Your 2025 Safari List
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a unique blend of intimacy, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you come for the gentle mountain gorillas, the spirited golden monkeys, the breathtaking volcanic scenery, or simply the peace and quiet of Uganda’s highlands, Mgahinga promises a safari experience like no other. In 2025, as more travelers seek meaningful and responsible wildlife encounters, this little park remains one of Africa’s most rewarding hidden gems.
