Tucked into Uganda’s southwestern corner, where the country meets Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, lies Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — a true hidden gem for adventurous travelers planning a safari in 2025.
Although it is Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences, from unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to thrilling volcano hikes and cultural visits with the Batwa people.
Here’s your complete guide to making the most of your 2025 safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Why Visit Mgahinga in 2025?
With travel trends continuing to favor uncrowded, authentic destinations, Mgahinga is perfectly positioned as a top choice for 2025. The park remains less visited than its more famous neighbor, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, meaning visitors can enjoy a more intimate and tranquil experience while supporting conservation and local communities.
Mgahinga combines world-class wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, making it a unique addition to any Uganda safari itinerary.
Safari Highlights in Mgahinga
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
The park’s star attraction is its family of habituated mountain gorillas, part of the globally endangered population shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Trekking through misty bamboo forests to spend time with these gentle giants is a profound experience — and one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife encounters.
Because Mgahinga has just one habituated gorilla family, treks here are highly exclusive. Booking your 2025 permit early is essential to secure your spot.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where you can see the rare and endangered golden monkey. These striking primates, with their bright golden-orange coats, live in the park’s high-altitude bamboo forests. Golden monkey tracking is an exciting and energetic adventure, perfect for those looking to complement their gorilla trek with another memorable primate encounter.
Volcano Climbing
Mgahinga sits in the heart of the Virunga Volcanoes, and adventurous travelers can summit one of three dormant volcanoes in the park: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Each offers a different level of challenge and rewards climbers with spectacular views across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Mount Sabinyo is particularly popular, as its unique jagged summit marks the meeting point of all three countries.
Batwa Cultural Experience
Long before Mgahinga became a national park, it was home to the Batwa pygmies, a hunter-gatherer community who lived in harmony with the forest for generations. Today, the Batwa offer visitors the chance to experience their traditional way of life through guided walks, storytelling, and demonstrations of hunting and survival skills.
This cultural experience adds depth and meaning to your safari, highlighting the importance of community conservation efforts.
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga in 2025
Mgahinga is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trails are drier and trekking is easier.
The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring lush scenery and fewer tourists — but also slippery trails and more challenging conditions.
How to Get There
Mgahinga is about a 4–5 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda, making it a convenient option for travelers flying into Kigali. From Uganda’s capital, Kampala, the drive takes about 9–10 hours. Domestic flights are also available from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro airstrip, just a short drive from the park.
What to Pack
For your 2025 safari, pack comfortable hiking boots, waterproof clothing, layered clothing for the cool mornings and evenings, gloves for trekking, and a good camera to capture your memories. Don’t forget your gorilla or golden monkey trekking permit, which must be booked well in advance.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be small in size, but it delivers a safari experience that is big on adventure, intimacy, and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the gorillas, the golden monkeys, or the dramatic volcanic landscapes, Mgahinga will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
As 2025 approaches, now is the perfect time to plan your visit and secure your permits. By choosing Mgahinga, you’re not only treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind safari — you’re also supporting conservation and sustainable tourism in one of Africa’s most precious wildernesses.
