Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in Uganda’s southwestern corner on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a small but breathtaking wilderness area. It is part of the great Virunga Conservation Area, home to mist-shrouded volcanoes, bamboo forests, and rare wildlife.
Although the park offers a variety of activities for nature and adventure lovers, the major activity that draws visitors from all over the world is mountain gorilla trekking.
Here’s an in-depth look at this unforgettable experience — and why it remains the highlight of a safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Why Gorilla Trekking Stands Out
Gorilla trekking is not just a walk through the forest — it is a profound encounter with one of the planet’s most endangered and fascinating creatures, the mountain gorilla. Mgahinga is home to a single habituated gorilla family, known as the Nyakagezi group.
Because the Nyakagezi family stays within the park boundaries most of the time, Mgahinga offers a highly exclusive and intimate trekking experience. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Bwindi, Mgahinga sees fewer tourists, meaning you’ll enjoy a quieter and more personal time with the gorillas.
What To Expect on a Gorilla Trek
Your gorilla trek begins early in the morning at Ntebeko Visitor Center, where you’ll be briefed by rangers about gorilla behavior, safety rules, and what to expect in the forest.
Groups are limited to a maximum of eight trekkers per day, ensuring minimal impact on the gorillas and a more personal encounter. With your guide and trackers leading the way, you’ll hike through a mosaic of bamboo forest, montane woodlands, and open moorland as you follow signs of the gorillas — fresh dung, footprints, and nests.
The trek can last anywhere between one and four hours, depending on where the family is on that particular day. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be allowed one hour to observe and photograph them as they go about their day — feeding, grooming, playing, and occasionally making eye contact.
This hour is often described as one of the most moving wildlife experiences on earth.
Why Choose Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking?
Many visitors opt for Mgahinga because it combines exclusivity, stunning scenery, and excellent chances of finding the Nyakagezi family. The backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes adds a dramatic atmosphere to the trek, and the park’s smaller size makes it easy to explore without the crowds often found in Bwindi.
Other Activities You Can Do While in Mgahinga
While gorilla trekking is the main attraction, Mgahinga also offers other rewarding experiences, such as golden monkey tracking, hiking one of the three dormant volcanoes, and participating in the Batwa cultural trail — but these are secondary to the unmatched thrill of standing face to face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
For anyone visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking is not just the major activity — it is the heart and soul of the experience. Spending even one hour with these majestic creatures leaves an indelible mark, deepening your appreciation for Uganda’s conservation efforts and the fragile beauty of its wild places.
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda and want a gorilla trek that is both intimate and awe-inspiring, Mgahinga is the perfect choice.
