Name: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Address: Uganda

Overview

Mgahinga National Park is the country’s smallest park, covering only 33.7 km². Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.

High Season

June to September

Best Time to Go

June to August and December to January

Pros & Cons

Famous for Mountain gorilla trekking
Amazing scenery with views of volcanic peaks
Activities include hiking to volcanic peaks, golden monkey trekking, Batwa cultural trail and caving

The short final access road is rough at all times
Gorilla trekking permit is very expensive
Only one habituated gorilla troop

Map in Uganda

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Gallery Images

Explore the stunning beauty of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park through our curated collection of photographs showcasing its landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders.

Want to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

Wildlife & Animals

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey. There is only one family habituated to make contact in Mgahinga. Called the Nyakagazi group, it has five silverbacks, two adult females and three young gorillas.

Wildlife Highlights

Mgahinga is home to 76 species of mammals, although they are difficult to glimpse in the wild forest vegetation. They include giant forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers and South African porcupines.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for gorilla trekking is in the Dry seasons from June to August and December to January. But in heavy rainfall, trails can be difficult to walk and gorilla trekking can be compromised.

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Birds

The best birding in Mgahinga also takes in some of its most beautiful scenery - in the gorge between Mts Gahinga and Sabinyo, through the bamboo forest, and in the montane forest, where the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco may be observed. The three to four-hour Gorge Trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo can provide a spectacular sightings of the Dusky turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bronze Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Black-headed Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater.

Best Time for Birding

Birding can be done all year round in Mgahinga but the best time will be from April to May and October to November. In the rainy season from August to October, Bird watching can be difficult to follow as roads become very slippery.

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Best Time to Visit – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The best time for gorilla trekking is in the Dry seasons from June to August and December to January. But in heavy rainfall, trails can be difficult to walk and gorilla trekking can be compromised.

High Season

June to September

Low Season

Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas

Best Weather

Typically during dry months; check local patterns

Worst Weather

Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area