Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a rare chance to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga is the country’s smallest national park but plays a vital role in gorilla conservation. It forms part of the transboundary Virunga Conservation Area, which stretches into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Home of the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group, the only fully habituated gorilla family in the park and the only one available for trekking. This group is well-known for being relatively stable and easy to track, thanks to its predictable movements within the park.

The Nyakagezi family currently has 9 members, including four silverbacks, and is led by the dominant silverback Mark. While this group has historically crossed borders into Rwanda and the DRC, it has settled permanently in Mgahinga in recent years, making trekking here more reliable than before. Learn more about Nyakagezi from IGCP.

How Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Works

The trek starts early in the morning with a briefing at the Ntebeko Visitor Center, where Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers explain the rules, safety precautions, and what to expect. Groups are limited to eight people per trek, and you’ll be accompanied by expert guides and armed rangers.

The length and difficulty of the trek vary depending on the gorillas’ location, and the terrain can be steep and muddy. Once you reach the group, you’ll spend a magical one hour observing the gorillas from a distance of 10 meters. This close encounter allows you to watch the gorillas forage, groom, play, or rest—often just a few meters away (Mgahinga National Park – Gorilla Trekking).

Gorilla Permits for Mgahinga

To trek gorillas in Mgahinga, you need a gorilla trekking permit, which currently costs USD 800 per person. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and should be booked well in advance, as only eight permits are available daily in Mgahinga.

You can book your permit directly through UWA or more conveniently via a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions, which also helps arrange accommodation, transportation, and guided safaris.

Details about Mgahinga gorilla permits.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Golden Monkey Tracking

Besides gorillas, Mgahinga is also one of the best places to track golden monkeys, another endangered primate species found only in the Virunga region. These monkeys live in the park’s bamboo forests and are fun to watch as they leap through the trees in large, energetic groups. Learn more about golden monkey tracking here.

Volcano Hiking

Mgahinga includes three extinct volcanoes—Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m), Mount Gahinga (3,474m), and Mount Muhabura (4,127m). All three can be hiked, with trails leading through stunning landscapes of bamboo forests, crater lakes, and alpine vegetation. These hikes are challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering sweeping views over Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. More info at Mgahinga National Park.

Batwa Cultural Trail

Before Mgahinga was a national park, it was home to the Batwa pygmies, an indigenous forest-dwelling tribe. Today, you can walk the Batwa Trail, guided by Batwa elders who share stories, demonstrate hunting and gathering techniques, and introduce you to their traditional way of life. This cultural tour offers a rare glimpse into the ancient heritage of one of Africa’s oldest tribes (Batwa Trail info).

Getting There

Mgahinga is about 10 hours by road from Kampala (roughly 500 km), typically via Kabale and Kisoro. The road trip is scenic, especially around Lake Bunyonyi and the southwestern highlands.

Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, with scheduled flights offered by Aerolink Uganda. From Kisoro, it’s a 30-minute drive to the park gate. More travel tips at Mgahinga National Park.

Where to Stay

Accommodation around Mgahinga ranges from budget lodges to luxury eco-lodges. Top options include:

• Mount Gahinga Lodge – A high-end eco-lodge close to the park gate

• Amajambere Iwacu Camp – Budget-friendly and community-run

• Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort – A peaceful mid-range lodge on Lake Bunyonyi, great for post-trek relaxation

You can find more lodging details on Mgahinga National Park’s website.

When to Go

The best time to visit Mgahinga for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from June to August and December to February. During these months, trails are less muddy and conditions are more favorable.

However, trekking is possible year-round, and the wetter months (March–May, September–November) often mean lush landscapes and fewer visitors. For tips on what to pack and how to prepare, see this complete trekking guide.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more crowded Bwindi. With its scenic volcanoes, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural encounters, Mgahinga is a hidden gem for adventurous travelers.