Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Pros & Cons

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Fantastic scenery with views up to volcanic peaks and over mountain-ringed lakes
• Activities include hiking to volcanic peaks, golden monkey trekking, Batwa cultural trail and caving
• Easier to obtain last minute permits here than in Bwindi
• The short final access road is rough at all times and can be very bad in the rainy season
• Gorilla trekking permits are expensive (though much cheaper than in Rwanda)

Wildlife

Aside from the endangered mountain gorilla, Mgahinga is home to many other mammal species. However, as in all forests, animals tend to be hard to spot. The very rare golden monkey, endemic to the Albertine Rift, can be tracked. Other mammals include black-and-white colobus, buffalo, elephant, bushbuck and duiker.

• More about Mgahinga's wildlife

Scenery

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park. It forms part of the Virunga Mountains and adjoins with the parks across the borders of Congo and Rwanda. The entire park is at a high altitude, and the views are out of this world. The most prominent feature is the volcanic cones of extinct volcanos in the mountain range. It also offers great views over Lakes Mutanda and Mulehe.

Weather & Climate

The near-constant threat of rain means that Mgahinga doesn’t have a Dry season as such, although the precipitation eases a little from December to January, even more mid-year. The park’s reputation for being one of Uganda’s coolest places is reflected in the average daytime temperature of 20°C/68°F. You’ll need plenty of warm, waterproof clothing during the dual Wet seasons (February to May and from September to November).

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

Gorillas can be tracked year-round in Mgahinga. Predictably, the low seasons roughly coincide with the Wet seasons (February to May and from September to November), but be aware that some of the park’s accommodation shuts down in these months. The landscape of the park, dominated by the Virunga Mountains, can be better navigated in the drier months.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla NP?

• Mgahinga Gorilla gorilla trekking tours
• Tour operators for Mgahinga Gorilla