Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, near Kisoro in south-west Uganda, has one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi, visited by up to eight people a day. Treks cross farmland and climb into bamboo on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The permit costs US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November), and the park also offers golden monkeys, volcano climbs and the Batwa Trail.
Key takeaways
- One habituated family: Nyakagezi.
- Only eight gorilla permits a day.
- Bamboo forest and volcano scenery.
- Combine with golden monkeys and the Batwa Trail.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers just 33.7 km² on the slopes of Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, three volcanoes of the Virunga chain. It is Uganda’s smallest national park and one of its most beautiful.
The Nyakagezi family
Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi, which for years moved back and forth across the borders with Rwanda and Congo but has spent long periods on the Ugandan side. With only eight permits a day, encounters feel exclusive.
The trek
After a briefing at the Ntebeko gate, you walk through farmland and into bamboo and montane forest. The vegetation is often more open than Bwindi’s dense tangle, and on clear days the volcanoes tower overhead. You spend one hour with the gorillas, keeping at least 10 metres away.
More to do in Mgahinga
- Golden monkey trekking in the bamboo (US$60).
- Volcano hikes up Gahinga, Sabyinyo or Muhabura (US$100).
- The Batwa Trail with Batwa guides (US$80 including entry). Read Batwa cultural experience: what to expect.
Because there is only one family, check permit availability early. If Mgahinga is full, Bwindi’s Rushaga sector is about 1.5–2 hours away.
Where to stay
Lodges near Kisoro and on Lake Mutanda are 20–40 minutes from the gate, with superb views of the volcanoes.
Mgahinga in brief
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering about 34 km² on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, on the borders with Rwanda and Congo. It has one habituated family for trekking, the Nyakagezi group, which has moved across the border in the past but has been resident in Mgahinga for many years.
What makes it different
- Volcano scenery: treks pass through bamboo forest with views of Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo.
- Few visitors: only one family means a quiet experience.
- More to do: golden monkeys, volcano climbs, the Batwa Trail and Garama Cave.
A trekking day
The briefing takes place at the Ntebeko visitor centre in the morning. Treks start through farmland and bamboo, and the gorillas are often found within a few hours, though times vary. After an hour with the family, you return to Ntebeko.
Getting there
Mgahinga is near Kisoro town, about 8–9 hours by road from Kampala or around 1.5–2 hours from Bwindi’s Rushaga sector. Kisoro airstrip has scheduled flights from Entebbe. From Kigali, the drive via the Cyanika border takes about 3–4 hours.
Where to stay
Lodges near Ntebeko and around Lake Mutanda offer volcano views. Kisoro town has simpler hotels.
Who it suits
Mgahinga suits travellers who want a quieter gorilla trek, combine gorillas with golden monkeys and volcano hikes, or are arriving from Rwanda via the Cyanika border.
Plan it
Mgahinga fits a south-western Uganda circuit with Bwindi’s southern sectors and Lake Bunyonyi, and pairs well with Rwanda, as Kigali is about three hours away.
When to go
Mgahinga is open all year. June to August and December to February are driest and best for combining the gorilla trek with a volcano climb. April, May and November bring US$600 low-season permits.
Good to know
- Permits are limited to eight per day.
- Lake Mutanda lodges have superb volcano views.
- Kisoro airstrip is about 30–45 minutes away.
- The park borders Rwanda and Congo; your guide handles all logistics.
Combine it with
Mgahinga pairs naturally with Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi for rest days, with Bwindi’s southern sectors for a second gorilla family, and with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park just across the border for golden monkeys or a Dian Fossey hike.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mgahinga better than Bwindi?
Different: Bwindi has many more families; Mgahinga is quieter, with open bamboo and volcano views.
Can I see golden monkeys on the same trip?
Yes. Golden monkey tracking is offered in Mgahinga, ideally on another morning.
How do I get to Mgahinga?
Fly to Kisoro or drive about 9 hours from Kampala, or 3 hours from Kigali.
Is the trek hard?
Moderate to hard, depending on where the family is on the volcano slopes.
Can I trek in Mgahinga and Bwindi on one trip?
Yes. Bwindi’s Rushaga sector is 1.5–2 hours away, making two treks easy to combine.
How many gorilla families are in Mgahinga?
One habituated family is available for trekking.
Is Mgahinga easier than Bwindi?
It can be, but treks are at higher altitude on volcanic slopes, so they can still be challenging.
Can I trek gorillas in Mgahinga from Rwanda?
Yes. The Cyanika border is close, and Mgahinga is about 3–4 hours by road from Kigali.
What is the Nyakagezi family like?
It is a well-habituated family known for being relaxed around visitors, which often makes for calm, rewarding encounters.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
