Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park Safari Trips & Tours

A pocket-sized beauty that’s one of the most exclusive places to seek out mountain gorilla.

There are lots of places to see Africa’s endangered mountain gorilla, but Uganda’s Mgahinga may just be the most exclusive of them all. What this teeny-tiny national park lacks in size (it’s a mere 37 square kilometres!), it certainly makes up for in height, perching in the clouds at an altitude of between 2227 and 4127 metres. The park’s location, in the southwest corner of Uganda in the larger Virunga Conservation Area, means that it sees a good deal of gorilla action, but it’s important to note that there’s only one habituated family in Mgahinga itself. When you’re not gorilla trekking, look out for rare golden monkeys, hike one of the park's three volcanoes, or visit the spectacular Garama Cave with one of the local Batwa people.

What to do in Mgahinga

Perched majestically in the clouds between 2,227m and 4,127m, this lofty wilderness offers far more than just staggering altitude. Home to the remarkable Nyakagezi gorilla family – unusually boasting five silverbacks living in harmonious coexistence – the park delivers wildlife encounters of the most privileged kind. Top Experiences: Gorilla Trekking: Spend a precious hour with these magnificent creatures after tracking them through misty forests. The Nyakagezi family offers a rather unusual social dynamic rarely seen elsewhere – five silverbacks peacefully cohabiting makes for fascinating observation. Golden Monkey Tracking: The only place in Uganda where one can spot these vibrant primates with their distinctive orange-gold bodies and black crowns. Watch them frolic through the treetops in family groups of up to 75 members – a delightful spectacle of acrobatic entertainment. Cultural Immersion with the Batwa: Meet the 'first people' of the forest, whose ancient knowledge of these mountains remains unmatched. Their hunter-gatherer heritage and deep connection to the land offer fascinating insights into a traditional way of life. Volcanic Hiking: Three extinct volcanoes form part of the dramatic Virunga Range that straddles Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Their slopes host diverse ecosystems while their peaks provide a rather theatrical backdrop to your adventures. Practical Tips: Pack sturdy hiking boots for the unmanicured trails and always bring rain gear, regardless of season – mountain weather has a mischievous habit of changing its mind without notice. The dry seasons (June-August and December-February) offer more reliable conditions, though a cheeky shower might still catch you unawares. This compact wilderness punches well above its weight, offering extraordinary wildlife encounters against a backdrop of some of East Africa's most dramatic scenery.