What is the difference between Mgahinga and Bwindi for gorilla trekking?

Both parks offer gorilla trekking, but Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family compared to over 20 in Bwindi. Mgahinga is quieter with fewer trekkers. The volcanic landscape is very different from Bwindi's dense rainforest, and Mgahinga also offers golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes.

What are golden monkeys?

Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. They are named for their striking golden-orange fur. Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda to track habituated groups of golden monkeys.

Can I combine Mgahinga with Bwindi?

Yes, the two parks are about 2 to 3 hours apart by road. Many visitors combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi with golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking in Mgahinga for a complete primate and mountain experience.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys and the Virunga Volcanoes — Uganda's hidden gem in the far southwest.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park at just 33.7 square kilometers, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in drama. Sitting at the meeting point of three countries — Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo — the park protects the steep slopes of three extinct Virunga volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo. It is one of only two places in Uganda where mountain gorillas can be tracked, and the only place in the country to see the endangered golden monkey.

Why Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Track mountain gorillas in an intimate volcanic forest setting — fewer visitors, quieter trails.
See the endangered golden monkey — found only in the Virunga range and nowhere else on Earth.
Hike the Virunga volcanoes for panoramic views across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Walk the Batwa Trail to learn about the indigenous Batwa people and their ancestral forest home.

What to See

•Mountain gorillas — a habituated family living on the volcano slopes.
•Golden monkeys — playful, bright-colored primates found only in bamboo forests of the Virunga range.
•Three extinct volcanoes — Muhavura (4,127 m), Gahinga (3,474 m) and Sabinyo (3,669 m).
•The Batwa pygmy heritage trail — a cultural experience guided by the indigenous Batwa community.

Best Time to Visit

Mgahinga can be visited year-round. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best trekking conditions. Golden monkey tracking is available daily. Volcano hikes are best attempted in dry weather for clear summit views.

How Misty Gorilla Expeditions Can Help

We arrange gorilla and golden monkey permits, transport from Kampala or Kigali, and lodge bookings near the park. Mgahinga combines well with Bwindi or Lake Bunyonyi for a multi-day gorilla and volcano experience in Uganda's far southwest.

Plan Your Visit

Experience Mgahinga Gorilla National Park With Our Safaris

Gorilla Encounter — 3 Days

3 days / 2 nights

The most personal gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. Based from Buhoma — our home — with a Lake Bunyonyi retreat and HopeKitchen community visit.

Best of Uganda — 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

The complete Uganda experience. Every major national park, gorillas, chimps, rhinos, big game, boat cruises and community visits — all in one unforgettable trip.

Custom Uganda Safari

Custom

Your interests, your pace, your adventure. We create personalized Uganda itineraries tailored to exactly what you want to experience.