Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a national park in southwestern Uganda that is known for its population of mountain gorillas, as well as other wildlife and volcanic features. It is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The main attractions and activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include:
- Gorilla trekking – visitors can go on guided treks to see the park’s population of mountain gorillas.
- Golden monkey tracking – visitors can also track and observe the park’s golden monkeys.
- Hiking – there are several hiking trails in the park that offer scenic views of the volcanoes and surrounding landscape.
- Volcano climbing – visitors can climb one of the park’s three dormant volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.
- Cultural experiences – visitors can interact with the local Batwa people and learn about their traditional way of life.
- Bird watching – the park is home to over 180 bird species, including numerous endemic species.
- Nature walks – visitors can take guided nature walks to see some of the park’s flora and fauna up close.
Accommodation within and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including:
- Mount Gahinga Lodge – a luxury lodge located just outside the park with beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes.
- Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp – a community-owned campsite that offers budget-friendly accommodation and cultural experiences with the local Batwa people.
- Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge – a mid-range lodge located just outside the park with views of the Virunga volcanoes.
- Kisoro Tourist Hotel – a budget-friendly hotel located in the nearby town of Kisoro.
- Travellers Rest Hotel – a mid-range hotel located in the nearby town of Kisoro with a colonial-style atmosphere.
- Mucha Hotel Kisoro – a budget-friendly hotel located in the nearby town of Kisoro.
It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak gorilla trekking season, as availability can be limited.
What’s the easiest way to reach Mgahinga gorilla national park for International tourists?
The easiest way to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for international tourists is to fly into Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and then take a domestic flight or a long-distance bus to the nearby town of Kisoro. From Kisoro, the park is easily accessible by road.
The most common route for reaching Kisoro from Entebbe is to take a domestic flight to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, which has more international connections, and then drive or take a shared taxi (known as a matatu) to Kisoro. The drive from Kigali to Kisoro takes about 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing formalities.
Alternatively, visitors can take a long-distance bus from Kampala or Entebbe to Kisoro, which takes about 10-12 hours. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Jaguar Executive Coaches, Gateway Bus Services, and Trinity Bus Services.
