Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Facts, Activities & Tours

Geography

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains and encompasses three inactive volcanoes, namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. In altitude the national park ranges from 2,227 to 4,127 m (7,306 to 13,540 ft) and is part of the Nile River watershed area. It is contiguous with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the southern sector of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The park is about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) by road south of the town of Kisoro and approximately 55 kilometres (34 mi) by road west of Kabale, the largest city in the sub-region.

Climate

The area experiences two wet rainy seasons: February to May; and September to December. The average monthly rainfall varies from 250 mm (9.8 in) in October to 10 mm (0.39 in) in July.

History

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was established in 1991 in an area that used to be a game reserve between the 1930s and 1950, but was partly converted to crop fields in lower altitudes. Biological surveys were initiated in 1989, wire traps destroyed, rangers trained and trees planted. Settlers were relocated to areas outside the national park’s borders in the early 1990s.

In November 2013, the M23 Movement, a Congolese rebel group, surrendered in the park after being defeated by the Congolese Army in the M23 rebellion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the wonder-filled hamlet of Kisoro, amidst the magnificence of three of the Virunga Volcanoes. The Park is rightfully referred to be the location where Gold meets Silver because of its mixture of rain and bamboo forests, golden monkeys, and silverbacks. From Entebbe to the Kisoro airfield, you can go by car or fly to get to the park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is bordered to the south by Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, issues a subdued invitation to venture beyond these boundaries. Its position is especially ideal for travelers coming from Rwanda or departing from the Park, as it is close by. At Mgahinga, amidst the picturesque scenery and exciting activities, Kabira Gorilla Safaris picks out the top 5 things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga NP, Uganda 🦍Silverback pushing through the group!

Where to Stay in Mgahinga National Park

Where to stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Safari lodge or Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge , Lake, Mutanda Resort, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.

Where to stay on your Gorilla trekking Safari to Mgahinga gorilla National Park – Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National park is a strictly protected safari destination and features a wide range of Safari Lodge options that range from Luxury –Mid –Range –Budget.

Grand Tour of the Mutanda Lake Resort in Southern Uganda

When to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• June, July, and August are the dry months, the best time, and the peak season for Mgahinga. Note Although it is part of the wet, rainy season, September is the busiest month.
• Dry and Rainy Months, High Season For Mgahinga: December’s end, January, and the beginning of February.
• Good Times & Mid-Peak Season For Mgahinga During Wet Rainy Months: Both March and September are rainy months, but September is also a busy time for tourists in Mgahinga. The season of luxuriant greenery begins throughout these months.
• April, May, October, and November are the Wet Rainy Season, Least Favorable Time, and Low Season for Mgahinga.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

It takes 45 minutes to travel the 14 km (9 mi) on a steep uphill road from the little hamlet of Kisoro to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A 4WD vehicle is always advised for this road and is required during the Wet seasons (February through May and September through November).

The park can be accessible by road from Lake Mburo National Park (5 to 7 hours* to travel 316km/196mi) or Queen Elizabeth National Park (around 6 hours* to drive 310km/193mi). It is 524km from Kampala (at least 9 hours’ trip*).