Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Facts, Activities & Tours

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park facts, activities, attractions & Tours – This page explains everything you need to know about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The area of Mgahinga National Park is 34 km2. The park borders the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a national park in southwestern Uganda. It was created in 1991 and covers an area of 33.9 km2 (13.1 sq mi).
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 kilometers (9.3 mi) by road south of the town of Kisoro and approximately 55 kilometers (34 mi) by road west of Kabale, the largest city in the sub-region.


Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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.
When to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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*).

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Our Best Safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda & Batwa Cultural Tour

3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Batwa cultural tour is a Gorilla trekking cultural experience blended short tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

4 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda is the best tracking short tour to Uganda’s perfect gem-Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda is the best short Gorilla trekking safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found within the Virunga massif which is a chain of 8 volcanoes.

5 Days Gorilla, Golden Monkey Trekking is an amazing activity-filled safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park plus the visit to Lake Bunyonyi

Mount Sabyinyo Volcano Hike

One of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga ranges of East and Central Africa is Mount Sabyinyo. After mountain gorilla tracking, hiking Mount Sabyinyo is a popular tourist activity.

Sabyinyo Volcano Hike

this 5-day hiking safari in Uganda, which is shared by Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. Additionally, this trekking trip might begin and end in Entebbe, Uganda, or Kigali, Rwanda.

gorilla trekking Mgahinga and Bwindi

Differences And Similarities Between Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Two national parks in Uganda—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—are home to mountain gorillas.