Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of two places in Uganda to offer mountain gorilla trekking. It protects the northeast slopes of the Virungas, a majestic range of freestanding volcanoes that are shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Other activities in this small but spectacular park include golden monkey trekking and steep hikes to three volcanic peaks.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is best known as an alternative destination to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. Only one habituated troop of mountain gorillas is resident here. That means a maximum of eight permits is available daily, resulting in a very exclusive trekking experience. Mgahinga also offers good birding and an opportunity to track the golden monkey, a localized and very attractive Albertine Rift endemic associated with bamboo forest.
Wildlife Highlights
The habituated Nyakagezi mountain gorilla group is notable for incorporating three sibling silverbacks. Two other gorilla groups range between Mgahinga and neighboring parts of Rwanda and/or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but neither of them is available for tracking. One habituated golden monkey troop, comprising 80–100 individuals, can be tracked. Two more troops are being habituated. Bushbuck and buffalo are sometimes encountered. More secretive creatures include golden cat, side-striped jackal, giant forest hog, bushpig and elephant.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The Dry seasons (June to August and December to January) are the best times for gorilla trekking. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain the trails might be difficult to walk, and time with the gorillas and photography can be compromised. That said, anyone looking for a gorilla permit at short notice is more likely to get lucky in the Wet seasons (February to May and September to November).