Park Overview
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda's smallest national park, is a biodiversity hotspot within the
Virunga Massif, spanning approximately 33.7 square kilometers in the country's southwestern region,
bordering Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in DRC. The park was established in
1991 as part of the Virunga Conservation Area. Mgahinga is renowned for its stunning volcanic
landscapes, featuring three dormant volcanoes: Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), and
Mount Sabinyo (3,645 m).
Mgahinga is an important habitat for endangered mountain gorillas, with one habituated gorilla family,
the Nyakagezi group, available for trekking and research. Additionally, it is home to the endangered
golden monkey, 76 recorded mammal species, and over 180 bird species, making it a vital area for
biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
Duration and Difficulty: Trekkers typically begin their journey early in the morning
with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a trek that can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours,
depending on the location of the gorillas. The trek can be challenging, as Mgahinga's terrain includes
steep slopes and dense vegetation. Once located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing these
magnificent creatures, capturing their behaviors and interactions through nature photography.
Time with Gorillas: The park has only one habituated group, the Nyakagezi Gorilla
Family, available for this experience. Only eight tourists per day can trek it and spend an hour
observing the family's intricate social bonds. This relatively small group size allows for a closer and
more immersive encounter with Africa's great apes in their natural habitat.
The Golden Monkey Trekking Experience
Duration and Difficulty: Golden monkey trekking usually starts around 8:00 AM and can
take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to locate the golden monkeys, depending on their movement
within the dense bamboo forests. Once found, visitors are allowed only one hour in the presence of the
monkeys, watching and photographing them as they feed on bamboo shoots, fruits, and flowers and engage
in playful activities among the trees. The entire golden monkey trekking experience typically lasts
about 3 to 4 hours, making it relatively easier compared to gorilla trekking.
Time with Golden Monkeys: Once a golden monkey group is located, trekkers are granted a
precious hour in their presence. This time allows for close observation of the monkeys' behavior,
capturing unforgettable photographs (without flash), and simply basking in the awe-inspiring experience
of being near these magnificent creatures.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural experiences in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park primarily revolve around the Batwa people, an
indigenous community known for their deep connection to the forest.
Batwa Pygmies
The Batwa pygmies, often referred to as "the keepers of the forest," lived in harmony with the forest for
centuries, relying on its resources for their survival. However, with the establishment of the park in 1991,
they were displaced from their ancestral lands, leading to significant social and economic challenges.
Today, they live on the park's outskirts, offering visitors cultural experiences that showcase their
traditional lifestyles, history, and the challenges they face..
Batwa Cultural Trail
The Batwa Cultural Trail is a significant cultural experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in
the Batwa way of life. This trail serves as a living museum where participants can explore the ancient
practices of this marginalized community.
Guided by trained Batwa guides, visitors learn about traditional hunting techniques, herbal medicine, and how
to gather food from the forest. The trail includes visits to historical sites such as the Garama Cave, once
home to the Batwa king. It showcases traditional practices like fire-making and crafting utensils from
bamboo. The Batwa Cultural Trail provides a unique opportunity to learn about the indigenous knowledge and
cultural heritage of the Batwa people, promoting community-led tourism and supporting their livelihoods.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Seasons (June to August and December to February): These months offer the best
trekking conditions with drier trails, sunnier weather, and lower malaria risk. Peak tourism season with
easier gorilla trekking experiences.
Rainy Seasons (March to May and September to November): While trekking is more
challenging due to muddy trails, this period offers unique opportunities for bird watching, greener
landscapes, and quieter park experiences at lower costs.
Gorilla Permits & Preparation
Mgahinga Gorilla Permits
Gorilla trekking permits are essential for anyone wishing to encounter these endangered primates. The
Uganda Wildlife Authority strictly limits daily permits to ensure quality experiences and minimize
impact on the gorillas.
Gorilla Permit:
- Foreign non-residents: $800
- Foreign residents: $700
- East African citizens: Shs.350,000
Mgahinga Golden Monkey Permits
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga is a great complement to gorilla trekking.
The trekking experience begins with a mandatory briefing at the park headquarters, where visitors learn
about the rules and expectations before embarking on their adventure.
The trek usually starts around 8:00 AM and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to locate the
golden monkeys, depending on their movement within the dense bamboo forests. Once found, visitors are
allowed only one hour in the presence of the monkeys, watching and photographing them as they feed on
bamboo shoots, fruits, and flowers and engage in playful activities among the trees. The entire golden
monkey trekking experience typically lasts about 3 to 4 hours, making it relatively easier compared to
gorilla trekking.
Golden Monkey Permit and Preparation:
- Foreign non-residents: $60
- Foreign residents: $50
- East African citizens: Shs.40,000
Essential Preparation
Book your gorilla or golden monkey permit well in advance, as they often sell out months ahead,
particularly during peak
seasons. Prepare for challenging terrain with proper hiking boots, rain gear, and physical fitness. The
experience of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly life-changing.
