Place · Western
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda's smallest national park, set on three extinct Virunga volcanoes on the borders with Rwanda and Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kisoro
Overview
- Area
- 33.7 km²
- Altitude
- 2,227 m to 4,127 m above sea level
- Location
- Kisoro district
- National park since
- 1991
Why visit
Three conical, extinct volcanoes, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, part of the Virunga range shared with Rwanda and Congo. The area was declared a game sanctuary in 1930 and became a national park in 1991. Its slopes climb from montane forest through bamboo to Afro-alpine vegetation.
When to visit
Uganda Wildlife Authority says Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be visited all year round. This is year-round park guidance; it does not describe daily trail conditions or guarantee wildlife sightings.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Things to do
What happens
One habituated gorilla group ranges across the park, which has over 76 mammal species. The checklist has over 180 bird species, including 14 Albertine Rift endemics. Batwa guides lead the Batwa Trail, sharing how their people lived in the forest. Volcano hikes include Muhabura, which at 4,127 m looks over the Virunga chain.
Getting there
Getting there
About 482 km from Kampala by road, a drive of 8 to 10 hours. Scheduled flights from Entebbe land at Kisoro airstrip, a short drive from the park.
Before you go
Good to know
Check current permit availability and gate times with UWA before travelling.
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