Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Why Go Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda near Orugano Bwindi Lodge is sometimes dismissed as the second-best place in Uganda to go mountain gorilla trekking. This is a grossly unfair assessment.
True, there’s only one gorilla family that can be visited in Mgahinga, so permit numbers are very limited. But this is also one of the most enjoyable families to visit, since it contains three huge male silverbacks and tends to inhabit more open bamboo forest than its counterparts in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has several other assets. It is the only place in Uganda to track the beautiful bamboo-guzzling golden monkeys. And the location on the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, three of which can be climbed on challenging day hikes, is absolutely sensational.
Mgahinga’s forested ecosystem
Tucked away in Uganda’s far southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the country’s smallest national park—just 34 km² (3,400 hectares)—yet it stands as one of its most remarkable.
Together with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to the north and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Mgahinga forms part of the legendary Greater Virunga Ecosystem, a tri-national sanctuary of breathtaking landscapes and rare wildlife. Carved by both ancient and more recent volcanic activity, this primeval realm is celebrated for its dramatic scenery and exceptional biodiversity. It shelters about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a place of global conservation significance.
The park’s skyline is dominated by three of the eight towering Virunga volcanoes—Muhavura (4,127 m), Gahinga (3,474 m), and Sabinyo (3,645 m)—whose forested slopes have long been dormant but remain alive with life. Here, golden monkeys leap through bamboo forests, leopards slink silently in the shadows, and a wealth of Albertine Rift endemic birds fill the air with song.
Despite its modest size, Mgahinga’s dramatic elevation range creates a stunning mosaic of ecosystems. Mist-shrouded swamps give way to emerald bamboo forests, which ascend into lush montane woodlands and finally the alpine moorlands that cloak the upper slopes. At these high tropical altitudes, the volcanic peaks stand as surreal sentinels—bare and windswept, yet strikingly beautiful.
Hiking In Mgahinga
With its wealth of natural wonders and dramatic volcanic terrain, it’s little surprise that hiking is one of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s most rewarding activities. The park’s well-maintained trails cater to every kind of explorer — from gentle nature walks through bamboo forests to challenging full-day climbs that ascend the volcanic giants. From the summits of Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo, hikers are rewarded with sweeping, unforgettable vistas stretching across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Among the park’s many trails, the Sabinyo Gorge hike stands out as a favourite — especially for bird enthusiasts. The trail winds through lush vegetation and mystical cloud forests, revealing a tapestry of rare Albertine Rift bird species, vibrant flora, and breathtaking volcanic backdrops that feel almost otherworldly.
Equally captivating is the Garama Cave, an ancient 342-metre-long cavern hidden beneath a forested plateau. Once a sacred site for the Batwa people, this underground world served as a meeting place where leaders held councils and planned the defence of their lands. Today, echoes of Batwa heritage still linger in the shadows of the cave — a poignant reminder of a people deeply connected to this landscape.
Though the Batwa were displaced when Mgahinga was gazetted as a national park, community-led cultural tours now offer visitors the chance to learn about their traditions, resilience, and the ongoing challenges of adapting to life beyond their ancestral forest home.
Why Mgahinga is a responsible safari choice?
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a vital mountain gorilla conservation area.
- With Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to the south and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Mgahinga completes the trifecta of parks protecting the Greater Virunga Ecosystem and over half of the remaining mountain gorillas.
- Your gorilla trekking safari with Orugano Lodge contributes directly to the conservation of mountain gorillas because:
- 100% of your gorilla trekking permit cost goes directly to gorilla conservation efforts in Mgahinga.
- We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level.
- Our lodge support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. We also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited visitor numbers to gorilla families and sustainable operations, which help protect the ecosystem.
