Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park, covering the Ugandan slopes of three extinct Virunga volcanoes on the borders with Rwanda and the DR Congo.
It offers three experiences in one compact area. There is gorilla trekking with a single habituated family, so permits are few. Golden monkeys - a striking, orange-and-black species found only in the Virungas - can be tracked on gentler walks. And fit hikers can climb Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga or Muhabura.
Mgahinga suits travellers who want a quieter alternative to Bwindi, or who want gorillas, golden monkeys and a volcano hike together.
Bamboo forest on the lower slopes, giving way to montane forest and alpine vegetation higher up. The volcanoes rise steeply above farmland and Lake Mutanda's region.
Golden monkeys live in the bamboo and are lively and photogenic. The gorilla family sometimes ranges across the border, which is why permits here are released with care.
Gorilla trekking (limited permits)
Golden monkey tracking
Hikes up Sabinyo, Gahinga or Muhabura
Batwa cultural trail with community guides
Mgahinga is quieter and smaller than Bwindi. The volcano hikes are demanding full days; the golden monkey walk is much easier.
Year-round. The dry seasons, roughly June to August and December to February, make trails less slippery.
Read our full guide: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: How It Works and How to Prepare »
About 8-9 hours by road from Kampala; most visitors fly to Kisoro instead. It combines easily with Bwindi's southern sectors or Rwanda.
A few lodges near the park entrance and more options around Kisoro and Lake Mutanda.
Gorilla permits are very limited - book early
Volcano hikes require good fitness
Higher altitude means cooler weather
Official park info: Uganda Wildlife Authority
Bwindi has many more gorilla families and permits. Mgahinga suits people who want gorillas plus golden monkeys and volcano hikes in a quieter setting.
Yes. Golden monkey tracking has its own permit.
Tell us your dates and we'll build an itinerary that includes it.
