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    Gorilla trekking

    Spend time with rare mountain gorillas

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    Extinct volcanoes

    Climb Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura

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    Ancient culture

    Learn about indigenous Batwa people and their traditions

    Uganda's second gorilla park

    In the far south-west of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the country’s smallest national park at a little under 34 square kilometres (13 square miles). Sharing a border with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga, it contains some of the country’s most important wildlife.

    The landscape is dramatic, all at an altitude of between 2,227 and 4,127m, centred on three spectacular extinct volcanoes – Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura – rising out of the forests. And all climbable in a day.

    As the name suggests, the area is home to the rare mountain gorilla with one habituated family spending it’s time here, occasionally crossing the border. You can also find endangered golden monkeys, blue monkeys, elephant, buffalo and numerous bird species on a luxury Mgahinga safari.

    The park is also important culturally, particularly for the indigenous Batwa people, a tribe of hunter-gatherers who are forest’s first people and one of the oldest cultures in Africa.

    Highlights

    Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the forests to find and spend time with endangered golden monkeys as they play in the trees

    Your mountain gorilla trek could see you finding the habituated Nyakagezi group who sometimes cross the border into neighbouring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems on nature walks, or lace up your hiking boots and summit Mount Muhabura, Gahinga or the challenging Mount Sabinyo for incredible views

    Luxury accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and beyond

    There are many incredible places to stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and beyond. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

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    Safari expertise

    Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

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    Unforgettable guides

    We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

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    Positive impact

    By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Mgahinga Gorilla National Park adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Meet your Africa team

    When to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

    For the best mountain gorilla experience, the dry seasons of June to August and December to February offer the most comfortable conditions for navigating the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga. During these months, the forest trails remain firm and manageable, allowing for a more graceful trek through the ancient Afro-montane landscape. While the mist-covered wet seasons of March to May and September to November present a more challenging terrain, they offer a lush backdrop and a sense of profound solitude. Though the gorillas are resident year-round, visiting during the quieter months provides an intimate encounter with nature.

    Gorilla trekking main icon

    Gorilla trekking

    June–August, December–February

    Wet seasons main icon

    Wet seasons

    March–May, September–November

    Dry season main icon

    Dry season

    June–August

    When is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?

    When is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?

    Read more

    Plan your trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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