Mgahinga Gorilla National ParkAbout Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a small protected area in southwestern Uganda that conserves mountain gorillas and the Virunga volcanic landscape.
Mgahinga was officially established as a national park in 1991 to protect remaining gorilla habitat in the Virunga chain and to create cross-border conservation links with neighboring parks. Management since then has focused on tourism regulation, anti-poaching and community engagement.
The park sits in Uganda’s extreme southwest, in the Virunga volcanic region near the town of Kisoro, and shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Size and protection: The park covers a small area of about 33 square kilometres and was gazetted in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas and high-altitude forest habitat.
- Transboundary park: It borders protected areas in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is often visited together with neighboring parks for gorilla tourism.
What to See#
- Virunga volcanic peaks: Three principal volcanic peaks of the Virunga chain that form the park’s central terrain and provide routes for hikes and border ridgelines with neighboring countries.
- Gorilla tracking areas: Designated gorilla tracking zones and trails used for guided treks to observe wild mountain gorillas under permit regulations.
Nearby Attractions to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Best Time to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Best visited in the dry months for firmer trails; gorilla permits are limited year-round so plan well ahead.
Weather & Climate near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1421 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 112 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| February | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 124 mm | overcast | 76% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 160 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 8° - 17° | 12° | 197 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 17° | 12° | 131 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.9h |
| June | Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 38 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| July | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| August | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 64 mm | overcast | 71% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 129 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 17° | 13° | 143 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 17° | 12° | 160 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.1h |
| December | Acceptable | 8° - 17° | 12° | 136 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park is accessed via the town of Kisoro, about 60 km southwest of Kabale. From Kampala, Kisoro is a 8-10 hour drive or a short regional flight to Kisoro airstrip. From Kisoro town the park headquarters and ranger station are a short drive; most lodges offer transfers.
Tips for Visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Book gorilla permits and park ranger-guided treks months in advance; permit allocations are strictly limited.
- Arrive in Kisoro a day early to acclimatize and sort logistics; trackers often leave very early for the forest.
- Wear gaiters and bring a lightweight waterproof jacket - trails are muddy and steep even in the dry season.