National parkSouthwestern Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Ancient rainforest and almost half of the world's mountain gorillas.
National park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Three volcanoes, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
- Southwestern Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$40
Overview
- Area
- 33.7 km² (Uganda's smallest park)
- Altitude
- 2,227 – 4,127 m
- Highest point
- Mount Muhabura, 4,127 m
- National park since
- 1991
- Mammals
- 76+
- Bird species
- 180+
Mgahinga covers just 33.7 km² of the Virunga range where Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo meet. Its name comes from "Gahinga", the local word for the piles of volcanic stones cleared from farms at the foot of the volcanoes.
Three extinct volcanoes dominate the park: Muhabura (4,127 m), Sabinyo and Gahinga. It was declared a game sanctuary in 1930 and a national park in 1991, and forms part of the wider Virunga Conservation Area.
The park has one habituated gorilla family that moves across the border, and it is one of the few places to track the endangered golden monkey. The Batwa, the forest's first people, lead the Batwa Trail.
- Golden monkey tracking
Follow troops of these bright, endangered monkeys through the bamboo zone.
- Volcano climbs
Full-day climbs up Muhabura, Gahinga or Sabinyo, the last touching three countries.
- The Batwa Trail
Batwa guides show how their families hunted, gathered and lived in the forest.
Things to do
- Gorilla trackingFrom US$800
One habituated family, which may cross the border.
- Golden monkey trackingFrom US$60
Half-day trek.
- Golden monkey habituationFrom US$100
Longer time with a troop.
- Volcano climbingFrom US$100
Full-day guided climb.
- Batwa TrailFrom US$80
Includes park entry.
- Gorge walkFrom US$30
Walk between Gahinga and Sabinyo.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Open all year. June to September and December to February are driest for climbing; expect rain and cold nights at any time.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free. | US$40 | US$30 | US$25 | UGX 20,000 |
| Gorilla tracking permitper person, one hour with a gorilla familyIncludes the guide and that day's park entry. Low-season rate in April, May and November: US$600 foreign non-resident, US$500 foreign resident. | US$800 | US$700 | US$500 | UGX 300,000 |
| Golden monkey trackingper person, entry not included | US$60 | US$50 | — | UGX 40,000 |
| Golden monkey habituationper person, entry not included | US$100 | US$80 | — | UGX 100,000 |
| Volcano climbingper person | US$100 | US$80 | — | UGX 50,000 |
| Batwa Trailper person, includes entry | US$80 | US$70 | — | UGX 50,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- Rest of Africa
- US$25
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
Children 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free.
- Gorilla tracking permitper person, one hour with a gorilla family
- Foreign non-resident
- US$800
- Foreign resident
- US$700
- Rest of Africa
- US$500
- East African citizen
- UGX 300,000
Includes the guide and that day's park entry. Low-season rate in April, May and November: US$600 foreign non-resident, US$500 foreign resident.
- Golden monkey trackingper person, entry not included
- Foreign non-resident
- US$60
- Foreign resident
- US$50
- East African citizen
- UGX 40,000
- Golden monkey habituationper person, entry not included
- Foreign non-resident
- US$100
- Foreign resident
- US$80
- East African citizen
- UGX 100,000
- Volcano climbingper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$100
- Foreign resident
- US$80
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
- Batwa Trailper person, includes entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$80
- Foreign resident
- US$70
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits for foreign non-residents and Rest-of-Africa visitors are booked through licensed tour operators.
- Since 1 March 2026 permits are confirmed only on full payment; the 7-day unpaid reservation was suspended.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 9 hours
Via Kabale to Kisoro town, then about 14 km by murram road to the park.
- By airFrom EntebbeAbout 1 hour 10 minutes
Scheduled and charter flights to Kisoro airstrip.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years.
- The habituated gorilla family sometimes crosses into Rwanda or the DR Congo; confirm tracking with your operator before you travel.
- Volcano climbs are steep and long; start early and bring warm, waterproof layers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mgahinga cheaper than Bwindi for gorillas?
No. Both parks charge the same UWA gorilla permit: US$800 for foreign non-residents, with US$600 in April, May and November.
Which volcano is easiest to climb?
Gahinga (3,474 m) is the shortest climb. Muhabura (4,127 m) is the highest and Sabinyo's summit touches Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.
Where do I stay?
Most visitors stay in Kisoro town or lodges at the park edge; Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi are also nearby.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
Places to pair with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
National park
Lake