Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Why go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga?

One of Uganda’s smallest National Parks, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the far southwestern corner of Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located within the Virunga Conservation area that stretches across three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although less popular than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is the most preferred gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a remarkable destination for gorilla trekking safari tours.  Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 1 habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi gorilla group. Just like in all other gorilla trekking locations, Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers visitors a rare opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park grant you an opportunity to witness the Nyakagezi Gorilla group that was known to be transboundary between Uganda and Rwanda in the past however, it settled in the park. In 2019, the Hirwa gorilla group from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda was invited by the Nyakagezi gorilla group for a week-long stay before they finally returned to Rwanda. There is anticipation that this gorilla group may at one time return to the park. Besides mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is also one of the few destinations where you can see the endangered golden monkeys.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a small yet breathtaking safari destination nested in the southwestern part of Uganda. This National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which stretches across three countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main attraction of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the endangered mountain gorillas that dwell in its stunning landscapes. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s ecotourism destinations. This National Park was established in 1991 with a sole intent of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit the region.

Before it was designated as a national park, this area was occupied by the indigenous Batwa pygmies who used the area as a hunting and gathering ground. After the designation of this park, they were evicted from the park due to conservation efforts that aimed to preserve its unique ecosystem while also promoting responsible tourism in the region.

This National Park is situated in Kisoro district in southwestern Uganda, spanning about 33.7 square kilometers (13 square miles), making it Uganda’s smallest national park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park borders the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This National Park is home to three of the Virunga Mountains; Mt. Muhabura (4,127m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), and Mt. Sabyinyo (3,669m).

Besides mountain gorillas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to other wildlife species and birdlife. Mgahinga is home to the endangered Golden Monkeys and is often referred to as ‘‘a place where silver meets gold’’ because of the presence of both mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys.

Trekking the Nyakagezi Gorilla family 

Tracking the Nyakagezi gorilla group is amazing with the fact that this group is big and social compared to many other habituated gorilla groups. This gorilla family is comprised of three silverbacks, 2 adult females, 2 blackbacks, and 2 infants. The Nyakagezi family is led by Silverback Mark assisted by Mafia, Ndungutse, and Bugingo. Rukundo is the sole Black back, Nshuti is an adult female plus two babies namely Nshuti baby and Fred. Silverback Bugingo was formerly the lead silverback before Mark took over, however, the former is happily playing the role of the “senior” silverback in the group. Such a group is rare to find since in many families big groups separate to have dominance and 2 silverbacks can’t lead the same group.

The Nyakagezi family is one of the easiest to track given the fact that it prefers a narrow home range for feeding, resting, relaxing, and recreation. It’s only in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where mountain gorillas and golden monkeys co-exist.  In case you would love to see these beauties then it’s good to choose trekking Mgahinga for gorillas and golden monkeys as well. There is no other place where this is possible in Uganda.

When to visit the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda safaris Gorilla safaris can be done all year round however, some months of the year offer the most ideal conditions for trekking. The best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking safaris in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the long dry season that is between June –August and also during the short dry season between December –February. During the dry seasons, the trails are drier which makes navigating through the park much easier compared to the wet months.

For travelers looking forward to visiting during the dry seasons, it is also important to know that these months also fall within the high seasons. We recommend booking your gorilla permit well in advance to avoid last-minute hustles.

Book your gorilla trekking safari tour to Uganda with us and create long lasting memories in Uganda’s tropical jungles. We also offer other experiences in Uganda and other East African Uganda including Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya.