"Protecting the Ugandan portion of the Virunga Mountains, this small but exceptionally scenic national park offers daily gorilla-tracking excursion, and a host of other rewarding but challenging activities.”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYMgahinga National Park
Often perceived to be no more than an alternative gorilla-tracking destination to Bwindi, Mgahinga is arguably the most scenic park in Uganda, offering panoramic views that stretch northward to Bwindi, and a southern skyline dominated by the majestic volcanic cones of the Virungas.
Eight tracking permits are issued daily to visit the park’s only habituated group of mountain gorillas. For keen walkers, there are also challenging day hikes to the Afro-alpine peaks of three volcanoes: Gahinga (3,475m), Muhabura (4,127m) and Sabyinyo (3,669m), the latter situated at the tripartite border with Rwanda and the Congo.
A fantastic range of less publicised activities is available. These include a fascinating cultural trail led by members of the local Batwa (Pygmy) community, the opportunity to track habituated golden monkeys in the bamboo zone, and a birdwatching walk through the lushly-forested Sabyinyo Gorge.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRYER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Mgahinga does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mgahinga National Park has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (2,227 to 4,127m or 7,306 to 13,540ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average maximum of 20°C/68°F during the year. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Mgahinga has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and trekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
Experiences
Explore Mgahinga National Park Properties
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga Lodge
With its rustic charm and impressive location, Mount Gahinga Lodge is a wonderful place to take in the sheer beauty of Uganda. Just moments away from the entrance of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this lodge feels like a remote ..