"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 JOURNEY

Mgahinga 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

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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

Mountain Gorilla Tracking

Tracking mountain gorillas through the dense African forests is a magical experience. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla group each day. Typically, tracking can take from 3 to 8 hours and requires some agility and fitness; however, all fitness levels can be accommodated and no one should feel deterred from missing this once in a lifetime experience.

Golden Monkey Trekking

With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, the walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes, to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.

Batwa Heritage Experience

Supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, this hands-on experience will open your eyes to another world – that of one of Uganda’s longest surviving tribes. Visit the local Batwa community in their traditional dwellings and learn about how they have lived for generations in the surrounding forest.

A birders paradise

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the world’s best bird watching, with a vast diversity of bird species. Uganda has over 1,000 bird species with 150 found only in Uganda. Each location offers the chance to see a number of different birds, with the vast majority endemic to the Region.    

Climb a volcano

Staying here provides easy access to the Virunga chain of volcanoes, which offer challenging hikes and stunning panoramas. The three most popular volcanoes to climb are Mt. Gahinga, Mt. Sabyinyo, and Mt. Muhavura. These hikes are of varying difficulty and typically take a full day. The treks starts at 7:00am from the park headquarters, from where visitors drive to the base of the volcano.

Experience a traditional Batwa dance

Supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the local Batwa community visits Mount Gahinga Lodge and performs their traditional song and dance for lodge guests.

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 ..

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