"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
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
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 ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
