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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area, straddling Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. As its name suggests, the park’s big draw are its habituated groups of mountain gorillas.

Activities at the park revolve around gorilla tracking, subject to the availability of permits. There is no doubt that seeing a gorilla face-to-face in the wild is truly a life-changing experience, and it is now possible to also track habituated golden monkeys here. 

Tracking gorillas through the forests of Virunga requires patience and stamina. Sometimes the trackers find the gorillas within a couple of hours, but it can take up to ten hours of tracking off-trail in thick jungle in order to locate them. Steep slopes, intense humidity and regular rainfall add to the challenge, but the exhilaration of a close encounter with these magnificent creatures makes it all worthwhile. Access is limited to an hour for the gorillas’ well being. 

Mgahinga National Park also supports a variety of other mammals including Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, and serval. You can also climb a volcano, or simply enjoy some of the wonderful walks and photographic opportunities that the area provides.

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, African elephant, golden monkey, mountain gorilla, serval
  • Where: South west Uganda, Uganda
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge nestles in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, on the edge of Mgahinga National Park, and is the ideal place to stay for tracking gorillas in Nkuringo. Other activities include climbing a volcano, birding or nature walks, or simply taking in one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Find Out More about Mount Gahinga Lodge