Mgahainga Gorilla National park is one of the 4 places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas. Along with Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga is the second gorilla trekking park in Uganda.
It is also one of the 3 places in the world where you can see golden monkeys - which are endangered and equally incapable of living in a captive environment of a zoo.
Although not well known by most travellers, golden monkeys are yet the second, most interesting attraction in Mgahinga after the mountain gorillas.
As well as being important for wildlife, Mgahinga also has a huge cultural significance and in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. For generations, the Mgahinga dense forest was home to the indigenous Batwa (hunter-gatherers and fierce warriors) who depended on the forest for shelter, food and medicine.
Now, they lead visitors through the forest and introduce them to their old home and the techniques they used to survive in it. Meeting these indigenous people will offer you a glimpse into the history and memories of ancient Africa.
Things to do in Mgahinga
- Gorilla trekking
- Hiking & Nature walks
- Batwa Cultural experience
- Bird watching
- Golden Monkey tracking
- Photography
- Climbing volcanoes
Getting to Mgahinga
Mgahinga is located around 480 kilometres west of Kampala in southwestern Uganda on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mgahinga can be accessed by road and by air from Kampala or any other towns or national parks in Uganda. Driving from Kampala to Mgahinga takes around 8 hours but most trips make stops in other national parks in Western and Southwestern Uganda.
Alternatively, you can fly directly from Kampala/Entebbe or the other National Park.
Since Mghinga is on the border with Rwanda and Congo, you can drive from Kigali - Rwanda's capital city and be in Mgahinga within 4 hours.
