Mgahinga may be small in size, but it offers some of the most unforgettable experiences in Uganda. From tracking rare primates to hiking extinct volcanoes, here’s what makes this park a must-visit:

Gorilla Trekking – Meet the Majestic Mountain Gorillas

One of the top reasons to visit Mgahinga is gorilla trekking. The park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, a habituated group of mountain gorillas that travelers can visit on guided treks.

Unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where gorilla trekking is more crowded, Mgahinga offers a more private and intimate experience. The trek involves hiking through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.

A gorilla trekking permit costs $700 per person for foreign non-residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. The trek usually takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas' movements. Once found, visitors can spend one magical hour with these gentle giants—watching them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat.

Golden Monkey Tracking – A Unique Primate Experience

Mgahinga is the only park in Uganda where you can track golden monkeys, an endangered species found only in the Virunga Mountains. These small, playful primates with golden-orange fur are incredibly fast and agile, making their tracking experience both exciting and rewarding.

Golden monkey tracking costs $100 per person, while the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience (which allows visitors to spend more time observing them) costs $140 per person.

Volcano Hiking – Conquer the Majestic Virunga Mountains

Mgahinga is home to three extinct volcanoes, which are part of the Virunga Mountain Range. Each offers a unique hiking experience:

• Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) – Known as the “Old Man’s Teeth”, this rugged mountain offers one of the most challenging hikes in Uganda. The reward? Standing at the summit, where Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo meet!
• Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – The easiest volcano to hike, featuring a beautiful bamboo forest and a crater swamp at the top.
• Mount Muhabura (4,127m) – The highest peak in Mgahinga, offering stunning views of Lake Edward, Bwindi, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day.

Volcano hikes require moderate to high fitness levels and can take 6-10 hours round trip. The cost for each hike is $80 per person.

Batwa Cultural Experience – Learn from Uganda’s Indigenous Forest People

Before the park was established, the Batwa Pygmies were the original inhabitants of this forest. They lived as hunters and gatherers, depending on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter.

Today, visitors can join the Batwa Cultural Trail, where Batwa guides share their history, survival techniques, and traditional dances. The experience includes:

• Visiting ancient caves once used as shelters.
• Learning how the Batwa used medicinal plants for healing.
• Watching a traditional hunting demonstration.
• Listening to folk songs and stories passed down through generations.

This tour costs $80 per person and is a great way to support Batwa communities while learning about their heritage.

Scenic Beauty & Bird Watching

Mgahinga’s landscape is simply breathtaking, with its volcanic peaks, dense bamboo forests, and scenic valleys. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, home to over 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics such as:

• Rwenzori Turaco
• Shelley's Crimsonwing
• Kivu Ground Thrush
• Regal Sunbird
• With guided birding tours available, visitors can enjoy spotting rare and colorful birds in their natural habitat.