The park takes its name from the Rukiga word for "the place of herdsmen," reflecting a time when the volcanic slopes were grazed by cattle. Today it is a protected sanctuary of extraordinary beauty, where bamboo forests cling to the lower volcanic slopes, Hagenia woodland fills the mid-altitudes, and Afro-alpine moorland and heath stretch toward the summit craters.
Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family — the Nyakagezi group — whose territory ranges across the Ugandan, Rwandan, and Congolese portions of the Virungas. When they are present, gorilla trekking here offers an experience of exceptional intimacy: the permit allocation is smaller than in Bwindi, and the combination of volcanic landscape and forest creates a backdrop unlike anywhere else.
Gorilla permits cost USD 700, the same as Bwindi, and availability is limited. It is advisable to check on the current location of the Nyakagezi group before booking and to have Bwindi as a backup option.
Gorilla Trekking
Track the Nyakagezi gorilla family across the dramatic volcanic slopes of the Virunga Massif. A smaller, more intimate trekking experience than Bwindi.
Nyakagezi Group
Volcanic Terrain
Intimate Experience
Golden Monkey Trekking
Encounter one of the rarest and most visually striking primates in Africa — the golden monkey, found only in the Virunga Massif.
Bamboo Forest
Rare Species
Photography
Volcano Climbing
Three volcanic peaks can be climbed — Mount Gahinga (half-day), Mount Sabinyo (with three-country summit), and Mount Muhavura (full-day with crater lake).
Muhavura 4,127m
Sabinyo Ladders
3 Countries
The Batwa Trail
A guided walk with Batwa community members through the forest, sharing traditional knowledge of plants, fire-making, hunting techniques, and spiritual significance of the forest.
Cultural Experience
Batwa Heritage
Forest Walk
