How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga National Park is Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, the park is a captivating gem within the Virunga mountains. Mgahinga is renowned for its stunning landscape, biodiversity, and cultural significance offering visitors a unique blend of Mountain gorilla conservation and rich cultural heritage.
Mgahinga National Park is part of the larger Virunga conservation area which spans across the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park itself is characterized by rugged Landscapes, volcanic peaks, and lush Vegetation. The Park is notably smaller compared to other parks in Uganda but still boasts incredible diversity nevertheless.
One of the primary attractions of Mgahinga National Park is its population of endangered mountain Gorillas, these magnificent creatures along with golden monkeys, roam the dense forests of the Park. Mgahinga is also home to a variety of other wildlife such as Buffalo, elephants among others, and numerous Bird species which also rates this Park to be a paradise for bird lovers and watchers.
To visit Mgahinga National Park it is advisable to arrange permits for Gorilla trekking well in Advance for does who may want to engage with Mountain Gorillas due to their limited availability. The Park can be accessed from the nearby town of Kisoro, which offers accommodation ranging from budget lodges to luxury resorts.
Mgahinga National Park can be reached by road or air from Kampala or Entebbe. The distance from Kampala is about 509 kilometers through well-paved tarmac roads. Driving to the park from Kampala through the Mbarara-Masaka-Kampala highway takes about 9 hours. Lone travelers can hire the daily buses from Kampala to Kisoro town. From Kisoro town, there are special hires and even motorcycles taking passengers up to the park gate. The road from Kibale town to Mgahinga National Park is made of Maram hence dusty, and bumpy. One needs a good 4X4 car to comfortably navigate through this stretch of road. Whereas the distance by road from Kampala seems long, the journey is worth it because of the beautiful scenery and opportunities to make short stops to check out hidden spots and even the equator crossing. One can also access Mgahinga National Park by using the shorter road from Kigali International Airport through either the Katuna or Cyanika border with Uganda. This route takes less than 4 hours and is highly recommended. Ever since the government of Rwanda increased the price of gorilla permits to $1500, Mgahinga receives more tourists from the Rwanda side who are more comfortable with the $600 charged in Uganda.
However, for visitors seeking quick and comfortable means can choose to take a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip (in Kampala) to Kisoro Airstrip near the park. Flights from Eagle Air between Entebbe and Kisoro are arranged every Monday and Friday of the week. Tickets for the local flight need to be booked in advance. Explore Rwanda Tours company can help you book the local flight and arrange ground transportation from the Kisoro airstrip to the park.
Mgahinga National Park is a destination of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural significance, offering a once-lifetime experience for those who venture into its astounding mountains and lush forests. Whether seeking gorilla encounters, cultural immersion, or scenic hikes, Mgahinga National Park promises an unforgettable experience and journey into the heart of Uganda’s wildlife and vibrant landscapes.
