Where Is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Located? (Map, Access & Travel Guide)

Where Is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Located: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, in Kisoro District, at the tri-border junction of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This stunning protected area forms part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area, a transboundary ecosystem shared with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park.

As Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 33.9 square kilometers, Mgahinga is a hidden gem renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and rare wildlife.

Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, the park’s unique position makes it an ideal destination for adventurers seeking mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and volcano hikes. Its proximity to international borders also allows seamless cross-country travel, especially for visitors flying into Kigali, Rwanda.

Exact Location & Geography

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, within Kisoro District. It encompasses the northern slopes of three extinct volcanoes in the Virunga chain: Mount Muhabura (4,127m), Mount Gahinga (3,474m), and Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m). The park’s altitude ranges from 2,227m to 4,127m, contributing to its diverse ecosystems, including montane forests, bamboo zones, and alpine moorlands.

This location places Mgahinga within the Virunga Conservation Area, a critical biodiversity hotspot that supports endangered species like mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

The park borders Rwanda to the south and the DRC to the west, making it a vital link in cross-border conservation efforts.

Key geographic highlights:

• Region: Southwestern Uganda
• District: Kisoro District
• Bordering countries: Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo
• Part of: Virunga Massif and Albertine Rift

The park’s volcanic soil fosters rich vegetation, from dense bamboo forests to open heathlands, creating habitats for unique flora and fauna.

Map & Coordinates

For precise navigation, Mgahinga’s central coordinates are approximately 1°21’50″S, 29°38’18″E (or -1.364067, 29.638327). The park headquarters at Ntebeko is the main entry point for activities.

Distances to major hubs:

• From Kampala/Entebbe (Uganda): About 510 km (8-10 hours by road)
• From Kigali (Rwanda): Roughly 140-180 km (3-4 hours by road via Cyanika border)
• From Kisoro Town: 14 km (30-45 minutes on dirt road)

These maps illustrate Mgahinga’s position relative to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga chain.

Nearby Landmarks & Volcanoes

Mgahinga’s dramatic skyline is dominated by the three Virunga volcanoes:

• Mount Muhabura (4,127m): The tallest and most iconic, meaning “the guide” in local language due to its glowing peak in historical times. Offers panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward.
• Mount Gahinga (3,474m): The park’s namesake (“small piles of stones”), featuring a swampy crater lake at the summit.
• Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m): Known as “old man’s teeth” for its jagged rim, straddling all three countries.

Nearby landmarks include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (about 50-100 km north, depending on sector)
• Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi for scenic views en route
• Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and Virunga National Park (DRC) across the borders

These volcanoes not only define the landscape but also provide habitats for gorillas that roam freely across borders.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accessing Mgahinga is straightforward, with options from Uganda or Rwanda.

By Road from Kampala/Entebbe:

• Distance: 482-560 km
• Time: 8-10 hours via Kabale and Kisoro (tarmac most of the way, then murram to park gate)
• Route: Kampala → Masaka → Mbarara → Kabale → Kisoro → Ntebeko Gate
• Recommended: 4WD vehicle for the final stretch

By Road from Kigali (Rwanda):

• Distance: 141-184 km
• Time: 3-4 hours via Cyanika border crossing
• Route: Kigali → Musanze → Cyanika → Kisoro → Park
• Popular for shorter travel time; many fly into Kigali for convenience

By Air:

• Charter or scheduled flights to Kisoro Airstrip (from Entebbe or Kajjansi), then 30-minute drive to park

Public transport options include buses to Kisoro, followed by hired vehicles.

Why Mgahinga’s Location Is Important

Mgahinga’s strategic position in the Virungas is crucial for conservation. The transboundary nature allows gorilla families, like the habituated Nyakagezi group, to move freely between Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.

This shared ecosystem supports collaborative efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board, and ICCN (DRC).

The volcanic terrain creates diverse habitats:

• Bamboo zones for golden monkeys
• Montane forests for gorillas
• Open slopes for hiking and birding

Its location also highlights the park’s role in regional tourism, offering easier access from Kigali compared to other Ugandan sites, while promoting eco-friendly cross-border safaris.

Mgahinga vs Bwindi Location Comparison

Both parks host mountain gorillas, but differ significantly:

Aspect	Mgahinga Gorilla National Park	Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Size	33.9 sq km (smallest in Uganda)	331 sq km (larger, denser forest)
Location	Southwestern Uganda, Virunga volcanoes, tri-border	Southwestern Uganda, farther from borders
Terrain	Volcanic, open bamboo/heathland; easier treks	Thick rainforest, steep hills; more challenging
Gorilla Families	1 habituated (Nyakagezi; transboundary)	20+ habituated across 4 sectors
Access	Closer to Kigali (3-4 hrs); farther from Kampala	Closer to Kampala in some sectors
Other Highlights	Golden monkeys, volcano hikes	Higher gorilla density, batwa experiences

Mgahinga offers a more intimate, less crowded experience with volcanic scenery, while Bwindi provides reliable gorilla sightings in lush forest.

Activities Near Mgahinga

• Gorilla Trekking: Track the Nyakagezi family (permits required; often shorter treks)
• Golden Monkey Trekking: Unique to Mgahinga in Uganda; playful troops in bamboo
• Volcano Hiking: Climb Muhabura, Gahinga, or Sabyinyo for epic views
• Batwa Trail: Cultural experience with indigenous Batwa people, including Garama Cave
• Birdwatching: Over 180 species, including Albertine Rift endemics
• Nature Walks: Explore gorges and border trails

Best Time to Visit Mgahinga

The park is open year-round, but dry seasons (June-September and December-February) are ideal for clearer trails and better visibility. Rainfall is possible anytime, but wet seasons (March-May, October-November) offer lush greenery, fewer crowds, and potential discounts.

Average temperatures: Cooler at higher altitudes (10-20°C daytime).

FAQs about Where Is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Located

Is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Rwanda?

It is entirely in Uganda, though it borders Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

How far is Mgahinga from Bwindi?

Approximately 50-100 km, depending on sectors (1-3 hours drive).

Can I visit Mgahinga from Kigali?

Yes, it’s the easiest route—3-4 hours via Cyanika border.

Is Mgahinga part of the Virunga Mountains?

Yes, it includes three Virunga volcanoes.

Last updated: December 23, 2025