Mgahinga National Park is located in the southwest of Uganda, in Kisoro District. It is the smallest national park in the country and forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which it shares with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Park entrances
The main entrance to the park is the Ntebeko Gate, located about 14 kilometers from Kisoro town, roughly a 30-minute drive. This gate is close to the park headquarters, where visitors can get information about activities such as gorilla trekking, the Batwa Trail experience, golden monkey trekking, hiking, and guided walks.
At Ntebeko, visitors can also find small souvenir shops, restrooms, and picnic areas. Another entry point is the Bunyonyi Gate, located on the northern side of the park. It provides access to activities like bird watching, bamboo trail walks, and guided nature walks.
Getting to Mgahinga by road
Mgahinga National Park can be reached by both road and air. By road, it takes about 9 to 10 hours to drive from Kampala to Kisoro via Kabale. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended because the route between Kabale and Kisoro passes through hilly and mountainous terrain.
Travelers coming from Kigali, Rwanda, can also access the park by road, which takes about 4 hours. The journey involves crossing either the Cyanika or Katuna border into Uganda.
Getting to Mgahinga by air
By air, visitors can take scheduled or chartered flights to Kisoro Airstrip, which is the nearest to the park. Flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip and take about one hour. After landing, travelers can hire a vehicle for a short drive to the park. Though air travel is faster, it is more expensive than road transport.
Best time to visit Mgahinga
The best time to visit Mgahinga National Park is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. These months provide the best conditions for outdoor activities like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and hiking, as the trails are drier and easier to walk on.
However, the park is open all year round. The wet seasons: from March to May and from October to November, are also great for bird watching, as many bird species can be seen during this time.
Mgahinga National Park is a true gem of Uganda. Whether you arrive by road or air, it offers unforgettable adventures, amazing wildlife, and cultural experiences that attract visitors from all over the world.
