Mountain Gorilla Parks in Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

There are two Mountain Gorilla Parks in Uganda, namely; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks stand as two of the most iconic and vital conservation areas in Africa, offering unparalleled opportunities for mountain gorilla trekking. Nestled in the lush, mist-covered highlands of southwestern Uganda, these parks form part of the Greater Virunga Landscape—a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its rich flora, fauna, and rare wildlife. Together, Bwindi and Mgahinga protect over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making Uganda a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers seeking authentic, immersive gorilla encounters.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, often called the “Place of Darkness,” is famous for its ancient tropical forest that supports not only mountain gorillas but also diverse primates, rare birds, and exotic plants. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, although smaller, offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, bamboo forests, and cultural experiences, including visits to the Batwa pygmy communities. Both parks provide well-organized trekking experiences with expert guides and trackers, strict conservation protocols, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring that every gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is memorable, responsible, and life-changing.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering approximately 321 square kilometers of dense, ancient rainforest. Located in southwestern Uganda near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi’s rugged terrain and thick vegetation provide an ideal sanctuary for mountain gorillas and other wildlife. The park is home to about half of the global mountain gorilla population, spread across over 20 habituated gorilla families, making it one of the best places worldwide to experience gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Trekking in Bwindi is renowned for its challenging yet rewarding nature. Hikers traverse steep hills, narrow forest trails, and sometimes muddy paths to reach habituated gorilla families. Each trekking group is limited to eight people to minimize environmental impact and disturbance to the gorillas. The once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these gentle giants lasts for one hour, where trekkers can observe gorilla behavior, family dynamics, and social interactions in their natural environment.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi boasts extraordinary biodiversity with over 120 mammal species, including chimpanzees, forest elephants, and numerous monkey species. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting rare and endemic birds such as the African green broadbill and the Great Blue Turaco. The park’s diverse plant life features towering hardwood trees, rare orchids, and a variety of medicinal plants used by local communities.

Accommodation and Accessibility

Bwindi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges such as Buhoma Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. The park is accessible via air from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, followed by short road transfers. Road access from Kampala or Kigali involves scenic drives through Uganda’s beautiful southwestern highlands.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering 33.7 square kilometers of volcanic landscape, part of the Virunga Mountains. Despite its size, Mgahinga offers spectacular trekking opportunities to see habituated mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife. The park’s terrain includes bamboo forests, crater lakes, and three volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Gahinga, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Gorilla Trekking and Other Activities

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is often described as less strenuous and shorter compared to Bwindi, ideal for travelers with limited time or seeking a more relaxed trek. The park has a smaller number of habituated gorilla groups, ensuring an intimate experience. Additionally, visitors can embark on golden monkey tracking, hike to the summit of Mount Muhabura for panoramic views, or visit the Batwa pygmy communities to learn about their rich culture and history.

Flora, Fauna, and Scenery

Mgahinga is rich in biodiversity, with dense montane and bamboo forests supporting rare species such as the golden monkey—a striking primate found only in this region. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 180 bird species, including mountain hawk-eagles and African broadbills. The volcanic peaks and crater lakes add to the park’s dramatic and breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation and Access

Accommodations near Mgahinga range from rustic campsites to comfortable lodges like Gorilla Safari Lodge and Mount Gahinga Lodge. The park is accessible from Kisoro town, which is about a 7-hour drive from Kampala, or via small charter flights into Kisoro airstrip. Many travelers combine visits to Mgahinga with Bwindi and nearby attractions for a comprehensive gorilla trekking safari.