Things to Do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

One gorilla family. That's all you get at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda's smallest national park at just 34 square kilometers in the country's southwestern corner where it meets Rwanda and DRC. This works in your favor—gorilla tracking here is more intimate than the crowds you'll face at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The three volcanic peaks create an impressive backdrop, but the real appeal is exclusivity with the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla group.

Eat at your lodge. Dining options around Mgahinga are limited, and most lodges serve decent international food with some local dishes anyway. Mount Gahinga Lodge has the best restaurant in the area—expensive but good quality. Kisoro town offers basic local restaurants serving matoke, rice, and grilled meat, plus a few places attempting continental dishes with mixed results.

June to August and December to February offer the best hiking conditions. You'll get less muddy trails and clearer mountain views during these dry seasons, but this is high-altitude rainforest—expect some rain regardless. Wet seasons have advantages: fewer crowds, lush scenery, and easier gorilla permit availability. Just prepare for challenging hiking conditions.