Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the country’s smallest national park but a vital habitat for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Covering 33.7 square kilometers, it is part of the Virunga Mountains, sharing borders with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.

The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, the only fully habituated group for trekking, offering an exclusive and less crowded experience compared to Bwindi. Visitors can also enjoy golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes, birdwatching, and cultural encounters with the indigenous Batwa people. With stunning landscapes of volcanic peaks and rich biodiversity, Mgahinga is a hidden gem for adventurous travelers seeking gorilla trekking in a serene, off-the-beaten-path setting.

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family is the only fully habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda, making it the exclusive group available for gorilla trekking in the park. This family is known for its unique mobility, as it has been observed crossing borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the past. However, in recent years, they have settled permanently in Mgahinga, providing a more stable trekking experience for visitors.

Led by the dominant silverback Mark, the Nyakagezi group consists of several silverbacks, females, juveniles, and infants, making it a dynamic and fascinating family to observe. Unlike some gorilla groups, Nyakagezi is known for its playful and interactive nature, often displaying curiosity towards human visitors.

Since Mgahinga Gorilla National Park receives fewer visitors than Bwindi, trekking the Nyakagezi family offers a more intimate and less crowded experience, allowing for unforgettable wildlife encounters in a breathtaking volcanic landscape.