Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This is the smallest national park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers, and is mostly inhabited by Bafumbira and the Batwa people and the park is part of the great virunga conservation area. The park covers the northern slopes of the three virunga volcanoes, namely, Mt Muhavura 4,127 metres ( the guide), Mt Sabinyo 3’645 metres (old man’s teeth) and Mt mgahinga 3,474 metres (small pile of stones). The park is bordered to the south by Republic of Rwanda and to the west by Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the virungas. And therefore the three together form the 434 square kilometers of virunga conservation area. The habituated gorilla group is Nyakagezi group.
The Park experiences two wet rainy seasons; Febuary- May and September - December. The maximum amount of rainfall in a year is 250mm (October) and minimum is 10mm (July).
Tracking
The most popular activity is gorilla tracking. Tracking in this park depends on whether the gorillas are in the park, because some times the gorilla move across the boarders. The tracking fee is $500 per-person.
As you are coming from far away, the huge cones of Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach the park. When you reach the park you can get a great over view of the area by walking up to the viewing platform.
Ecosystem and Wildlife
Being a mountainous area, the park vegetation is afro montane within a cool climate. The abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain gorillas. Other types of flora include the lobelia, Haegenia etc. other primates found in the park include: the threatened golden monkeys and animals such as the bushbucks, Elephants, Buffaloes and many others. The park is also a birder’s paradise with a bout 79 species of birds such as the Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite, Dusky turtle dove, Alpine chat, White-tailed blue fly catcher, Montane double-collared sunbird, crowned crane etc.
Garama cave
This is one of the attractions in the park, it was a former shelter for the Batwa people where they once lived and fought their neighbors, the Bantu. It’s about 3kms from the park headquarters to the cave, the cave is 342m in length and 14m deep. The guide at park organizes nature walk visits to the cave.
Hiking
The park offers three extinct volcanoes for hikers on Mt Sabinyo, Mt Muhavura and Mt Gahinga.
Viewing platform
This is a place which is about 800m from the park gate; once you reach this area you will have a good view of the park and all the surrounding areas.
Activities
1 Gorilla tracking its one of the most exciting experience and unforgettable which can take the whole day.
2 Bird watching along the edge of the park
3 Nature walks to the Garama cave and viewing platform
4 Hiking on the volcanoes.
What to bring
5 Wear jungle shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
6 Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with jungle sounds.
7 Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellant.
8 Carry packed lunch.
When you’re with Gorillas
5 Keep your voice down or be quiet.
6 Don’t point or wave your arms this can a threat.
7 If approached by gorillas, move back wards slowly to keep 5m distance
8 Don’t use flash cameras; this could cause gorillas to charge.
Where to stay
All the major accommodation facilities are found in Kisoro town. Kisoro town offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from the basic campsites, to luxurious full board hotels, Traveler’s Rest camp, Sky blue Hotel, Mt Gahinga Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Rwagingana Campsite and Mubano Hotel. There is a Community camp ground with ample space for “Do it your self camping”.
Access
From Kampala to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park about 9- 10 hours drive with a 4WD vehicle.
Members of Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO)