Mgahinga Gorilla National park

 

Located in south western Uganda in particular Kisoro district, Mgahinga gorilla national park is the smallest park in Uganda. At about 33.7km. however its also one of the most dramatic for it lies on the northern slopes of Mts. Muhavura, Mgahinga, Sabinyo, which are the three volcanoes that create unforgettable regional backdrop. These peaks are three that form the Albertine rift valley and are divided between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR.Congo. The Virunga are home to more than half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorilla. 380 individuals are said to be roaming in the volcanoes while the remaining 340 live nearby in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park.

Mgahinga’s small area is supplemented by those of two larger adjoining parks in Rwanda (volcanoes NP) and DR Congo (Virunga NP) which is an advantage to the gorillas there.
Gorilla tracking is the park’s most popular activity; Mgahinga merits a visit simply to appreciate the scenery. A choice of hikes allows for all abilities, which range from the 8 hour return trip to the summit of Mt. Muhavura, a gentle strolls across the lower slopes beneath the magnificent three peak backdrop.
Mgahinga national park has got two wet seasons; February- May and September – December. The maximum amount of rainfall in a year is 250mmof rainfall and July the driest with just 10mm.

Getting to the park
One can get to the park through Kisoro which is 540km from Kampala and the journey takes 8 hours excluding rest stops, passing via Kabale and Kisoro. The section between Kabale and Kisoro is a winding mountainous drive on murram that takes at least 2hours, while the park gate at Ntebeko lies a bumpy 14km which takes 30 minutes south of Kisoro. Also charter plains can be hired from Kampala to Kisoro airstrip.

Where to stay
Up market accommodation is provided at Ntebeko: (camps and cottages) as well as other lodges in Kisoro town.

Fauna and flora
The park vegetation is afromontane within a cool climate with the abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo which is enjoyed by the mountain gorilla.
The park protects 39 mammal species including the golden monkey (a realized distinctive race of the blue monkey, black and white Columbus, mountain gorilla, bush pig, buffalo, bushbuck, leopard, elephant, giant forest log, black fonted duiker and several rodents, bats and small predators.
The park harbours 79 birds of which 12 species are considered to be endemic to the Albertine rift valley.

People around
They are two main ethnic groups living around the park that is to say, the Bafumbira who are dominant group and they are primarily farmers, The Batwa, who once practiced a subsistence hunting and gather life in the forest form a minority group.
Activities in and around the park
Ntebeko visitor centre
This is where all activities in the park are arranged.

Peaks
Mgahinga is said to have three volcanic peaks, Muhavura (4127m), Sabinyo (3669m), and Mgahinga (347m). All these are climbed.

Mt. Sabinyo
Mt. Sabinyo is volcanic mountain and has 3 challenging peaks to climb. A climb up to this mountain takes 1hour up the ridge along the eastern side of the mountain peak 1.climbing to peak 2 involves walking a ridge with breath-taking drops into gorges of Rwanda and Uganda. The last hike one should expect to get his/her hands dirty en- route to the peak. It should be noted however that when you reach the top you will be at a point in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda at the same time. This journey takes 8 hours round trip to cover the 14km stretch.

Mt.Gahinga
Mt Gahinga takes you through the bamboo forest to reach a lush swamp which lies in the crater at the summit. This round trip from Ntebeko takes 8 hours.

Mt. Muhavura
This mountain has a classic volcanic cone capped in a small crater lake with a modest reward of 5 hour trek which rises steeply for 1700m to 4100m. The main reason for climbing is the mountain’s marvelous alpine vegetation and superb panoramas. This trail provides the quickest and shortest access route to experience these dramatic plants while the view includes five other Virunga volcanoes, the rift valley, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains. It should be noted however that this stretch is a round trip of 12km takes about 8 hours. You should therefore consider camping at the ranger post at the base of the volcano to make an early start if you have equipment and food.

Activities
Mountain hikes
These are guided day hikes to each of the 3 volcanic peaks in Mgahinga.
Buffalo wall and bird watching
The northern edge of the park is guarded by a dry stone wall that keeps buffalo in the park and out of crops. And the trail is ideal for birding thus guides will escort you between 17:00-18:00 if you book by 10:00 that morning. Another stroll along the democratic republic of Congo will take you through a wetland area where ibis, speckled moosebird, and fire finch are found.

Batwa trail and Garama cave
Trail leads from the base of Muhavura to Garama cave. And this trail is conducted by Batwa guides who provide insights into their traditional life and culture.
This 342m trail along Garama cave lies beneath a plateau near the northern edge of the park and its 3km from Ntebeko. It’s found in the former farmland zone but in earlier times, this cave lay deep in the forest when it was occupied by the Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their bafumbira neighbours. Thus today the cave provides an atmosphere for Batwa music at the end of the Batwa trail.

Gorilla tracking
This is the most exciting activity in the park. Thus the park has one habituated gorilla group that is to say the Nyakagyezi which is visited by tourists. This comprises of 11 members; 2 silverbacks; 3 adult females; 4juveniles and 2 infants.
These spend part of the year in DR Congo and their movements are not predictable. Generally they are resident in Uganda from May to October. Tracking starts at 08:30 and takes 3 to 8 hours. Hence check for updates from UWA registration and briefing for gorilla starts at Ntebeko.

Gorilla rules
The following rules apply and must be followed strictly.
First and foremost no one with a communicable disease such as flu, diarrhea is allowed to enter the park.
Secondly, stay together in a tight group while with gorillas hence they should not be surrounded.
Distance of about 5m between you and the gorillas should be considered. In they approach you move back slowly.
Flashes while photographing the gorillas are not allowed.
Smoking and eating when with the gorillas or in a closer distance of about 200m is not allowed.
Turn away from the gorillas if you need to sneeze or cough and you should cover your nose or mouth in the process.
Human feaces should be buried in minimum of one foot deep and secure that the whole is properly covered.
All litter must be must be collected and disposed off from the park.
Persons below the age of 15 are not allowed to track gorillas.
Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements when with the gorillas.
You are given strictly one hour to track the gorillas.
Your group must not be more than 8 tourists and must all be over 15years of age.
You should observe all instructions from your guide.