Features and Location
 Mgahinga Gorilla National park, although the smallest in the country (about 38 – sq km), is very important, as it is one of the two parks in Uganda that are habitat for the endangered Mountain gorillas.
Situated in Kisoro District, southwestern Uganda, this park was gazetted in 1991 and is part of the great Virunga Conservation Area. It adjoins Rwanda’s Volcano and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National parks. Mgahinga Gorilla National park experiences two wet rainy seasons; February –May and September – December. The maximum amount of rainfall in a year is 250 mm (October) and Minimum is 10 mm (July).
The Local People
Kisoro District is heavily populated (331 persons per square km.) The Bafumbira, who lead a simple life style mainly as cultivators, are the major ethnic group. The Bwata (Pygmies) who once lived in caves and fed on wildlife are the minority group. The park is a protected Area under Uganda Wildlife Authority, which allows the local people to have controlled and sustainable access to selected resources. The majority of the staff are from the community surrounding then park. In accordance with the law establishing Uganda Wildlife Authority, the community receives 20% of the park entrance fees for their development projects.
Ecosystem and wildlife
Being a mountainous area, the park vegetation is afromontane within a cool climate. The abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain gorilla. Other types of flora include the Lobelia, Haegenia etc. Animals found in the park include: Mountain gorillas, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, the threatened golden monkeys and many others. Examples of bird species include: Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite and crowned crane.
Volcano climbing
Mgahinga Gorilla National park offers three extinct volcanoes for physically fit hikers although they do not require special mountaineering gear. The 3 volcanoes are Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura.
Mt. Sabinyo (3669m)
“Old man’s teeth”
This volcano offers 3 challenging peaks to climb. A climb up to the mountain takes one up to a ridge along the eastern side of the mountain to peak 1. If you are to continue, the climb to peak 2 involves walking a ridge with breath-taking drops into gorges of Rwanda and Uganda. Finally, the hike up to peak 3 is steep. You should expect to get your hands dirty en-route to peak 3. Once on top, you will be at point in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda at the same time. The journey takes about 8 hours to cover the 14km stretch.
Mt. Gahinga (3474m) ‘Small pile of stones’
On your way to the park, look out for small piles of stones in the garden fields. The local people call such a pile a ‘Gahinga’. Mount Gahinga’ but sitting next to Mount Muhavura does make it look small. A hike which takes you about 6 hours round trip goes through a good example of a pure bamboo forest. Gahinga once had a Crater Lake on top but over time it has changed into a lush swamp.
Mt. Muhavura (4127m)
‘The Guide’
Seen from all over Kisoro, this Volcano acts as guide. The typical cone-shaped mountain provides some of the best views in the county. Much of the climb passes a rocky surface covered by grass and small shrubs. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with the view of the other Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National park, Bwindi Impenetrable National park and the parks and the peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip covering 12kms. You are advised to camp at Muhavura base camp the night before. The camp site has no facilities so you need a tent, water, food and sleeping gear.
Garama Cave
‘This is one of the caves where the Batwa (who were warriors) once lived and fought their neighbours, the Bantu. The distance to the cave entrance from the park headquarters is 3kms long and it takes about 4 hours (return journey). The ranger guide will show you how the Batwa lived and fought out of the cave. The cave is 342m length and 14m deep, and is now inhabitated mainly by bats.
 Gorilla Tracking in the Park
This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience, which might take one through a thick jungle.
Onegorilla group (Nyakagezi) is currently habituated and available for tourists. It consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants. Mgahinga Gorilla National park office in Kisoro has updated information on this group.
Book at least 3 month earlier but not more than two years in advance to ensure that requested dates are available. The tracking experience starts at 8.30 local time and can take three to eight hours. Registration at the gate commences at 7.45a.m.
Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National park is thrilling but may be challenging, therefore ensure physical fitness.
What to bring
- Wear jungle shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes
- Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with jungle sounds.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather in unpredictable) and insect repellant.
- Carry packed lunch
For conservation reasons, visits to the gorillas are tightly controlled. The following rules apply and must be strictly adhered to:
- No one with a communicable disease ( e.g. flu, diarrhoea) is allowed to enter the park.
- Stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas, don’t surround them. Don’t get closer than 5 metres (15ft) to the gorillas.
- Don’t use flashes while photographing.
- Don’t eat or smoke when with the gorillas or within a distance of 200 metres from the gorillas.
- Turn away from the gorillas if you have to sneeze or cough; cover your nose and mouth in the process.
- Bury all human faeces in minimum of one foot deep and ensure that the hole is properly covered.
- Don’t leave litter; all litter must be carried out of the park and disposed off properly.
- No person less than 15 years is allowed to track gorillas.
- Don’t male loud noise or move suddenly.
- You are allowed a maxim\um of 12 hour with gorillas.
- Don’t spit on vegetation or soil while in the park; use your hankie or other garment.
Bird Watching
Birding along the edge of the park is available on request. The guides will take you out from 5:00p.m to 6:00p.m, if you book by 10.00a.m that morning. A stroll along the buffalo wall towards Democratic Republic of Congo takes you through a wetland area where ibis, speckled mouse bird and fire finch are found. Stone chart, grey capped warbler, waxbills and yellow-vented bulbul are always seen around the campground. Ask your guide where the best spots are. Feel free to take you time and go at your own pace. Do not forget your binoculars.
Viewing platform
This is about 800 metres from the park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and the activity s free. Display panels at the hill point will give information about what you can see.
Accommodation and meals
Kisoro offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from the basic camp-sites to luxurious full board hotels, these include; Traveler’s Rest Camp, Sky Blue Hotel, Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel, Mgahinga Safari lodge, Rugingana Campsite and Mubano Hotel. At the park gate, there is a Community camp ground with ample space for “Do it your self-camping.”
Access to Mgahinga Gorilla National park
From Kisoro it is about 540 kms from Kampala and it takes about 8 hours via Kabale. For those without private transport, there are daily transport services, which set off at 07.00a.m. at the Kampala bus Terminal. Once in Kisoro town, you can hike or take a special hire to the park gate, which 131/2 kms from Kisoro town. It is also possible to fly to Kisoro. Flights can be arranged with Eagle Air, which has flights on Mondays and Fridays from Entebbe to Kisoro or contact other domestic airlines.
Niche Africa Holidays, being a tour operator based in this region offers safaris in a 4x4 land cruisers to Mgahinga from Kampala. |
