Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the far south western part of Uganda bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It occupies an area of 33 sq km and it is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), and Mt. Sabiny (3,645 m). Despite of its small size Mgahinga national park is of great importance given that it is a home to the endangered mountain Gorillas. This park together with other two parks in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo: i.e. Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga respectively form the 434-sq. km ‘Virunga Conservation Area’. Given that Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, it is just 8% of the Virunga Conservation Area and the whole Park is found in Bufumbira County of Kisoro District. The park’s vegetation is partly forested and the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes that dominate the landscape contribute to the great scenic view of the area.
Other Tourist Attractions in Mgahinga National Park
Though mountain gorillas form the major attraction to the park, the park also supports other additional wildlife which includes – 76 mammalian species such as golden monkeys a localized and distinctive race of the Blue Monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, leopard, forest elephant, and giant forest hogs as well as a number of bird species. The park is also arguably the most scenic park in Uganda, offering panoramic views that stretch northwards to Bwindi and a southern skyline dominated by the steep volcanic cones of the Virungas, surely one of the most memorable and stirring sights in East Africa.
– Local communities including the Pygmy Batwa African tribe which in the past lived by hunting and gathering fruits from Bwindi Impenetrable forest. They were relocated after the Park was established to protect the Mountain Gorillas. They now sing and dance for visitors also sell their handmade crafts as souvenirs.
Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park
This is the major tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In the park there is one habituated gorilla family. It consists of 9 members, 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. Tracking from this park is easier given that this habituated family is no longer quite mobile since it has established its base at Nyakagezi.
Other Tourist Activities
Hiking – Volcano Climbing is quite an interesting and challenging activity. From Mgahinga national park tourists have a chance to transcend to Mt. Sabinyo (3645m above sea level), Mt Gahinga (3474 km) and Mt. Muhavura (4127 m). Seeing the ‘Old man’s teeth’ on the top of Mt Sabinyo is another awesome adventure. Like an old man, the crown of Mt. Sabyinyo’s has been eroded.
Cave Exploration – Exploring the Garama cave is also interesting. This is one of the historical caves where once the crafty Batwa lived and fought their neighbors. These pygmy related Africans lived a warrior lifestyle and they used to fight with the neighboring Bantu tribes. The Garama cave which measures 342m in length and 14m deep is now inhabited by only bats. A trip to visit the Batwa local communities can also be arranged for tourists interested in learning and experiencing the lifestyles, traditions and norms of these pygmy forgotten Africans.
Birding – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has got a number of unique bird species. With over 79 bird species some of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region, bird watching in this park is another interesting adventure. Common bird species in the park include Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse birds, and Fire Finch Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul.
