Mgahinga National Park- Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Small conservation covering 33.9 square kilometers. In the past, it used to be a game reserve between 1930 and 1950. The National Park was established in 1991, it is found in Kisoro District and governed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Located in the Virunga mountains encompassing 3 Volcanoes that are the Mt Muhabura, Mount Gahingaand Mount Sabyinyo, it forms part of the River Nile watershed area.
From Kampala it is close to 8-10hours drive, Kigali about 6hours drive and if your from Kabale it is about 55kilometers and from the southern part of Kisoro it is 15kilometres.
Things to see
Mountain Gorillas
The Gorillas live in forests, up in the mountains and the hills, they have thicker hair far compared to other great Apes which helps them to survive during the cold weather. These are gazetted here to be protected from being endangered. They feed on fruits and never drink water because most of the fruits they feed on contain a lot of water and the vegetation is moist however during the dry season they always feed on the dry bark.
These gorillas can be trekked and watched under the directions of the guide.
Gorilla trekking watching start at 7:45 with a briefing and 8:00 pm the trekking starts. This activity can be done throughout the year but the best times are in the dry season that is June, July, Aug and Dec, January and February. One should book a permit in advance like 4months and the youngest gorilla trekker should not be below 15 years.
In Mgahinga there is the habituated Gorilla that can be visited, this can be done at the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group
In the Nyakagezi Gorilla group, each family consists of 9 members that are 4 silverbacks,2 female adults,1 juvenile and 2 infants which are led by the strongest male known as the silverback which protects its family against any intrusion and determines the daily routine. Gorilla hAbituation is only done for one hour under a guide and then guided back to the park headquarters and given certificates of participation.
It is advisable to check the current location of the gorillas since they move a lot, keep voice down or be quiet and avoid using flash on the camera. And also remember to wear waterproof boots, long trousers, carry repellants.
Another exciting thing to see
VIRUNGA VOLCANOES
The park has three volcanoes that form the Virunga region which offer great scenery and very good hiking opportunities
Let us look at
MOUNT SABYINYO” OLD MAN’S TEETH”
At the altitude of 366m and the hike is of a distance of 14kilometers that takes about 2 days. Time has eroded the Mt.Sabyinyo’s climb and this volcano offers three challenging peaks to climb.
The First climb takes you up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to peak then the 2nd climb takes you on a ridge with breathtaking gorges of Rwanda and Uganda to give you double experience. Imagine being in 2 countries at the same time. Then the 3rd climb exposes you to steep slopes with several ladders and mush scrambling, be ready to get your hands dirty as you approach the third peak. But once you get on the top, you will be in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same time giving you a triple experience, isn’t that magical. Come see, feel and learn.
MOUNT GAHINGA
At the altitude of 3474 meters and blessed with piles of stones in the garden fields which the locals refer to as Gahinga. This volcano is situated next to Muhavura making it look too small.
Hiking on this Volcano can be done in one day since it takes 6hours on a round trip around the hill taking you through a pure bamboo forest. In the past, there was a crater laker however due to time and climate changes it has turned into a swamp, the distance to the former crater is 8kilometers.
MOUNT MUHAVURA
The highest volcano in the park at 4127meters Altitude has a typical cone shape which acts as a guide since it is seen from all over Kisoro. This Volcano provides some of the best views in the country.
While hiking on this Mountain you need to camp at the Muhavura base a night before and it is wise to remember to carry a tent, water,food and a sleeping gear. The hike is around 8 hours on a 12-kilometer climb and the climb passes a rocky surface covered by grasses and small shrubs, while at the top you get a chance to view the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Edward in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the parks of the Rwenzori Mountain.
GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING
This an activity which commences at 8:00 am after a briefing from the guides, it is not so strenuous because the golden monkeys do not live in higher areas like the gorillas and it doesn’t take more than 3 hours. You can obtain a permit from the Park Headquarters in the Ntebeko Visitor center. And always remember to carry drinking water, snacks, walking stick,waterproof hiking boots.
One thing you should know is that these monkeys dictate the day and no day is ever the same the forest. You will encounter challenges regularly but the biggest problem is the weather. Imagine trekking at around 2500m, you will encounter strong winds, heavy rainfall, extreme coldness. In the wind, it is conducive to tack the monkeys as they stay in the quiet and mid-canopy. And during the rain monkeys don’t move, they take shelter in the trees and do not move.
However, no matter the weather conditions, the walks are awesome, the mist comes down among moist and overhanging vegetation making it the most beautiful place.
BATWA TRAIL
In the past it was not in existence, it was launched on the 7th of June 2011, these trails are compared to the living museum because along these trails you learn about the past experiences of the Batwa’s and it is usually done by the Batwa guides. There are two historical caves on this trail and these include the
Ngarama Cave which was the royal home for the king,court of law, and food store for the Batwa, it is located 200m long underneath Mt Mgahinga whereas the Garama cave exploration lies 342 m beneath a plateau in the Northern edge of the park and it is 3km from the Ntebeko center.This was the council chamber and the retreat for the Batwa.
Please note that as you start the journey the Batwa guide will kneel down at a certain hut to pray to the gods to bless the walk, along the walks you can pick some berries, learn about different plants and roots. The Batwa will demonstrate various skills like making Bamboo cups, making fire using friction with the sticks. The whole trail is exciting.
ACCOMODATION
There is a luxury Lodge near the park called Gahinga Lodge that is managed by Volcanoes Safaris,