Mgahinga
Gorilla National Park
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INTRODUCTION
This is the smallest national park in Uganda covering an
area of 33.7 square kilometers. As you approach from the
east the huge cones of volcanoes start to dominate the landscape.
The region surrounding the park is primarily inhabited by
Bafumbira and a small population of Batwa peoples. The park
is part of the great Virunga conservation area covering
the northern slopes of three volcanoes, namely, Mt Muhavura
4,127 metres, Mt Sabinyo 3’645 metres and Mt Gahinga
3,474 metres.
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 Virunga
range as a conservation area. The three parks together form
the 434 square kilometers of the Virunga Conservation Area.
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There is one habituated gorilla group at Mgahinga known as
the Nyakagezi group which roams across the international borders
that make up the conservation area.
The Park experiences two wet rainy seasons; February - May
and September - December. The average monthly rainfall experienced
being 250mm (October) and minimum is 10mm (July).
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Tracking
The most popular activity is gorilla tracking. Tracking in
this park depends on whether the gorillas are actually in
the park. The tracking fee is $500 per person. Golden Monkey
(endemic) tracking has evolved as a new experience only to
be enjoyed in Mgahinga. The activity costs $50 per person.
Ecosystem and Wildlife
Being a mountainous area, the park vegetation is afro montane
with a cool climate. The most abundant type of vegetation
is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain
gorillas. Other types of flora include the Giant lobelia
and Haegenia. Other primates found in the park include:
the threatened golden monkey, bushbucks, Forest elephant
and buffalo. The park is also a birder’s paradise
with a bout 79 species of birds including the beautiful
Rwenzori turaco and in the crater of Gahinga the Yellow
tufted Malachite Sunbird |
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Garama cave
One of the easier attractions to access in the park which
was a former shelter for the Batwa people where they once
lived and fought their Bantu neighbours. It’s about
3kms from the park headquarters to the cave some 342m in length
and 14m deep. Guided nature walks can be arranged at the visitors
reception.
Volcano treks
The three extinct volcanoes provide for some exhilerating
trekking on Mt Sabinyo, Mt Muhavura and Mt Gahinga. These
treks are all one day hikes and guided by a ranger/guide.
Activities
- Gorilla tracking
- Bird watching along the edge of the park
- Nature walks to the Garama cave and viewing platform
- Volcano trekking.
- Golden monkey tracking
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