Mgahinga Gorilla

Flora and fauna; the slopes of Mgahinga are covered with unique altitudinal species of vegetation while at the base of the mountain is mainly grass. The virgin lush vegetation begins with the montane woodland, followed by the bamboo area, then the montane forest and Ericaceous zone where the giant tree heathers are found.
Mgahinga national park is home to at least 39 species of mammals and 79 species of birds. Some of the larger mammals include; forest elephants; leopards, buffalos and warthogs but these animals are rarely seen.
The park’s famous residents and star attractions are the mountain gorillas. The Golden monkeys are less famous but also equally rare and worth protection. The golden monkeys are only found in the Virungas and in one other forest in Rwanda.
Some of the notable bird species include the crowned hornbill, Rwenzori turaco, crowned crane and the black kite.

Local people and Culture; Kisoro district is a densely populated area with an average population of 331 people/ km2 and all these come from mainly two ethnic groups namely the Batwa who are then indigenous dwellers in the forest and these initially survived as subsistence hunter-gather in the forest and they form the minority group but with the richest culture. The major ethnic group are the Bafumbira and these are primarily farmers

Ntebeko Visitor Centre; this is where all the park activities are arranged from and the Ntebeko is endowed with the breath taking views of about 800m uphill as well as the surroundings of the park.

The peaks; There are 3 volcanic peaks that can be climbed by visitors in Mgahinga National park mainly Muhabura(4127m), Sabyinyo (3669m) and Mgahinga (3474m). There is no special equipment required to reach the peak of any of these mountains but a reasonable level of fitness is much necessary for those intending to enjoy the hiking experience.

The name of each of the 3 peaks has its attached meaning. Muhabura means “the guide” because of its towering cone which is a prominent landmark. Also, during the 19th century, the Muhabura crater glowed to provide a natural lighthouse for travellers.
Sabinyo means “the old man’s teeth” this name came as a result of the rim of the rim of the mountain which had weathered into the ring of stubby peaks.
Gahinga means “a small pile of stones_ or gahingas” which is named for the local practice of tidying the volcanic rocks that clutter farmlands.

Some of the activities that can be done within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include;

Gorilla Trekking; which involves negotiating path in the thick rugged jungle is the most exciting and memorable tourism activity is Mgahinga national park. The only habituated group called Nyakagezi is the only mountain gorilla group available for tracking and only a group of 8 people are allowed to trek this gorilla group every day. Nyakagezi gorilla group consists of 2 silverbacks, 3 adults, 4 juveniles and 2 infants which make up a total of 11 members.

Scenic Viewing; there is a viewing platform of a bout 800meters from the park’s gate that has been developed within the park. The top of this platform rewards with the thrilling scenery of park and its surroundings. There are displaying panels at the hill point to give you a hint of what you can see. The platform is very safe and one doesn’t need a guide to enjoy this experience.

Buffalo Wall and Bird Watching; at the northern edge of the park is dry stone wall where many buffaloes gather around the park and this trail is also ideal for bird watching. Look out for birds in the evening between 1700 to 1800 hours searching for species like ibis, speckled mous and fire finch among others.

Batwa Trail and Garama Cave; the Batwa trails begins from the base of Muhavura cave, the walk is conducted by the Batwa guide to provide insight into the traditional forest life and culture of the Batwa. The Garama cave is 342m long and lies beneath the plateau located at the northern edge of the park, approximately 3km from Ntebeko. This cave is located in the former farmland zone but originally it was a cave forest and would periodically be occupied by the Batwa people who used it as a retreat after raiding the neighbours and a council chamber. Currently, this cave is where the atmospheric performances of the Batwa music take place after the Batwa visit.

There are various accommodation facilities in Mgahinga National Park ranging from Luxury, Midrange and budget. These include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari lodge Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mutanda Island Lodge, Kisoro Traveler’s Rest, Sky Blue hotel, Virunga Hotel, Rugigana Campsite, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Mubano Hotel, Mucha Hotel, Montana Guest House, 3Way Gorilla Resort, Muhabura Motel, Kisoro Travelers Lodge, Landmark Guest House, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel among other accommodation facilities located in and around the park.

Location of Mgahinga national park-Uganda
Mgahinga National park is located about 519km from Kampala and it is a 9-10 hours’ drive.