MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Located in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park in Uganda with an area of only 34 square kilometers.  This park makes up the Ugandan part of the Virunga Conservation Area which spans three countries -- Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).  Each of these countries has established National Parks in the area to protect the tropical rainforest watersheds and wildlife of the Virunga region. 

Virunga is a Kinyarwanda word which means ‘boiling pots’ and references the mountains’ volcanic origins.  At least one volcano in the range is active and erupted last in 2001, which contributes to the unique nature of the mountain range. 

Mgahinga National Park boasts three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhavura (4,127 meters), Mount Gahinga (3,475 meters) and Mount Sabyinyo (3,645 meters).  Gahinga, "old man's teeth", is the lowest of these mountains and has given the park its’ name.  There are 7 volcanic mountains in the area, one of which erupted in 1996.

The vegetation of Mgahinga is typically afro-montane, with a forest belt, a bamboo zone, and an ericaceous belt leading up to an alpine zone.  Many local herbs grow in the park, including a giant tree-sized relative of the herb St. John’s Wort. 

The park supports 39 recorded mammal species, although it is believed there may be 50 more species unrecorded.  Of the larger mammals Mgahinga boasts are the mountain gorilla, buffalo and forest elephant.  The endangered golden monkey, a subspecies of the blue monkey, can only be found in this region.  Leopard and several other small felines can also be found here.  

294 bird species have been recorded in Virunga region, among which are the handsome Francolin, the Rwenzori Touraco and the Side-breasted Tit.   Twenty of these species are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.  

The rugged mountainous terrain makes gorilla trekking strenuous work and visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is a must.  Bwindi can be rather cool especially in the morning and evening, and it is advisable to bring along a light jacket or pocho. No-one with signs of communicable diseases like the flu or cough will be allowed to trek. 

The habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga is called the Nyakagezi group and consists of approximately 15 members. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is not as reliable as in Bwindi because the gorilla families migrate across the borders of Rwanda and DRC(Zaire).  The gorillas are usually resident in Uganda during the months of April, May, June, October, November and December.  If these dates do not fit your schedule, Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel Ltd (PATT) can organise similar tours in the neighboring parks in Rwanda and Congo.

it is also possilbe to enjoy one day's hike to the summit of Mount Muhavura, in the local language ‘The Guide’, the highest point in the park.  Magnificent views of the other Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the Rwenzori Mountain peaks can be seen from its summit. The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip and covers 12 kilometers. 

Less strenuous hikes are available to the top of Mount Gahinga or to the breathtaking Sabyinyo Gorge.  Golden monkey walks, a historic Batwa (pygmy) cave, village walks through the Batwa area along the edge of the park and a unique swamp walk are all interesting activities for those who have extra time to spend in the area. 

From the base in Kisoro, it is also possible to visit the Nkuringo family of gorillas in the southern end of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of local Ugandan culture, visits can be arranged to the local community. See traditional costumes and jewelry making. Batwa pygmies traditionally inhabited this area, and a local support group helps protect the Batwa culture by offering a village walk with a chance to see the blacksmith and basketweavers at work. Locally produced craft items can be purchased from the park tourist office in Kisoro and along the road at various craft markets.