Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo form the northeastern part of the Virunga Volcano ranges, which extend into the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. At just 33.7 km2, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. It is situated in the southwest corner of the country in Kisoro District, 12.5 km south of Kisoro town council.
At 4,127 metres, the peak of Mount Muhavura is the highest point in the park. Visitors may like to explore the little crater lake on the mountain. Cloud frequently obscures the view from the peak. At every stage of the volcano’s elevation, the park’s vegetation consists of montane, alpine, and sub-alpine species. The peaks of Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhavura are reachable by climbing; but, unless you are physically fit, the pace set by the ranger and armed guard may be taxing. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park office in Kisoro is where climbs can be scheduled.
The British government first designated the present-day Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as a game reserve in 1930 and kept it that way until 1950. In the lower altitude regions, the majority were converted to agriculture fields, and biological assessments were started in 1989. Trees were planted, rangers were educated, and wire traps were dismantled during the procedure. In the early 1990s, the Batwa people, who were the settlers, were moved to regions outside the national park’s boundaries. Finally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was created in 1991 after it was granted national park status, together with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwenzori Mountain National Park.
76 mammal species and 115 bird species are found in the park, not counting the 250 bird species found across the Virunga conservation area (VCA). The rare Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys are the most frequently spotted mammals during gorilla and monkey tracking, respectively. The remaining mammals, particularly the giant forest hogs, bush pigs, forest buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, golden cats, side-striped jackals, black-fronted duikers, and South African porcupines, are particularly hard to spot when visiting this park.
Tourism Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mountain Gorilla Tracking
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has seen a peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife as a result of the authorities’ effective establishment of community tourism initiatives.
At Mgahinga, entry to the resident gorilla family is highly regulated. For up to an hour, only small groups of tourists (no more than eight people) accompanied by a ranger/guide are allowed to see the habituated Gorilla family here. To minimise disturbances to the animals, time limits and visitor counts are strictly enforced. Keep in mind that these creatures are wild and prone to erratic behaviour because they are in their native habitat.
The tracking process begins at 8:00 am with a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Mgahinga and lasts for two to six hours, depending on when you find the mountain gorillas and where they spent the night before.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Only two other forests in central Africa and the Virunga Volcano range are home to golden monkeys. Because to poaching, this uncommon primate, whose name comes from the colour of its fur, is in danger. There are between 3,000 and 5,000 golden monkeys. A family of Golden monkeys was successfully habituated by Uganda Wildlife Authority for the purpose of experiential tourism, as part of a plan to broaden the park’s tourism offerings.
Each session of this habituation experience, which takes place in the mornings and afternoons, lasts between two and four hours, albeit guests first interact with the golden monkeys for an hour. You will be accompanied by ranger guides during golden monkey tracking, giving guests a rare chance to get up close and personal with the primates while learning a great deal about these stunning animals.
Batwa Trail Experience
On June 7, 2011, the Batwa Trail was inaugurated with the goal of conserving their traditional culture. During your hike along the Batwa Trail, your guide will teach you about hunting techniques, various trees and their medicinal uses, fruit gathering customs, how to start a fire naturally from forest trees, and how to make wooden crafts like cups out of bamboo. Above all, you will be taken to see the 14-meter-deep and more than 340-meter-long Garama Cave. Nearly a millennium ago, during their protracted struggle with their Bantu neighbours, this was the home of the Batwa (Pygmie) warriors.
Volcano Hiking
One of the most popular activities at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is mountain climbing. The three volcanic mountains—Mount Muhavura, Mountain Sabinyo, and Mountain Gahinga—form the Virunga ranges, which are located in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are several meanings associated with each of these names. Gahinga means “pile of stones,” Sabinyo means “old man’s teeth,” and Muhavura means “guide.”
At 4,127 metres, Mountain Muhavura is the highest peak. From its summit, as well as from Kisoro Town, you can see the other Virunga Mountains. The walk is 12 km long and takes 8 hours to reach the summit. Visitors may plainly see Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains when they are at the summit of the peak.
A 14-kilometer walk over rocky hills and a series of ladders leads to the summit of Mountain Sabinyo (3,669m), which takes eight hours to reach. At the top, you’ll simultaneously be in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Before reaching the peak of 3,474 metres, Mountain Gahinga offers a delightful stroll through a bamboo grove. At the summit, there is a tiny crater lake with enormous lobelia, although it has gradually become a swamp. Six hours are needed for the return trip. If guests are fortunate, they may see golden monkeys making their climb to the summit.