MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

This is the smallest national park and it covers an area of 36 sq km and it was established in1991.It is the Ugandan part of the Virunga National park but with rare species. It is in the far south west of Uganda in Kisoro. It may be small but it is arguably considered as the most panoramic park. It is found in the extreme Southwestern corner of Uganda that borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It includes parts of Muhavura, Mgahinga and Sabino Volcanic Mountains. The summit of Muhavura has a small crater lake and forms the highest point (4127m) in the Park. The summit areas are dominated by wort and dwarf heath vegetation. This emerges into bamboo and broad leaved montane forest, down the mountains. The lower slopes have high altitude savannah woodland with lots of lichens and mosses.

The Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla brengei) are the most awe-inspiring animals to be found in Africa. Unfortunately, man has not been merciful to them. Poachers have decimated them, and man has destroyed their natural habitat. They have faced extinction, but today sound conservation policies have slowed down their decline, and in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park they are able to establish their family groups untroubled by predatory man. Here on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in south west Uganda, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (33.7 sq.km) has been established to provide a secure habitat for these massive, but gentle creatures.

Mgahinga protects around 76 mammals species, including the golden monkeys (a localized and distinctive race of blue monkeys), Black and white colobus monkeys, mountain gorillas, leopards, elephants, giant forests hog, bush pigs, buffalo, bush bucks, black-fronted duiker and several varieties of rodents, bats, and small predators.

Bafflingly, only 115 bird species have been recorded probably a reflection of the park's small size. Ecosystem and wild life; being a mountainous area, the park vegetation is afro montane with in a cool climate. The abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo (60%), which is a delicacy to the mountain gorilla. Other types of flora include the lobelia, Haegenia etc.

Activities:
Gorilla Tracking;
This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience, which might take one through a thick jungle. One gorilla group, Nyakagezi is currently habituated and available for tourist. It has 11 members; 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants. Book at least 3 months earlier.

Volcano climbing
Mgahinga Gorilla National park offers three extinct volcanoes for physically fit hikers although they do not require special mountaineering gear. The three volcanoes are Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura.

Garama Cave excursion
This is one of the caves where the batwa (who were warriors) once lived and fought their neighbors, the Bantu. The range guide will show you how the batwa lived and fought out of the cave. The cave is 342m in length and 14 m deep, and is now in habited mainly by bats.

Bird watching
Birding along the edge of the park is available on request. You will be taken out by the guides from 1700 hours to 1800 hours. A stroll along the buffalo wall towards democratic republic of Congo yakes you through a wetland area where ibis, speckled mouse birds and fire finch are found.

Viewing plat form
This is about 800metresfrom the park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and the activity is free.