MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
At approximately 33.7km2,Mgahinga Gorrills is one among uganda's smallest national park.but, it is fortune to be one of the most exciting and dramatic for the park happens to lie on the northern slopes of mountains.muhabura, mgahinga as well as sabinyo,these three volcanoes create an unforgettable regional backdrop.The peaks are three of the six Virunga volcanoes that mark the southern limit of the Albertine Rift Valley furthermore are divided between uganda, Rwanda, as well as DR congo. Due to the beauty of Virungas, its blessed to be a home for more than half of the world's population moreso of the endangered mountain gorilla.Quite a number of people ranging from 380 roam the slopes of the volcanoes as the remaining 340 live nearby in uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Nationlal Park.Luckily for the gorillas,and even if mgahinga has a small area, its supplemented by those of two larger, adjoing parks in Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) as well as DR Congo (virunga NP).
Uganda's Mountain Gorillas
Even though gorilla tracking is one of the park's most popular activity,mgahinga gets many visits certainly to appreciate the scenery.An option of hikes allows for all abilities, ranging from the 8 hour return trip to the summit of mountain. Muhabura, to gentle strolls across the lower slopes slopes below the magnificient three peak backdrop.
Usually the park experiences two rainy seasons; march-may and september-Novermber.Among the wettest mouth is october, with 250mm of rain as well as July the driest with just about 10mm.
HOW TO GET THERE
Remember the park lies in te south-western corner of uganda, just about 540km from kampala.For proper preparation, one has to know that the journey takes 8 hours,excluding rest stops, thus passing via kabale as well as kisoro.The 80km section between kabale and kisoro is a winding, mountainous drive on murram that basically takes at least 2 hours, as the park gate at Ntebeko lies a bumpy of just 14km (30minutes) south of kisoro. charter flights may perhaps be arranged from Entebbe or kampala (kajjansi) to kisoro airstrip.
MGAHINGA GORILLA PARK - SAFARI ACTIVITIES TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Flora and fauna
The scenery of mgahinga's slopes are at all time covered with a series of distinctive altitudinal bands of vegetation.The lowest zone is occupied by grass as well as bush which was formerly encroached in addition to cleared by farmers and is now regenerating.For those interested in undisturbed vegetation, its starts with montane woodland,followed by the bamboo zone, montane forest as well as the Ericaceous zone which further contains giant tree heathers.The sequence culminates with the spectacular alphine zone which usually occurs only on East Africa mountains above 3000m along with includes bizzarre giant forms of lobelia and groundsel.
The most exciting thing about the park is that it has at least 39 species of mammals as well as 76 birds. larger mammals are also present and these include elephant, leopard, buffalo and bush pig although these are rarely seen.Mgahinga's most well known resident is the mountain gorilla. less famous although equally rare and deserving of protection is the golden monkey which is found only in the virungas and in one other forest in Rwanda.citedly bird species include the Rwenzoria turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite as well as crowned crane
Local people
Kisoro District is largely populated with just about 331 people/km2.The area has two main ethnic groups.The most common are the Bafumbira who are originally farmers.The Batwa, who once practiced a subsistence hunter-gather life in the forest, form aminority group.
Ntebeko Visitor Centre
The park has various activities that are arranged from the visitor centre at Ntebeko.With an accessiable viewing platform,800M uphill from the visitor centre,gives wonderful views of the park as well as the surrounding areas.For those worried about the guide, it is not necessary and acces is free.
The peaks
Mgahinga has three volcanic peaks,muhubura(4127m), sabyinyo (3669m) as well as mgahinga (3474m).These may well be climbed even though no specialist equipment is needed,keep in mind that a reasonable level of fitnesss is necessary whenever you intend to enjoy the experience.
The names ofthe peaks happened to come to life in translation.Muhabura means'the guide' as well as its towering cone is a very prominent landmark.During the 19th century its crater more still glowed to give a natural lighthouse for travellers.Furthermore the rim of the older sabyinyo has weathered into a ring of stubby peaks,thus earning it the title 'old man's teeth'.Thes imposing cones overshadow the stumpy mountain. mgahinga which is cited for the local practice of tidying the volcanic rocks that clutter farmland into 'small piles of stones'-or gahingas.
Mt. Sabyinyo
Sabinyo has three peaks. An ascent leads first to Peak 1 prior to climbing towards Peak 2 along a narrow ridge that overlooks breathtaking drops into deep gorges on each side. Peak 3 is further reached by as well as muddy scramble. The borders of three countries converge on this summit and so you will find yourself simultaneously in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. The 14km round trip takes about 8 hours.
Mt. Gahinga
An ascent of Mountain. Gahinga climbs through bamboo forest to reach a lush swamp which lies in the crater at the summit. The round trip from Ntebeko takes just about 6 hours.
Mt. Muhavura
This classic volcanic cone is capped by a small lake; a modest reward for a 5 hour trek that rises 1700m to over 41 OOm. The real incentives for the mountain's marvellous alpine vegetation. The Muhuvura trail gives the quickest as well as shortest route to experience these dramatic plants while the View includes the five other Virunga volcanoes, the rift valley, Lake Edward and (in clear weather) the Rwenzori mountains. The 12km round trip takes around 8 hours. whenever you have your own equipmer you ought consider camping at the ranger post at the base of the volcano to make an early start (and improve your chances of clear views).
Buffalo Wall and Bird Watching
Farmland along the northern edge of the park has a drystone wall that keeps buffalo in the park and birds. The trail along the wall is ideal for birding. Guide is between 17.00-18.00 if you book by 10.00 the a stroll towards the Democratic Republic of Congc through a wetland area where the fire finch are found.
Batwa Trail and Garama Cave
The Batwa Trail leads from the base of Muhuvura Cave. This walk is conducted by Batwa guides who offer insights into their traditional forest life as well as culture.
The 342m long Garama Cave lies beneath a plat northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko. It is set in the former farmland zone although in earlier times, the cave forest when it was occupied periodically by Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their neighbours. At the moment, the cave provides an atmospheric a performance of Batwa music at the end of the Batwa.
