Mgahinga NP
Mgahinga National Park: Mountain gorillas form the main attraction at Mgahinga National Park, which protects the Ugandan portion of the Virungas, an imposing string of nine freestanding extinct and active volcanoes that runs along the border with Rwanda and the Congo.The protection of Gorillas in Mgahinga started began in the 1950’s. The gorilla protection later started decreasing not until the 1989 when gorillas began to receive some protection from Gorilla game reserve conservation project along the Uganda side.
Size: This is the smallest national park in Uganda and it covers an area of 33.7 sq km.
Location: 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. The park inhabited by mostly the Bafumbira who lead a simple life mainly as cultivators, Batwa who once lived in the place and fed on wild life are the minority.
Getting There: Road Transport: The park can be reached by road through Kabale and Kisoro 540km from Kampala. Air Transport: Charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi) to Kisoro Airstrip.
Famous For: The Mountain Gorillas 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. The park’s vegetation is generally afro montane since it’s a mountainous region with a cool climate with the vegetation being a bamboo (60%). Mgahinga protects around 39 species of mammals. Larger mammals include elephants, buffalo, bush pigs, the golden monkeys (a localized and distinctive race of blue monkeys), Black and white colobus monkeys. 79 birds and notable bird species include the Rwenzori turacle, crowned hornbill, black kite and crowned crane.
Activities: Gorilla Tracking: This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience. Nothing can prepare the visitor for the impact of encountering a troop of Gorillas munching in their natural habitat. There is no earth trembling, no roars, no snapping of twigs and no undergrowth disturbed- all is just as it should be. Insects chirp in the treetops, birds call to each other through high-pitched squawks and myriads of black soldier ants trail across the path.
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 neighbours, the Bantu. Get to know how the Batwa lived and fought out of the cave. The cave is 342m in length and 14 m deep.
Bird watching: Birding along the edge of the park is available request. A stroll along the buffalo wall towards democratic republic of Congo takes you through a wetland area where Ibis, speckled mouse birds and fire finch are found.
Scenic Viewing: Viewing I made easy by the presence of a viewing plate form which is about 800metres from the park gate. Once on top, you will have a good view of the park and the surrounding areas. This activity is totally free.
Accommodation: The Volcanoes Camp provides up market accommodation wile camping and basic cottages are provided in the community campground. A wide choice of lodging is available in Kisoro.
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