Alien Safaris Uganda, Uganda Safaris

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Kisoro district, Bufumbira County in the south western part of Uganda, it is 337.7 sq. km bordering to the south by Rwanda and to the west by Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these countries share and protect a particular portion of the Virunga. When all three parks are combined form 434-sq km.

The Park also covers the northern slopes of the three partly forested Virunga Volcanoes and these include: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m).
From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. When you reach the Park you can get a great overview of the area by walking up the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate.

Mgahinga Park has a great biological importance because throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as climate became warmer or cooler. They are also home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Where to stay
If you are the 'go camping tourist', then there is ample space at the Park gate and Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp for 'Do it Yourself Camping', besides that, there is also excellent traditional Bandas managed by the local community.

Kisoro Town which is 14 kms to the gate of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from the basic Camp-site to the luxurious full board hotels; these include Traveler's Rest, Sky Blue, Mt. Gahinga Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Rugigana Campsite and Mubano Hotel among others.
Be rest assured that you have big choice here.

Getting there:
Road:
Kisoro is about 540 km from Kampala (Uganda's capital city), it takes about 8 hours via Kabale by car.
ACTVITIES CARRIED OUT
Gorilla tracking

This is the most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated gorilla in this Park is called the Nyakagezi, which consists of 9 members, 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.

Gorilla tracking is an intensive experience that can take the whole day. The guide leads you through the gorilla's world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behavior along the way.

Hiking:
Volcano Climbing carried out at Mt. Sabinyo offers 3 challenging peaks to climb. A climb up the mountain takes one up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to peak.

If you are to continue, the climb to the peak 11 involves walking a ridge with breath-taking drops into gorges of Rwanda and Uganda, a dual experience you will achieve here.

Finally, the hike up to the peak 111 is steep with several ladders and mush scrambling.

You are guaranteed to get your hands dirty en-route to the peak!!!.
Once on top, you will be in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, what a triple experience this is!!!

The journey takes about eight hours round trip to cover the 14km stretch.

Mt. Gahinga (3474m)
On your way to the Park, look out for small piles of stones in the garden fields. The local people call such a pile a 'Gahinga'.

Mountain Gahinga is quite bigger than the average 'Gahinga' but sitting next to Mount Muhavura does make it look small.
A hike, which takes you about, six hours round trip, goes through a good example of a pure Bamboo forest.
Gahinga once had a Crater Lake on top but time has changed it into a Lush swamp.
Distance to the swamp is 8km.

Mt. Muhavura (4127m)
Seen from all over Kisoro, this volcano acts as a guide. The typical cone-shaped Mountain provides some of the best views in the country.
Much of the climb passes a rocky surface covered by grasses and small shrubs. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with the view of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward and queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the peaks of Rwenzori Mountain.

The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip covering 12km.You are advised to camp at the Muhavura base camp the night before the site has no facilities so you need a tent, water, food and sleeping gear.

Cave Exploration
Garama cave;
This is one of the caves where once the crafty Batwa (who were warriors) lived and fought their neighbors, the Bantu.

The distance to the cave entrance from the Park headquarters is 3 km long and it takes about 4 hours.

Your guide will show you how the Batwa lived and fought out of the cave. The cave is 342m in length and 14m deep, and is now inhabited only by bats.

Birding
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is blessed with a unique bird fauna; 79 bird species have thus far been recorded within the Park including several species endemic to the East Congo Montane region.
For the Virunga Conservation Area as a whole, over 295 species in the Virunga are endemic to the Albertine Rift and Afro montane region representing 59% of the total of known endemic species.

Remember to contact the Park Management for a guide who will take you around for a good viewing of birds, do not forget your binoculars!!
Free Birding
Free birding along the edge of the park is now available on request.

The guides are happy to take you out from 5-6 p.m. If you book by 10 a.m. that morning. You can choose where the walk will take you, or simply relax in the camp ground.

A stroll along the buffalo wall toward the Congo takes you through a wetland area where Ibis, Whydah, Speckled Mouse bird, and Fire Finch are found.

Stonechat, Grey Capped Warbler, Waxbills, and Yellow-Vented Bulbul are often seen around the campground.

Ask your guide where the best spots are. Feel free to take your time and go at your own pace, there is no hurry when birding.

Accommodation facilities
Travellers Rest camp, Mt. Mgahinga Rest Camp, Virunga hotel
Mgahinga safari Lodge, Rugigana Camp Site, Mubano Hotel
Community Campground with ample space for self camping