MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

It adjoins Rwanda’s volcano and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Parks. Gorilla trekking is the main activity though forest walks are equally rewarding as you view birds in the Albertine valley.

Size 33.7 sg km

District: Kisoro

Geographical location: In the south – Western corner of Uganda bordering Rwanda and Zaire.

Altitude: to 4,127m

Physical features: Comprising of three extinct volcano’s – Muhabura “The Guide”cone shaped hikers are rewarded with the other Virunga Volcanoes,Lake Edward in Mgahinga “Small pile of stones” 347m and Sabyinyo, the peak that borders Rwanda, a challenging trek , however does not require mountaineering gear. An extensive swamp lies in the saddles between the volcanoes. The 420 –sq-km Virunga conservation area is home of half of the remaining world gorillas.
No camp facility, need for tents, water, food and sleeping gear.

Vegetation: Afro mantane tropical rainforest, comprising a moutane tropical rain forest, comprising a mountane forest belt, a 60% bamboo , a delicacy for the mountain gorillas, also found are Lobelia, Haegenic stretching into an ericaceous belt, and an alpine zone.

Animals: The Park supports uniquely adapted animal species exhibiting a fairly high level of endemism. Mammals recorded include the endangered mountain gorilla, golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, black- fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard giant forest hog, side striped ,jakal, Egyptian mangoose ,severalcat, golden cat, and spotted hyena.

Birdlife: The Park has 185 species of birds,12 endemic recorded in the area eminent are the handsome francolin,Rwenzori turaco, Ibis ,Stone chart,yellow-vented bulbul and the stripe – beasted tit.

Local People: The Batwa( Pygmies) once lived in the caves and fed on wildlife . The Uganda Wild life Authority in accordance to the law has allowed the Batwa to settle in the Part and are entitled to 20% of the entrance fees. The Batwa have a population is 331persons per sq km.

Accommodation: Two campsites. The nearest Hotel accommodation is in Kisoro

Asyanut safaris arranges Uganda safari packages.

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