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It
is the smallest Park but one of the most significant because
like Bwindi, it is home to the endangered gorilla.
Lying in southwestern Uganda, this Park is part of the Virunga
Conservation area. It adjoins Rwanda's volcano and the Democratic
Republic of Congo' Virunga National Park.
The park has afromontane vegetation and a cool climate. The
bamboo dominates it, which is a delicacy to the gorillas.
Gorillas aside, the park is habitat to buffaloes, elephants,
bushbucks, the golden monkeys, jackal, porcupine and many more.
There are also unique species of birds - Rwenzori turaco, Crowned
Crane and others. Tracking in the park takes 3 - 8 hours. |
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There
are three extinct volcanoes, which offer a good hiking experience
to those in good physical health. No specific mountaineering
gear is required.
The park is very scenic offering great phonographic opportunities.
There is a wide range of accommodation facilities in Kisoro.
THE PEOPLE
Kisoro District is heavily populated with the Bafumbira who
lead a simple life-style mainly as cultivators, as the major
ethnic group. The Batwa (Pygmies) who once lived in caves and
fed on wildlife is the minority group.
ECOSYSTEM AND WILDLIFE
Being a mountainous are, the park experiences Afro-montane vegetation
and 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 spp, etc.
Animals found in the park include the Mountain gorilla, buffalo,
elephants, bushbucks, the threatened Golden monkeys and many
others.Examples of bird species include Rwenzori turaco, Fiscal
shrike, Crowned hornbill, Black kite, Augur Buzzards, Crowned
Crane. It
takes about 8 hours to get to the park from Kampala. Public
transport means are also available. Flights can be arranged
on Mondays and Fridays from Entebbe to Kisoro.
GORILLA TRACKING
This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience, which
might take one through a thick jungle. Tourist group (The Nyakagezi
Group) consists of 9 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females,
2 juveniles and infants.
Tracking can take three to eight hours.
VOLCANO CLIMBING
Mgahinga National Park offers three extinct volcanoes for physically
fit hikers although they do not require special Mountaineering
gears.
MT. MGAHINGA [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'.
Mount 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 8 km.
MT MUHAVURA [4127 M]
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 other Virunga volcanoes, lake Edward in
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi and the peaks of Rwenzori
Mountain. The hike takes approximately 8 hours round trip covering
12 km. 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
This is one of the caves where once the crafty Batwa (who were
warriors) lived and fought their neighbours. 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.
ACCOMMODATION
Kisoro offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging
from the basic Camp-sites to the luxurious full board hotels,
these include; Traveller's Rest Camp, Sky Blue, Mt.Gahinga Rest
Camp, Virunga Hotel, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Rugigana Camp Site,
Mubano Hotel among others. At the park gate, there is a community
Camp ground with ample space for ' Do it you Self-Camping, and
Mount Gahinga Rest Camp.
The choice is yours!
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