In Southwestern Uganda, standing atop the Mt Muhavura peak, at 4,127 meters above sea level, the view is breathtakingly spectacular. The three dormant volcanoes which conspire to form the Virunga ranges of which Mt Muhavura is part tower over a scintillating scene spreading out to cover Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Edward and parts of the Rwenzori mountain ranges. It is a sight which once beheld leaves an indelible and enchanting imprint on a traveler’s mind. As Mt Sabinyo (3,669m) and Mt Gahinga (3,474m), gently pierce
through the horizon, Kisoro town sprawls out from beneath the foothills of the giant Mt Muhavura, seemingly shielded from danger and watched over by the coneshaped dormant volcano aptly called “The Guide”.
For Mgahinga National Park, size does not matter. Uganda’s smallest national park, covering a total area of just 33.7 square kilometers could quite easily compete with any of its much larger siblings for thrill and adventure. The park is the only other which boasts a respectable mountain gorilla population in Uganda apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it one of only four in the world, the other two being Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Mgahinga is also the only national park in Uganda which harbors the endangered Golden Monkeys which make for fascinating tracking and memorable encounters in their natural habitat. The perfect hiking destination, in the heart of Mgahinga National Park lies the three dormant volcanoes; mounts Muhavura, Sabinyo and Gahinga. An adventure-filled trek up any of their three peaks brings one up-close and personal with scenic views of different vegetation zones including Afro-montane Forest below 2,500m, typical bamboo areas between 2,500m – 3,500m and Afro-alpine moorland in areas above 3,500m. All this stunning beauty is complimented by frequent sightings and interactions with golden monkeys, forest elephants, duikers and a variety of bird species including the brown crowned Tchagra, Rwenzori Batis, red faced woodland, handsome francolin, bronze sunbird among others that make up over 115 different bird species in Mgahinga National Park.
The Mgahinga adventure is incomplete without a memorable Batwa trail experience including a visit to Garamba cave. Once the original dwellers in the land that is now gazetted as park area, the Batwa tribe understand the forest like the back of their hands. Skilled in the ancient art of living, their traditional hunting and gathering way of life is a marvel. They have mastered the way of the forest, using it for herbs, food, security and all-round survival. Their ways are as unique as they are pure.
Mgahinga National Park is where silver meets gold. It is where hearts are melted, wills are tested and nature’s beauty is attested. That when one hikes Mt Sabinyo, “The old man’s teeth”, at its peak, one is simultaneously standing in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo only seeks to add extra spice to an already truly enchanting destination. A true testimony that size is not everything.
Visit Mgahinga National Park today!