Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located in Kisoro district in the extreme southwestern part of Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Africa not only for gorillas trekking but also for thrilling hiking safari experiences. Hiking is also best referred to as guided nature walks, forest walks are with no doubt the best way to uncover hidden treasures not easily be accessed using a vehicle.
Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is amazingly a rewarding on-foot-walk experience nature lovers should expect to be part of Uganda safaris in order to explore what Mgahinga’s natural forest has to offer. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, established in 1991 and occupying only 33.7sq.km of the land area is naturally endowed regardless of the small size.
Mgahinga National Park is a natural haven of its own and hiking safaris offer a lifetime opportunity to nature lovers to fully experience it. Visitors can engage in short or long hiking experiences, each adventure rewarding nature lovers distinctly. There are several hiking trails/nature walking trails to start your hike in or around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The beauty about hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is that nature lovers get introduced to different habitats each with unique species. The likely encounters on hiking or nature walks in Mgahinga include birds, the lush vegetation, wildlife especially primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, baboons, etc.
While on hiking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are varied hiking trail choices to undertake. It all depends on your level of physical fitness and perhaps what you are interested in exploring;
Sabinyo gorge walk
Embarking on the Sabyinyo gorge walk is a great opportunity to conquer the Sabyinyo volcano. This is a 5-6 hours hiking adventure taking you through distinct vegetation zones while heading up to the summits/gorge. The Sabyinyo gorge walk comes with breathtaking views of the surrounding Virunga volcanoes, local communities, the lush montane forest, etc.
Sabinyo gorge walk
Additionally, bird lovers can enjoy the good sight of interesting birds such as the Rwenzori turacos, olive woodpeckers, pin-tailed whydahs, white-necked raven. Other birds you are likely to come across on the Sabyinyo gorge walk include Rwenzori nightjar, paradise flycatcher, grey capped warblers, yellow vented bulbul, waxbills, and a lot more.
Mount Sabyinyo (3669m) is part of the 8 Virunga Mountain Massifs. It is strategically located with its 3rd peak shared amongst the 3 countries- D.R. Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Conquering its summits gives hikers that incredible feeling of being in the borders of all 3 states that make up the Virunga region.
Other volcanoes to explore on hiking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Mount Muhabura (4127m)- this often takes hikers 8 to 10 hours and rewards hikers with surrounding views of other Virunga volcano peaks, Lake Edward, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Mount Gahinga (3474m) 6 to 7 hours’ trek to conquer the magical peaks of the renowned pile of stones.
Batwa trail
Batwa trail should be one of the musts to explore trails for all your hiking desires in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The trail allows tourists to meet, interact, learn more about the original forest dwellers, the hunters, gatherers famously referred to as Batwa pygmies.
Batwa Cultural Trail
Visitor cultural experience on Batwa trail includes learning about the traditions, cultures, lifestyles and getting entertained by the traditional dances, music performances from the Batwa. Also, explore more about how they used to collect fruits, hunt and they will demonstrate to you a number of ancient hunting and gathering techniques. The climax of the Batwa trail includes exploring the Ngarama cave (this is where great entertainment will be had including dances, music performances, etc).
Border walk trail
If you are interested in a little moderate trail, then the border trail should be explored for hiking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 5 hours’ hiking trail allows you to explore various vegetation types, encounter wildlife such as duikers, golden monkeys, and have a chance to explore the caldera on Gisozi Hill.
Other Uganda safari activities to engage in besides hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include gorilla trekking- a lifetime opportunity to meet, interact with the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is also known to offer the best of golden monkey tracking and so on.
