Activities around Mgahinga National Park

Ntebeko Visitor Centre

Park activities are arranged from the Visitor Centre at Ntebeko

A viewing platform, 800m uphill from the Visitor Centre, provides good view of the park and the surrounding areas. A guide is not necessary and access is free.

The peaks

Mgahinga has three volcanic peaks, Muhubura(4127m), Sabinyo(3669m) and Mgahinga (3474m). These can all be hiked/climbed. Though no specialist equipment is required, a reasonable level of fitness is necessary if you intend to enjoy the experience.

The names of the three peaks come to life in translation. Muhabura means 'the guide' and its towering cone is a prominent land mark. During the 19th century its crater still glowed to provide a natural lighthouse for travelers. The rim of the older sabinyo has weathered into a ring of stubby peaks, earning it the title 'old man's teeth'. These imposing cones overshadow the stumpy Mt. Mgahinga which is named for the local practice of tidying the volcanic rocks that clutter farmland into 'small piles of stones' -or gahingas

Mt. Sabinyo

Sabinyo has three peaks . An ascent leads first to peak 1 before climbing towards peak 2 along a narrow ridge that overlooks breathtaking drops into deep gorges on each side. peak3 is reached by a steep and muddy scramble. The borders of three countries converge on this summit and you will find your self simultaneously in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. The 14km round trip takes about 8 hours.

Mt. Gahinga

An ascent of Mt. Gahinga climbs through bamboo forest to reach a lush swamp which lies in the crater at the summit. The round trip from Ntebeko takes around 6 hours

Mt. Muhavura

This classic volcanic cone is capped by a small but pretty crater lake; a modest reward for a 5 hour trek that rises steeply for 17oom to over 4100m. The real incentives for the climb are the mountain's marvelous alpine vegetation and superb panoramas. The Muhavura trail provides the quickest and shortest ascent route to experience these dramatic plants while the view includes the five other Virunga volcanoes, the rift valley, Lake Edward and (in clear weather) the Rwenzori mountain. The 12km round trip takes around 8 hours. If you have your own equipment and food, you should consider camping at the ranger post at the base of the volcano to make an early start (and improve your chances of clear view).

Buffalo wall & Bird Watching Safari

Farmland along the northern edge of the park is guarded by a dry stone wall that keeps buffalo in the park handout of crops. The trail along the wall is ideal for birding. Guides will escort you between 17:00-18:00 if you book by 10:00 that morning. A stroll towards the Democratic Republic of Congo takes you through a wetland area where ibis, speckled mouse bird, and fire finch are found.

Batwa trail and Garama Cave

The Batwa Trail leads from the base of Muhavura to Garama cave. This walk is conducted by Batwa guides who provide insights into their traditional forest life and culture.

The 342m long Garama cave lies beneath a plateau near the northern edge of the park, 3km from Ntebeko. It is set in the former farmland zone but in earlier times, the cave lay deep in forest when it was occupied periodically by Batwa who used it as a council chamber and a retreat after raiding their Bafumbira neighbors. Today the cave provides an atmosphere setting for a performance of Batwa music at the Batwa Trail.

Gorilla tracking

Mgahinga's most exciting and memorable activity is tracking the mountain gorilla in thick jungle. The park has one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagyezi) which is visited and has females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants. This group is mobile and moves to and from Uganda and Rwanda. Booking is through Uganda Wildlife Authority (see contacts). Registration and briefing for gorilla trekking commences at Ntebeko at 07:45. Trekking starts at 08:30 and can take to eight hours.

Gorilla tracking is Uganda's most after tourism activity you should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.

What to take - a checklist

* Solid walking shoes or boots
* Rain gear and hat
* Sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Drinks and snacks
* Binoculars
* Camera
* Porters are available at a modest cost

Gorilla rules

To protect the gorillas and visitors, the following rules must be adhered to:

* No one with a communicable disease, such as flu or diarrhea, is allowed to visit the gorillas.
* Do not surround the gorillas but remain in a tight group.
* Leave a distance of at least 5m between you and the gorillas.
* If they approach you.move back slowly
* Flash photography is strictly forbidden.

Mgahinga National Park main page

Mgahinga Accommodation.