Mount Mgahinga national park is one of the least visited national parks in Uganda despite the fact that quite a big number of primates live in the Mgahinga forest thus the reason 75% of all visitors that go there only go there for primates watching therefore they are mainly interested in the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. There is just one gorilla group called the Nyakagezi in this park which sometimes wonders off in to Congo and Rwanda, once that happens the trackers on such day miss out on seeing them.
The only place in Uganda where mountain gorilla watching is guaranteed is in Bwindi impenetrable park although the trek might be tiresome especially to the elderly. But besides gorilla tracking, there are several other tourism activities that one can do while in Mgahinga national park and one of the most amazing is mountain hiking.
The volcano climbing in Mgahinga
There are several places in Uganda where hiking can be done which means hiking safaris in Uganda can be fun and really rewarding because there are lots of attractions you will meet during your hike. For instance, you can choose the Mt. Rwenzori hike, you can hike to the top mountain Elgon but in Mgahinga, you have 3 volcanoes that you can hike.
There are 3 volcanoes that you can access from this park therefore that choice is always your depending to you fitness and the amount of time you have. Most hikers usually go for Mt. Gahinga which is as high as 3,474m. This hike takes about six hours to both ascend and descend, once at the top you will find that crater filled with swamp and giant lobelia. Those are lucky will be able to see the golden monkeys as they walk through that thick bamboo forest.
The other option is hiking Mt. Sabinyo which is 3,669m and to get to the top of this mountain requires eight hours since the distance from the base to the top is about 14km long round trip. As you hike, you will have to follow the route along the steep ridge up until you get to the peak.
Mt. Muhavura is another/ third option available for the hikers. This is the highest peak of all and it lies at 4,127m high and the hike is planned for the same amount of time as Sabyinyo which is eight hours. This means, you need to be fit enough to endure the fast hiking exercise. When you reach the top, you will have are beautiful view of the Virunga Volcanoes, there is a clear view of Lake Edward, the great Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and also the Rwenzori peaks.
What you need to carry to ensure a successful hike
Even to the expert hikers, mountain climbing may turn out a disaster if you don’t carry the right gadgets needed by any hiker. The trails are often rough, some areas may be really steep and slippery especially during the rainy season and also, one point you may have to go through some thick bushes. It is therefore recommended that you carry stuff like;
- The walking sticks as this will be very useful when you get steep and slippery areas.
- Hiking boots are the perfect shoes. They making the walk a bit easier as they are not slippery.
- You will need a head cap and the sun screen as it might get really hot and you get sun burns. The insect repellent keep you safe from insect bites.
- The rain coat is to keep you from soaking wet incase it rains. Given the climate of this region, it can rain any time therefore a rain coat is one of the must carry stuff.
- You also have to drinking water and packed food. At one you will have a break and have your lunch and then continue with your adventure.
You can carry any other personal stuff that you think you will need however, you need to watch the weigh you intend to carry on your back because they heavier the back pack gets, they slower you will get and more tired thus affecting your hike.
Mountain hiking prices
Prices depend on the nationality, the foreign non residents pay $80 while the foreign residents pay$ 70 and the East African residents pay shs.50,000 per person. These prices include the park entrance and the guide fees. Payment can be made on arrival or prior to your arrival but it is better to make the booking prior to avoid any inconvenience.
For more information about Hiking in Uganda, visit adventureugandasafari.com
