A GLIMPSE OF GOLD
Recently, I travelled to the smallest national park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This 33.7 sq. km park is found in Kisoro district located in southwestern Uganda near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The most striking feature of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is three extinct volcanoes; Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo which are part of the Virunga Ranges. This is a chain of volcanoes that lie along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. The slopes of these mountains have different types of vegetation like montane forests and bamboo. These are home to a variety of wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas and the main reason for this journey – the rare golden monkeys.
Journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
My journey to Mgahinga began in the Switzerland of Africa – Kabale. On the D-day, I woke up late so I skipped breakfast and got on the road immediately in order to reach the park on time (which I later realised was a huge mistake!!).
The 2-hour drive from Kabale to Kisoro town was a smooth sail that took me through beautiful hills and a foggy Echuya Forest. From Kisoro town, the road was abit bumpy so the drive took about 45 minutes to reach Ntebeko Gate.
The Golden Monkey Trekking Experience
Upon arrival at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, I was warmly welcomed by the park staff and then guided to the briefing point. I was treated to an energetic performance by members of the local community which really put me in the mood for the adventure I was about to go on.
Thereafter, I joined other travellers for briefing by the park rangers and guides. They told us about the park’s history, the wildlife we might encounter, and the guidelines for trekking. At this point, the excitement was through the roof!!
And then… silence. As we entered the forest, all I could hear was only sounds of birds and insects. Hiking through the forest was an adventure in itself. The scenery was breathtaking and the fresh air was to die for.
As we trekked deeper into the forest, the rangers pointed out various plants and animals and their roles in the ecosystem. Their knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious which made the trek both educational and enjoyable.
The trail we used had some sections that were steep and muddy which drained the little energy that I had but the rangers were really helpful.
Suddenly, we started hearing calls from the golden monkeys. The sight of the golden monkeys was one to behold with their striking golden fur. They were curious and playful moving gracefully through the trees. We spent an hour observing the golden monkeys. Watching them interact in their natural habitat was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving them and their environment.
The Bigger Picture: Tourism and Conservation
Mgahinga National Park is a testament to the success of conservation efforts. The park’s staff work tirelessly to protect the golden monkeys and their habitat. Tourism also plays a big role in these efforts. Every visitor’s fee contributes to the park’s maintenance and conservation projects ensuring that the golden monkeys and other wildlife continue to thrive.
There are also community outreach programs that educate local residents about the importance of conservation. This fosters a sense of pride and responsibility in preserving their natural heritage.
My golden monkey trekking experience in Mgahinga helped me to understand my role in conservation. It showed me that as travellers, we can make a positive impact. By supporting sustainable tourism, we can help preserve the planet’s biodiversity.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel hopeful. Hopeful that through our collective efforts, we can harness tourism to protect our natural world. Hopeful that every step we take and every journey we embark on can make a difference
Cost of Golden Monkey Trekking
In order to do golden monkey trekking, you will need a permit that allows you to do the activity. A golden monkey trekking permit costs $60 for foreign non residents, $40 for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for East African citizens. This covers park entrance fees, one hour encounter with the golden monkeys and services of a park guide.
Some Helpful Tips for Golden Monkey Trekking
- Eat before the Trek!!: You will need the energy as you hike through the forest. You can also pack snacks and water to keep your energy up during the trek.
- Prepare for a Physical Challenge: Trekking to see the golden monkeys can be physically demanding. Be prepared for some steep and uneven terrain.
- Choose the Right Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. The trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
- Follow Ranger Instructions: Always listen to your guide or ranger. They will provide important safety information and help you make the most of your trek.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Respect the golden monkeys by keeping a safe distance. Do not attempt to touch or feed them. Following the guidelines helps protect both the animals and yourself.
- Stay Quiet and Calm: Keep noise to a minimum and move slowly. Sudden movements and loud noises can startle the monkeys.
- Respect the Environment: Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. Do not litter or disturb the natural habitat.
Other things to do in MGNP
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) offers a range of activities beyond golden monkey trekking.
Here are some other exciting things you can do in the park:
- Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular activities in Mgahinga. It is an experience that gives you an opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Volcano Hiking: Mgahinga is home to three extinct volcanoes:
- Mount Muhabura: Known as “The Guide,” this peak offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to see a variety of plant and animal species.
- Mount Gahinga: Famous for its beautiful volcanic caldera, this hike provides fantastic views and a chance to explore the diverse vegetation.
- Mount Sabinyo: The “Old Man’s Teeth” is a challenging hike with breathtaking views from the summit, where you can stand in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) at once.
- Batwa Cultural Experience: The Batwa Trail offers an immersive cultural experience with the indigenous Batwa pygmies who lived in the forest before it was established as a national park. This guided tour provides insights into traditional Batwa life like their hunting techniques, medicinal plant knowledge, and storytelling traditions.
- Bird Watching: The different types of vegetation are home to several bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco, the crowned hornbill, and the regal sunbird. Bird watching in Mgahinga offers a chance to see these colourful and rare birds in their natural environment.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Mgahinga National Park was a transformative experience. It deepened my appreciation for the natural world and reinforced my belief in the power of tourism to support conservation.
As travellers, we have the ability to make a difference. By choosing to travel responsibly, we can help to protect endangered species, preserve natural habitats, and support local communities.
So, as you plan your next adventure, consider how you can contribute to conservation. Whether it’s trekking to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga or visiting another conservation-focused destination, your choices matter. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of our natural world.