Author: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Gorilla trekking is one of Uganda’s unique tourism activities. This is due to the fact that, mountain gorillas are some of the most sought-after creatures, fascinating primates that can only be found in three locations globally, to which Uganda is part. In Uganda, they live in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Uganda’s mountain gorilla population is half of the total population of these creatures worldwide.

The Virunga region specifically refers to Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are endangered and gladly, Uganda has expedited conservation activities to protect these primates. Mountain gorillas attain their name from living in the highland areas that are greatly mountainous. Bwindi has a portion of Virunga volcanoes on which mountain gorillas have survived for decades.

Mountain gorilla tourism is divided into majorly two activities i.e., habituation and trekking. Mountain gorilla trekking is the commonest, includes trekking and hiking the jungles of Bwindi in order to view mountain gorillas. Because of the activity’s uniqueness, tourists travel from all-over the world into Uganda to participate in mountain gorilla trekking.

To take part, tourists should have a trekking permit which can be acquired at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or through a registered tour agency. Mountain gorillas, like humans, live in family units. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, mountain gorilla families are scattered in the different sectors, these are Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors. Each sector is unique, and has distinct interesting features. Mountain gorilla trekking takes about 2-7 hours in the jungles while encountering these primates one-on-one. Visitors are escorted by rangers who ensure security and track the mountain gorillas.

Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience

Mountain gorilla habituation is also an activity carried out and although similar to mountain gorilla trekking, it has a few differences that make the activity stand out. Mountain gorilla habituation simply means the process through which mountain gorillas are made human friendly. Since mountain gorillas are primarily accustomed to the wilderness, they can potentially be aggressive. Therefore, for purposes of tourism, some gorillas are habituated in order to provide a closer experience to the tourists without potential harm. There are currently 22 habituated gorilla families within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park available for tourism.

Nature walks

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has established pathways from which tourists can have nature walks. These pathways are known as trails. The first major one is the Buhoma trail. This includes the Buhoma community walk which advances many interesting features such as getting close to the Batwa community and their homesteads. There’s also the Ivy River trail which takes about 6-7 hours while walking within the jungle.

Tourists get to spot wildlife animals such as duikers, different monkey species, and the mountain gorillas. It’s an interesting trail because of the scenery one gets as they ascend and descend from the small highlands within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There’s Munyaga river trail that gives the tourists an opportunity to spot the Munyaga River. At that point, the tourists are able to view the locals of the area washing clothes at the river’s banks. The other trails are Bamboo trail, Rushura hill trail, Waterfall trail, and Muzabajiro loop trail, all with unique features.

Batwa cultural tours

The Batwa tribe is one of the many tribes in Uganda. They are located in Western Uganda and can be found on the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s part of the Bantu ethnicity that migrated from the Cameroonian highlands. They have always settled around the Rwenzori region in the highland areas, while a few have always dispersed to neighboring areas. Their culture is fascinating and there’s always much to learn about it.

They live in small clustered communities which makes their access simpler. The tourists get to learn about their historical origins, the herbs, their foods, folklore, language, traditions, music, and dances. The tourists that visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park should be sure to explore the Batwa culture.

Best time / season to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking tours

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has always been during the summer season. This season in the tropical region of Africa is known as dry season. The first dry season starts in July and ends in September.

Second dry season starts in December until February. These seasons have abundance of sunshine that’s important for mountain gorilla tours because they provide necessary visibility, easy treks and less interruptions.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has many trails available for the tourists to take walks and hike within the park, but the Ivy River trail is perhaps the most exciting trail. It has interesting features that can barely be well viewed in the other trails within the park. It covers a distance of 14 kilometers, and walking through this trail usually takes an entire day. This walk is done on an old road that lies within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s jungle. The trail starts from Nkuringo close to the Nkuringo park headquarters.

It then proceeds downhill with a murram road which is surrounded by a beautiful scenery for a distance of about 7 kilometers. A turn to the right is later made towards the Ivy River. From Nkuringo headquarters, it takes about a 2 to 3 hours walk before one can get to the Ivy River.

From Ivy River, a walk of about 4 hours is required for one to get to Buhoma sector. Since Bwindi has a fair share of highlands, tourists encounter lowlands and elevated small highlands. As they ascend and descend, visitors enjoy beautiful viewpoints of the far underlying lowland jungles covered in mist. It’s also common to meet the members of the community treading through this trail because it’s a common route they’ve always used to travel from Buhoma to the Southern boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, especially on the market days in Nteko Village.

Birding along Ivy River Trail

There are hundreds of Albertine region bird species that can be viewed in the Ivy trail. Some of the present bird species are endemic to the national park, and others are migratory birds from as far as D.R Congo’s River Congo Basin. Some of the many species that can be viewed are the Ruwenzori batis, blue turacos, sunbirds tropical boubou, black saw-wing, and many more.

Animals to encounter

The Ivy trail avails the tourist with an opportunity to view the bush pigs, apes such as Mountain Gorillas and monkeys, duikers, insects especially butterflies, and hundreds of bird species.

When to take on the Ivy River trail?

A visit to this trail is recommended in the dry seasons. These are alternatively known as the summer for those accustomed to the weather in the west, when the sun shines brightest. For Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this is between mid-July to late September, and then December to February.

Virunga Mountains is a chain of volcanoes located in the Eastern region of Africa. They are 8 active and dormant volcanoes including Mikeno, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, Gahinga and Bisoke.

These ranges are scattered in D.R Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. They have fertile soils with great composition of tropical rainforest vegetation and fauna. The region has been mainly known of the mountain gorillas that can only be found in this region globally.

 

Mountain Gahinga

This mountain is one of the 8 volcanoes that make up the Virunga ranges. It stands at an elevation of 3,474 meters in altitude and is one of the highest of the Virunga ranges. It is situated at the border of Uganda and Rwanda, and both countries share a considerable portion of this highland. Mountain Gahinga lies in-between its sister ranges of Sabinyo and Muhabura. In Uganda, the mountain can be accessed via the South Western region of the country in the district of Kisoro. The mountain’s name means a pile of small stones in Kifumbira language, a language widely spoken in the township of Kisoro. This volcano is extinct, and the progressive volcanic activities left a 180 meters Caldera on top.

The mountain slopes of Gahinga have a large composition of alpine vegetation. Majorly, there is bamboo vegetation which boosts wildlife especially apes.  Because of these features, the mountain slopes on the Ugandan side have an area gazette as a national park – Mgahinga National Park. There’s a vibrant presence of vervet monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys, baboons, and the rare golden monkeys. However, of the present wildlife, the national park is greatly known for the Mountain Gorillas.

Mgahinga National Park is the alternative area to trek mountain gorillas after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. There’s at least one habituated mountain gorilla family that is available for the tourist activities, and also other families present for the mountain gorilla trekking.

Hiking Mount. Gahinga

Hiking this mountain isn’t as complicated as Sabyinyo and Muhabura. However, the activity still requires the hiker to be of good physic and fit enough to get to Gahinga’s summit. The hike takes an average of 6 hours. For one to hike Gahinga, they need to procure a permit. This can be acquired at $75 at the Mgahinga National Park offices. Acquisition of the permit doesn’t require earlier bookings like the usual mountain gorilla trekking, and therefore can be acquired on the very day the tourist chooses to take the hike.

The hike commences at 7:00am and tourists are informed to prepare prior to the hike. They are then assigned rangers who take the tourists through the history of the mountain, the national park, and also show them around the flora and fauna as they progress to higher altitudes. A free hiking stick is also provided by the Park to enable the hikers in gaining stability as they hike. The tourists in need of porters can also make arrangements at a separate fee.

While on the summit, the sister volcanoes are visible, plus the Mountain Rwenzori ranges at a distance. The hikers should take note that the temperatures become colder as they progress in altitude and therefore have to take caution.

Other activities in Mount. Gahinga

Birding, Mountain Gorilla trekking, expeditions of Batwa villages, Bakiga and Bafumbira customs and Golden Monkey trekking and habituation.

Best time to visit Mount. Gahinga

The best time to visit Mt. Gahinga is between July and August, and then December to February, when the tropics have their dry season.

Mountain Muhabura

Its alternate name is ‘Muhavura’ and it’s only shared between Rwanda and Uganda. Mountain Muhabura is an extinct volcano and it has the 3’rd highest peak of the Virunga ranges, after Mountains Mikeno and Karisimbi. Muhabura is the steepest of all the existent volcanoes in the Virunga.

It’s part of the Mgahinga National Park of Uganda, and also Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The highest point of Muhabura sits at 4,127 meters above sea level. The closest ranges to Muhabura are Mt. Sabinyo and Mt. Gahinga. In the Kinyarwanda and Kifumbira languages, Muhabura when translated into English means ‘the guide’. The origin of the mountain’s name was due to the historical fact that it was often used as a guide for the distant travelers to locate their way to and from the region.

Muhabura has a cone like shape, and it’s greatly composed of volcanic ash on its slopes. The volcanic ash’s mixture with other sedimentary rock material gives off fertile soils that are essential in the growth of the present shrubs and thickets present on the mountain’s slopes. Another important feature of Muhabura is the Kabiranyuma River.

This river flows along the slopes of the mountain and equally separates the two ranges Muhabura and Gahinga. Muhabura is not without wildlife either. It has a stock of hundreds of bird species that migrate from the Albertine region to mix with the endemic birds around the mountain. Muhabura’s slopes also are a home to tens of distinct mammal species that breed and graze on the short green vegetation such as elephants, mountain gorillas, monkeys, and buffalos. These animals are better accessible and visible on the Ugandan side of the mountain.

Hiking Mount. Muhabura

As earlier noted, Muhabura is the steepest volcano in the Virunga. Hiking this volcano is therefore perhaps the most complicated as compared to the other volcanoes within the Virunga region. The activity therefore requires sophisticated mental and physical preparation for one to hike this volcano.

In Uganda, the preparations are made at the Ntebeko Visitor Center where payments are made, and subsequently, tour guides provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These also double as rangers and they guide the hikers by providing them with information about the history of the volcano, guiding them through the hiking trails, and also providing them with the necessary security.

Hiking is done in groups and depending on the present numbers of the hikers, the group maybe split into two in order to separate seasonal hikers from the experienced hikers. This is to guarantee that every hiker gets an awesome experience while hiking the mountain.

The hikers with luggage can hire porters at a fee to help with the carrying of their luggage. The hike commences at 7:00am and takes an average of 5 to 7 hours, depending on the experience level of the hiker. The tourist should be sure to carry enough water because drinking water is assured for most tourists.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mt. Muhabura is between July and August, and then December to February, when the tropics experience dry season.

Mountain Sabyinyo

Mountain Sabyinyo is also among the dormant volcanoes in the Virunga region. It also doubles as the oldest volcano among the 8 volcanoes. The mountain’s name originates from the Kinyarwanda word ‘Iryinyo’ which when translated into the English language means ‘tooth’. The alternative name of the mountain is ‘Sabyinyio’. Unlike other volcanoes, Sabyinyo is situated within the intersection point of the three countries that form the Virunga.

The highest point of Sabyinyo is at an altitude of 3,669 meters above sea level. This mountain is surrounded by three national parks, one from each of the three Virunga countries i.e. D.R Congo’s Virunga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. Sabyinyo’s nickname of the ‘old man’s tooth’ is a figurative description of the mountain’s peak that has similarities with an old man’s broken tooth.

Another interesting feature is that this mountain is separated by a 20 meters crater from Mt. Muhabura. Sabyinyo is majorly known for harboring mountain gorillas that are globally endangered species. It however also has other animal species such as elephants, buffalos, and monkeys of different species. The slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo are generally rugged and there’s numerous small craters as one progresses to the higher elevation points of the volcano.

Hiking Mount. Sabyinyo

Hiking Sabyinyo poses great challenges since the slopes of the mountain are infested with small craters. These in turn led to formation of ridges and gulley that rendered the slopes of this mountain rugged. Hiking Sabyinyo can only be done on its Ugandan side because the trails are fairly laid.

To solve the challenge of hiking the rugged slopes, Uganda Wildlife Authority established man-made ladders. These quicken the climbing to the higher points. For one to hike Sabyinyo, the tourist makes the required payment of $85 to the Mgahinga National Park office. At this point, they are issued a ranger who also acts as a guide to the hikers. The rangers inform the tourists of the natural formation of Mt. Sabyinyo, its historical significance to the communities around, and the fauna and flora composition on the volcano’s slopes.

Believed to have been formed around a 1000 years ago, Lake Bunyonyi is a clear example of a lava dammed lake as its formation was as a result of lava flowing from the Virunga volcanoes and later blocking the Ndego River hence forcing the valley to drown forming present day Lake Bunyonyi.

Bunyonyi is a local word which is translated to mean “many little or small birds” which vividly gives a description of the calmness around the lake that attracts different bird species. Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in East Africa after Lake Tanganyika as its estimated depth is said to be over 800 meters with length of 25km and width of 7km.

Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands dispersed within the waters including Njuyeera, Bwama, Bushara, Akampene, among others and is surrounded by romantic terraced hills which always keep the area with moderate cold temperatures. It is normally referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.

These hills provide a beautiful view as they are currently inhabited by the native “Bakiga” people who are predominantly cultivators. This fresh water lake provides cool breeze that blows from all ends coupled with beautiful scenery from the lake’s surroundings hence attracting visitors from different parts of the world.

Because of Lake Bunyonyi’s unique beauty, a picture of the lake was used by the Government of Uganda on the Uganda Shillings Five Thousand (5000/=) note between 2004 and 2009.

ATTRACTIONS AND TOURIST ACTIVITIES ON LAKE BUNYONYI

Lake Bunyonyi receives visitors from all over the world throughout the year because of the different attractions and activities that take place within this area.

Birding

As its name suggests, Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding hills are home to various bird species that could be eye-catching and hard to find anywhere else in the world. The bird species here are recorded to be over 200, including the cardinal woodpecker, the African Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, Fan-Tailed Widow bird, Bronzy sunbird, White tailed monad, Levillant Cuckoo, African Harrier Hawk, Slender-billed baglafetch and so many others.

These can be seen flying above the waters, close to the islands, on lake shoes creating an exciting relaxing moment with their matching sounds heard from all ends. Visitors traverse the lake on canoes as they explore different places where they can watch these birds.

Swimming

Even when it’s the deepest lake in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is safe for swimming. The lake is bilharzia free and more so free from dangerous water inhabitants like Hippos and crocodiles.

The experience of swimming in Lake Bunyonyi is one in a moment as it’s so refreshing due to the surrounding environment. The lake has areas that are designated for swimming and it wouldn’t be good for you to visit the lake and leave without swimming within the Bunyonyi waters.

Canoeing

Traversing Lake Bunyonyi is done with a traditionally dugout canoe. With canoeing, you get a chance to have an actual feel of the lake’s cool breeze, listen to the birds singing as you move from one island to another as the guide narrates to you the history and stories connected with the lake and some islands.

You also have a chance to take a look at the magical scenery of the place from the center of the lake with beautiful terraced hill tops covered with mist.

Nature Walks

Which kind of nature walk could be comparable to walking around Africa’s second deepest lake and traversing the overlooking hills? There are trails for easy hiking to the hill tops giving you a 360-degrees view of the lake and all its islands. This is one of the best photography points for many visitors with the lake seen form a far.

Zip lining and High Ropes adventure

Ziplining could be a familiar experience but the one at Lake Bunyonyi is surely different and worth a take. For those who have no idea what this is, maybe you need to go check it yourself but only a tip; it’s not for the weak but brings your experience of Lake Bunyonyi to the extreme top like no other.

Crossing from one island as you flap the waters beneath you could be tense but actually fun and safe. Instructions are always given and participants fully dressed with the necessary protective gear. A visit to Lake Bunyonyi without testing the “high ropes” adventure isn’t a full package.

When to Visit?

Throughout the year, you can choose to visit Lake Bunyonyi since the weather around is ever conducive. But it’s always cold because the area is elevated and usually receives rain. Regardless, the best time to visit would be in the months of July, August, December, January and February which are considered to be dry months.

Location

Lake Bunyonyi is located in the South Western part of Uganda close to the border of Rwanda between Kabale and Kisoro. Travelling can be by road from Kampala to Kabale and from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi or even from Kigali, Rwanda since Lake Bunyonyi is close to the border of Rwanda than it is from the Ugandan Capital.

Located in South-Western Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda and one of the most visited for gorilla trekking coming next to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Many visitors come to admire the vast, unique and stunning attractions and activities within this national park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was officially established in 1991 after the area had been a gazetted game reserve since the 1940’s. In preparation for park establishment, Batwa communities that were settling within that area were relocated to places where the national park boundaries could not stretch, the area was then set to reach national park standards.

Uniqueness of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which stretches from Rwanda to Democratic Republic of Congo with two national parks from either country bordering with Mgahinga including Virunga National Park in Congo which borders to the West and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda which borders to the South.

There are 3 Virunga Volcanoes that share borders with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including Mt. Sabyinyo, Mt. Muhabura and Mt. Gahinga. While here, without too much stretching you can have a unique overview of the entire area from the park’s view point which is only a few minutes walkable distance from the entrance at Ntebeko which makes the park a great location for nature photography.

Biodiversity of the park is incomparable. The Albertine Rift Montane forests together with bamboo forest all create a safe habitat of different park inhabitants, mainly the golden monkeys.

The park experiences two rainy seasons in a year i.e., between February and May as well as September to December which creates a montane climate and temperature favorable to the primate inhabitants.

Attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and outrightly make a choice to be in the face of one of the most unique attractions you couldn’t find anywhere else in the world, such as;

Mountain Gorillas

With Mountain Gorillas being some of the world’s most endangered species, they can only be found in three countries all over the world. Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the other national park other than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that was gazetted as habitat for mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are actually the main reason why the park was created. Much as there are other types of gorillas such as cross river gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas and western gorillas, these are the most visited and rarest species of gorillas in the world.

Golden Monkeys

Also referred to as Ceropithecus Kandti, golden monkeys are a rare and ancient monkey breed that can only be traced to the Virunga Conservation Area which makes them endangered and not so common.

These golden monkeys unlike mountain gorillas that habitat in the mountain slopes, inhabit the bamboo plantations.

Virunga Volcanoes

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park occupies the northern slopes of three dormant volcanoes which include Mount Sabyinyo which has three peaks and borders three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo; Mount Gahinga which borders Rwanda and Uganda and from which Mgahinga national park got its name and then Mount. Muhabura which hosts a small lake at its peak.

Garama Cave.

The cave has a length stretching to 342 meters within the park. It is believed to have been used by the indigenous occupants “Batwa” an indigenous tribe, as their meeting place. This cave is located only 3 km away from the park’s headquarters.

ACTIVITIES IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the most famous activity and main pulling factor for people to visit the park. The experience is clearly incomparable with the park having one habituated gorilla family known as “Nyakagezi” that can be visited by tourists. Gorillas are close to humans and therefore can leave in the presence of humans but with such time restricted to only one hour. Tourists always move with tour guides who provide all the information about the life of mountain gorillas as they track down these gorillas.

Golden Monkey Trekking

This is a fun filled activity whose experience no one needs to miss out. Golden Monkeys define their own day which makes them unpredictable, this is why the activity is exciting as it gives tourists a chance to explore the monkey jungle in a bid to track down these golden monkeys. Golden monkey trekking is conducted throughout the year regardless of weather conditions in the park.

Mountain Hiking

With the park covering northern slopes of three Virunga volcanoes, it creates a scenic view that is so tempting for anyone interested in hiking any of these volcanoes.  If you’re planning a hiking trip, obviously you could consider Mgahinga as it’s not just a hike but plenty of other tourist attractions during the adventure. All the volcanoes are available for hiking, it depends on your choice, ability and time.

Birding

With the montane forest that cover the park, various birds find safe haven within making birding an ideal activity in Mgahinga national park. The park has various bird species but among notable ones include the Black kite, Speckled Mousebird, Cape robin-chat, Blue-headed coucal, among others.

How to get there?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in South Western Part of Uganda which is at least between 9 to 10 hours road drive from the Ugandan Capital City Kampala.

You may also consider getting through Rwanda which is at least 6 hours’ drive from the Capital City Kigali. Aside from transport on road, air transport is also available with charter flights that can be arranged from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip.

The park has only one entrance – “Ntebeko gate” and can be accessed from the different directions straight form Kisoro Town.

From Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, it is approximately 45km to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park taking 2.5 hours’ drive from the lodge to this park.

When to visit?

You can visit the park throughout the year; therefore, it depends on your convenience. Aside from that, you could make a determination according to the weather conditions since the park experiences two rainy seasons between March to May and September to November.

Dry months are usually June to October and December to February hence most tourists visiting for gorilla trekking tend to travel during this season. The time you visit also depends on your budget as lodges become expensive during the dry season since many tourists visit the park during this time.

Nkuringo Sector is one of the regions in southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where mountain gorillas can be trekked. Nkuringo sector is the most exciting adventurous sector for gorilla trekking in Uganda as it also provides visitors with magnificent views of the Virunga volcanoes.

It should be noted that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is habitat to almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas which are regarded endangered and can be found in only three countries all over the world. The other park that inhabits mountain gorillas in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The park has a total of four sectors other than Nkuringo; which include Buhoma sector in the North, Rushaga sector in the South east and Ruhija sector in the East.

The first family in Nkuringo sector was habituated in 2004 after gorillas in this family were found destroying people’s crops in the neighboring communities. The sector was named after “round hills” which are translated to mean “Nkuringo” where the first gorilla family in this sector was first sighted in the round hills deep in the thick parts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

GORILLA FAMILIES IN NKURINGO SECTOR

1.    Nkuringo family

This is the most exciting family to visit and which many visitors prefer to track. This was the first family to be habituated within the sector and it was headed by Nkuringo who was the dominant silverback with 20 members who included three silver backs. Nkuringo died in 2008 hence turning leadership of the family to Safari however he also mysteriously disappeared.

Rafiki then took over leadership of Nkuringo family but due to the many visits to this group, Rafiki became popular too amongst tourists and to the entire world. Unfortunately, Rafiki was killed by poachers in June 2020. Following the death of Rafiki, a new leader had to emerge and that’s how Rwamutwe took over leadership of Nkuringo family which prompted some gorillas to move to nearby families as they never trusted Rwamutwe’s leadership.

The name “Rwamutwe” is a local word which can be translated as “stubborn or bullheaded”. Nkuringo family is now constituted of 12 members including 4 male blackbacks; Rwamutwe who is the leader, Tabu who is his second in command, Muhoozi and then Kamara, 4 adult females i.e. Nderema, Kwitonda, Furaha and Kuhiirwa together with 4 infants.

Nkuringo family is one of the hardest families to track, so if you’re a seasoned gorilla trekker then this could be the best family to track.

2.   Posho

This gorilla family is the newest within Nkuringo sector and until recently it was visited primarily for habituation experience. Posho family has 14 members including silverbacks, adult females and infants all under the leadership of Magara who is the dominant silverback. This family was part of the Nkuringo family but decided to break away.

3.   Christmas gorilla family

This is the other gorilla family located in Nkuringo sector, its formation was after its break away from Nkuringo family. This family is headed by the dominant silverback Christmas.

The name Christmas is derived from the day this gorilla was born – on Christmas day while it was part of Nkuringo family. The family was then named after this dominant silver back. Most of the members in this family were initially part of the Nkuringo family with only a few that joined from elsewhere. Currently, Christmas family has 8 members inclusive of a silverback, 2 adult females, a sub adult female, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.

4.   Bushaho gorilla family

Bushaho is a local word which is translated to mean “there’s nothing” which was a reference to where this gorilla family was first found. Bushaho was formed by Bahati the dominant silver back who broke away from Nkuringo family after the death of Nkuringo.

The family was then habituated as it had some members who were not habituated before as they weren’t part of the Nkuringo family. This is one of the most exciting families to trek since a dominant silver back enjoys thumping its hands to its chest as a way of showing power and authority.

Bahati does this every time he has an audience as it also hoots and roars threatening noise. The family has up to 12 members including a silver back Bahati, a blackback Kaheru, 5 adult females i.e., Kaitesi, Nyankumu, Buzuru and others, a sub adult female, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.

As a real definition of a hidden treasure filled with the beauty of mother nature, Lake Mutanda is a small freshwater lake located in Kisoro District in the South-Western part of Uganda and at least 20 kilometers in North of Kisoro town. The lake is within the Virunga Ranges which justifies the cold breeze around the lake. The lake also has different islands with abundant history attached to each.

Lake Mutanda was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions that happened over 20,000 years ago which cut shot river valleys to form a lake with different small forested islands. The environment around is a candid reason why one must Lake Mutanda. Lake Mutanda is close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the three volcanoes including Mount. Sabyinyo, Mount. Gahinga and Mount Muhabura as all can be seen clearly from this lake.

ATTRACTIONS

Virunga Volcanoes

Three volcanoes including Mount Sabyinyo, Mount. Muhabura and Mount. Gahinga can be seen from Lake Mutanda creating a scenic atmosphere, an opportunity for fantastic photography.

Lake Mutanda Islands

The lake has a total of 15 islands which all have rich history attached to them. Other than a few islands that are occupied and cultivated, some islands are only left to predominantly by occupied with rainy forests and shrubs.

The Mutanda Island. Getting its name from the lake, this is the largest amongst the 15 islands and occupied by people known as “Abagesera”. They cultivate this land to grow crops. There is a church on this Island and worshippers from other islands travel by canoe to attend Sunday services.

The Punishment Islands. There are two caves which have skeletal remains as this is where the unwanted community members such as criminals were left there to die. The locals also believe that these islands are haunted by spirits and many of them fear going there.

The Python Island. This is believed to have pythons however it’s had to see them.

Wildlife

The area is habitat to a few bird species mostly those that can survive in cold weather. Some bird species that are found around here include the Great Cormorant, Pin Tailed Whydah, Malachite Kingfisher and the Grey Crowned crane which is the country’s national bird. The area is near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so in case of better urge to see wildlife you could still choose to visit them.

ACTIVITIES IN OR NEAR LAKE MUTANDA

Canoeing. Island hopping can be done on canoes that are traditionally made. With the lake so calm, canoeing gives a relaxing moment traversing the lake as you listen to birds singing. Visitors can choose to explore some of the sacred islands such as the Punishment islands and Python Island for an adventure.

Bird watching. With the different bird species around Lake Mutanda, its calmness makes it the best place for bird watching, listening to their arousing voices as they fly through the skies.

Mountain Biking. Just in case you enjoy biking through slopes then this could be you with the good mountain bikes around enjoying the experience of biking through the mountainous landscape around the lake.

Hiking. The lake is located in a mountainous region making it the finest destination for hiking, giving one perfect view of the scenery around the lake.

Swimming. Unlike many other lakes in Africa and Uganda where it’s not advisable to swim, one can actually swim from Lake Mutanda. The lake is bilharzia free and with not inhabitants such as crocodiles, hippos that could threaten human life.

Best time to visit Lake Mutanda?

Just like other tourist attractions, it’s best to visit Lake Mutanda during the dry season since hiking through the slopes of Lake Mutanda would be very difficult during wet season. The area is usually wet with heavy rains in the months of March, April, May, October and November.

Dry months span from June to September. For those who want to have a worthwhile experience enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mother Nature around Lake Mutanda, it is advisable that they visit during the dry months.