Mount Gahinga Volcano is protected by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Here you will find mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Mount Gahinga is located along the border of Uganda and Rwanda, within the Virunga Mountain range, between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhabura. It is one of the mountains that form the massif.
Mount Gahinga is the smallest and lowest of the three mountains. Gahinga is a local Kinyarwanda word that means a small pile of stones.
The mountain has a swampy crater (caldera) at its peak, about 180 meters wide, which was formed after past eruptions. It is currently a dormant volcano.
Along its slopes, there is vegetation called afro-montane, mainly made up of bamboo trees and subalpine plants. Bamboo trees are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Apart from gorillas, other primates like golden monkeys, non-primates, and bird species are part of the ecosystem found on Mount Gahinga.
There is a similarity in names with Mgahinga National Park because the name of the park comes from Mount Gahinga. The mountain is located next to the famous Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Hiking Mount Gahinga is easier compared to hiking the Twin Mountains, Muhabura and Sabyinyo, but it still needs physical and emotional preparation.
The hike may take up to six hours to reach the summit. Hikers need permits from the park authority on the day of the hike, which cost 75 U.S. Dollars per person.
The hike usually starts early in the morning around 7:00 am or 8:00 am. Hikers first attend a briefing about the nature of the hike, the history of the mountains, and what to expect, so they can be well prepared.
This briefing is given by guides and rangers who stay with tourists during the whole hike.
The hike starts with a walk through dense bamboo trees at the base of the mountain before you start climbing the slopes.
At this stage, you may see primates like colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and if lucky, even mountain gorillas.
After passing through the dense bamboo trees, the climb becomes steeper up to the summit, and you will pass by volcanic caves and other volcanic features.
At the summit, you will find the crater covered in swamps with plants like Alchemilla, Senecio, and lobelia growing there. From the peak, you can enjoy views of the surrounding volcanoes in the Virunga ranges and the Rwenzori Mountains.
During the hike, tourists may see tracks left by animals. The weather and vegetation keep changing at different heights, offering different experiences.
What to do at Mount Gahinga other than hiking?
Besides hiking, there are other tourist activities you can enjoy at Mount Gahinga, like:
- Bird watching. About 180 bird species live in this area. Some birds are from the surroundings and others are migratory. Birds can be seen in the bamboo trees at the base of the mountain. The best time for bird watching is between April and May or in October.
- Gorilla trekking is also possible on Mount Gahinga since it is located inside Mgahinga National Park, which is home to mountain gorillas. There is only one habituated gorilla family.
- Golden monkey trekking is another activity. The Virunga Mountain ranges are home to the endangered golden monkeys. There is also a golden monkey habituation experience where tourists can study the primates.
- A visit to Mount Gahinga gives a chance for cultural interaction with local people (Batwa pygmies). The Batwa trail experience allows visitors to walk through local communities with Batwa guides who explain their traditional forest life and culture. Through this trail, tourists support the Batwa communities through the funds collected. Visitors are also entertained with traditional dances, songs, drama, and stories.
- Other activities include scenic viewing at the park gate, where a viewing platform has been installed 800 meters high, and nature walks.
Hiking Mount Gahinga is best done during the dry season as it can be challenging during the rainy season.
Hikers should be well prepared with jungle boots, long trousers and sleeves, rain jackets as the weather keeps changing, snacks, and water. Hikers can also hire porters to help them carry their luggage.
