Mount Gahinga is located on the Uganda-Rwanda border, between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo. The mountain is known as “a small pile of stones” in the local Kinyarwanda language.
Mount Gahinga is a dormant volcano and one of the smallest in the Virunga Mountains.
It is because of this mountain that Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda received its name.
Mount Gahinga consists mainly of two vegetation types: Afro-montane and bamboo forests, which serve as habitats for the world’s most endangered mountain gorillas and many bird species in the area.
Hiking at Mount Gahinga
Hiking at Mount Gahinga begins early in the morning at 7:00 a.m., starting with a briefing at the park headquarters about the rules, regulations, and history of the mountain.
Tourists are then led by experienced park rangers to hike the mountain. They pass through bamboo forests, encountering different wildlife species, including mountain gorillas and other primates.
The hike continues through steep slopes until reaching the summit. Hiking the mountain takes about 4 hours, and gorilla permits can be booked on the same day as the hike.
Cost of Hiking
The cost of hiking the mountain is USD 75.
Activities Carried Out
- Bird Watching: The forests of Mount Gahinga are a paradise for bird watchers, with over 180 bird species inhabiting the area. Tourists can enjoy watching these amazing creatures sing and fly. Bird species include blue-headed coucal, bronze sunbird, double-collared sunbird, dusky turtle dove, olive thrush, and more.
- Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is the major activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with only one gorilla family in the park. Members of this family are often spotted in the bamboo forests of Gahinga. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Golden monkey trekking is a fascinating activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where these creatures are spotted in the bamboo forests of Gahinga. There are about 3,500 golden monkeys in the park, making them famous in the region. The permit for golden monkey trekking in Uganda costs USD 100.
Best Time to Visit Mount Gahinga
The best time to visit Mount Gahinga is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February.
Accommodation
- Mount Gahinga Lodge
- Mucha Hotel Kisoro
- Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro
- Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
- Kisoro Tourist Hotel
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Mgahinga Rest Camp
Simultaneously, a visit to Mount Gahinga is a mind-blowing experience, as it holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers and naturalists due to its stunning landscapes and lush forests.