Mount Gahinga (Uganda), also known as Mount Gahinga in Rwanda, is a small volcano that straddles the borders of two East African countries: Uganda and Rwanda. Mount Gahinga is one of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Massif. The mountain derives its name from the local dialect “Gahinga,” which loosely translates as “a small pile of stones.” The hiking prices, permit costs, and accommodation options are very affordable here.
Mount Gahinga sits between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhabura and is the smallest of all. The mountain is elevated at 3,474 meters above sea level with a swampy caldera at its summit. The caldera is 180 meters wide and is believed to have been a lake before.
Bushbucks and black-fronted duikers are often seen at the top of Mount Gahinga and occasionally move to the lower slopes. The main vegetation on the mountain ranges from bamboo to Afro-montane forests, providing refuge to rare mountain gorillas and endangered golden monkeys. Mount Gahinga is approximately 100 years old, making it the second youngest volcano in the Virunga Massif.
The neighboring Mgahinga National Park was gazetted to offer protection to mountain gorillas and elusive golden monkeys. As a result of this upgrade to a national park, the name Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was coined from the dominant volcano Gahinga, which forms much of the southern part of the park.
The park, as well as the mountain, offer great scenery that anyone would love to experience. The national park forms part of the bigger Virunga Conservation Area, which is shared by three countries – Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo.
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Mountain Climbing
Mount Gahinga is considerably easy to hike compared to other Virunga volcanoes. It is a dormant volcano with a crater on top. While hiking, you always have a chance to interact with wildlife such as golden monkeys, bushbucks, baboons, and many more. As you hike through the slopes, you encounter caves formed by lava flows from many years ago. Garama Cave is the most famous one and is located near Ntebeko, which happens to be the park headquarters.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
At the base of Mount Gahinga is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to some of the world’s rarest gorilla species. This makes gorilla trekking a must-do while in this area. Gorilla trekking in this park usually begins around 8 am and takes 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and their movements in search of food and protection. Guidelines are always given prior to trekking, and it’s advisable to follow them for a successful and memorable experience.
Golden Monkey Trekking
You can combine golden monkey trekking with your gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga National Park. The activity lasts about 4 hours, during which you have the opportunity to photograph these rare primates and observe them before returning to your lodge. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your golden monkey experience memories.
Birding
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to around 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like Rwenzori Turaco, Black Kite, Crowned Hornbill, and the Crowned Crane. Birding can be enjoyed all year round, but it’s most recommended during the dry months of June-October and December to February.
Batwa Trail Experience
Before Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was gazetted, the Batwa lived as hunters and fruit gatherers in the forests and mountains. Some still live around the park and participate in tourism as local porters and guides.
The Batwa Trail experience takes you through Batwa history and their transition over the years. A portion of the proceeds from park activities like gorilla trekking goes back to this community to improve their livelihoods and provide basic services.
Although it’s one of the smallest and less frequented tourist destinations, Mount Gahinga is one of the best places to visit, especially for adventurous travelers looking for less crowded sites. Try it out on your next adventure holiday, and you won’t regret it.
