Straddling between the Pearl of Africa and the Land of a Thousand Hills, this mountain also casts its shadow between Muhabura and Sabyinyo, but it’s the smallest at a height of 3,474m. Sometimes called Mgahinga, its name derives from a local word meaning small piles of volcanic stones.
Uniqueness of Mount Gahinga
Gahinga is the youngest mountain in the Virungas. While the other eight mountains in the Virunga range span through ages and pre-histories, Gahinga is just a century old, making it the youngest of them all.
It has a caldera on its summit. Hikers on this mountain are treated to unforgettable views of the swampy, amazing circular water spot that is 180m wide. The caldera formed in the aftermath of an eruption before the mountain became extinct.
The slopes of Mount Gahinga are adorned with bamboo forests that offer thrilling sights for visitors, providing a chance to spot golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, and other unique primates.
Hiking Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga offers one of the easiest hikes, requiring no previous hiking experience whether approached from Uganda or Rwanda. In Uganda, the mountain is accessed from Mgahinga National Park, and from Volcanoes National Park for those choosing safaris from Rwanda.
Hiking Mount Gahinga starts at 7 am in both countries, with climbers meeting at the park headquarters for a briefing on hiking trails, safety precautions, and other details.
The climb takes around 6-8 hours, offering endless views of golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, bush duikers, various bird species, and black and white colobus monkeys along the way to the summit of this amazing natural tower.
Other Attractions and Activities
Mountain Gorillas
Approximately 80 gorillas are protected in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga National Park. These endangered wild animals are the main tourist attraction in the park, with the Nyakagezi gorilla family being the only one available for visits. Visitors shouldn’t miss bringing a spectacular camera to capture the unforgettable moments during the one-hour visit with these magnificent apes in the park.
Wildlife
During the hike on Mount Gahinga, visitors can spot a variety of animals including geckos, snakes, elephants, spotted hyenas, leopards, golden cats, bushbucks, among others.
Golden Monkeys
The bright-colored fur of gold, orange, and brown attracts many tourists to admire and appreciate the natural beauty that makes Uganda the Pearl of Africa. The bamboo forests of Gahinga are crucial habitats for these delightful monkeys, who feed on bamboo and use it as shelter, living in groups of up to 100 under the leadership of a dominant male. Visitors usually have no trouble spotting these small primates as they can easily be seen jumping high in the trees.
Activities around Mount Gahinga
Golden Monkeys and Gorilla Trekking Experiences
The Virunga Massif is renowned for being the only area in Uganda where golden monkeys can be found, and Gahinga is one of the best places to observe these beautiful monkeys. Tourists can combine a gorilla trek with a golden monkey habituation experience and a hike up this mountain. Tracking monkeys is less strenuous compared to tracking gorillas, as they do not move long distances and enjoy jumping among tree branches. A gorilla trekking permit costs $700, and a golden monkey trekking permit costs $60, offering tourists the chance to marvel at the wonders brought by these primates.
Batwa Trail Experience
The Batwa people are the original inhabitants of these forests, having derived benefits from them for the past 500,000 years before being resettled from these amazing forest landscapes. Despite being relocated, they stayed close to the park and visitors can support them by purchasing their handicrafts, enjoying traditional dances and songs, and learning about their history, among other activities.
Bird Watching
The Virunga Massif is home to approximately 250 bird species, with about 115 of these species found in Mgahinga National Park. The best times for birdwatching in this area are April to May and October to November. Visitors can enjoy observing species such as the double-collared sunbird, paradise flycatcher, firefinch stonechat, olive woodpecker, among others.
When to Hike Mount Gahinga?
Hiking the mountain can be done year-round from either Rwanda or Uganda, but the dry season is recommended for manageable hiking trails. Both Uganda and Rwanda experience dry seasons from June to September and December to February, with less chance of rain compared to the months of March to May and October to November. Although hiking is possible during these rainy months, trails tend to be slippery, making it difficult to capture photos and with fog reducing visibility.
How Much Does Hiking Mount Gahinga Cost?
The cost of hiking Mount Gahinga is $80 per person. Visitors requiring assistance from porters will pay an additional fee for their services, usually ranging from $15 to $20 per person.
