Hiking Mount Gahinga

Hiking Mount Gahinga is one of the most neglected activities yet rewarding with a number of breathtaking features such as the Volcanic Caves and shallow swamp at its peak. Mount Gahinga is the smallest and lowest Mountain of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes standing at 3474 meters (11,464 feet) above sea level with its borders shared by Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Hiking Mount Gahinga is therefore conducted in both Volcanoes and Mgahinga National Park although its popularly done in the latter. Gahinga is loosely translated as “Pile of stones” in the local Kinyarwanda language

Why hike Mount Gahinga?

There are many reasons to hike mountains around the World but there are four reasons to hike the small Mount Gahinga and they include the beautiful swamp you will find at the summit of the Mountain, the small tract of Bamboo forest you will hike through and the fact that it is one of the easiest and comfortable hike to undertake. Also, there are chances of encountering numerous wildlife species such as the Black-fronted duikers, golden monkeys, bushbucks and serval cats if lucky.

How hiking Mount Gahinga is conducted

Hiking Mount Gahinga lasts 6-8 hours round trip and is done in the company of ranger/guides one for offering protection and the other to guide you through the adventure. Wake up early and have breakfast then prepare yourself-both physically and mentally for the hike.

After making preparations, transfer to the Park Headquarters (either Kinigi for Volcanoes National Park or Ntebeko for Mgahinga National Park) for briefing and pose for group photos with other hikers. Start the hike where if lucky you will be able to spot mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, elephants and bushbucks in addition to bird species. Also expect to enjoy the breathtaking views of other Virunga Volcanoes from a distance that will make you wish to hike them as well.

Different vegetation types will be encountered as you keep ascending towards the summit and the bamboo trees will offer the best sight. Also expect altitude sickness as you keep climbing towards the summit and as you keep approaching, the stunning view of the peak will begin to welcome you. Upon arrival at the swamp-dominated peak, you will take photos and enjoy your packed lunch or snacks and rest for some time before preparing to descend to the base of the Mountain. The interesting part of this hike is that descension is quite easier and faster using ladders.

What to wear and carry for hiking Mount Gahinga

Hikers of Mount Gahinga are required to wear long pants, sunglasses long sleeved shirts or blouse for the female hikers, strong rainproof hiking boots, thick gardening gloves, cotton socks, hat and also carry a walking stick, light-weight backpack for keeping your camera and binoculars during the hike. Also hire a porter (optional) and don’t forget to carry a first aid kit.

Best Time for hiking Mount Gahinga

Mount Gahinga hiking is an all-year round activity but if you undertake it during the wet season (March, April, May, October and November), you will experience a challenging hike through the muddy and slippery trails. The dry months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December are therefore recommended to easier and less challenging hikes.