Set at 3,474 Meters ASL Mount Gahinga is the second-highest mountain of “The 03 Mufumbiro Mountains that can be seen from the Ugandan Side“. Hiking Mount Gahinga takes 5 – 8 hours. Mount Gahinga has a 180-meter Caldera – a reward for those who make it to the top.
A hike up onto Mount Gahinga is a truly rewarding experience, especially for travellers interested in Mountain Climbing & hiking Experiences. The dormant Volcanic Mt. Gahinga stands at an altitude of 3,474 meters ASL and this hike lasts 5 – 8 hours round trip – of course highly dependent on the one’s level of fitness, and tolerance to altitude.
What to expect while hiking Mount Gahinga
Hiking Mount Gahinga starts at 7:00 am with a briefing at the park headquarters with one of the Park Rangers. The Rangers share information about the mountain including its history and position among the Virunga volcanoes. Hikers will be informed about the nature of the hike and how to prepare for a hike to Gahinga. There are stops at various points of the mountain to allow hikers to rest, eat, take photos and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After the briefing, everyone is given a free hiking/walking bamboo stick and those who wish to use porters can hire them – We recommend taking a local porter for your hike up onto Mgahinga – Curious to know why. Read: Why use a porter on a hiking Safari.
The first part of the hike involves going through the thick bamboo forest at the foot of the mountain. This section is relatively easy as the ground is level. This is also the area where you stand a chance of spotting the rare golden monkeys, Mountain gorillas, and other primates that inhabit the Mgahinga Park. Buffaloes roam the slopes of the mountains and can be dangerous to hikers – this is why you have two (02) armed rangers to shoot to scare them off while on the trek. After the bamboo forests, the then begins to get tougher as the mountain gets steeper until the summit. By the time one reaches the summit, they would have gone past several bat-filled volcanic caves and other volcanic features on the mountain slopes. The summit of Mount Gahinga is quite different from those of Sabinyo and Muhabura because of its uniquely large marsh-filled crater with unique sub-alpine plants like Senecio, Mountain lobelia and Alchemilla.
The summit offers amazing views of the other distant volcanoes in the Virunga ranges as well as the Rwenzori mountains. You can spot Mount Mahabura and Sabinyo very closely giving you the temptation to also reach their summits in the next days. Take as many photos as possible with your groups and also the distance scenes. Descending is much easier than climbing up but one needs to exercise caution especially when climbing down the ladders to avoid sliding or falling – yet another reason to take a local porter who will assist you descend safely.
What to pack for a hike up Mount Gahinga.
Packing the wrong can ruin your entire Holiday. It’s for this reason that we recommend that you thoroughly read and understand this list of Things To pack for Hiking Mount Gahinga. The items mentioned herein are specifically for Hiking Moun Gahinga but you might need more if your holiday includes a Safari into the Savanna parks of Africa.
- Hiking shoes or boots
Hiking Mount Gahinga involves along uneven rugged trails and also dealing with altitude change, you will need lightweight hiking boots that protect your ankles and ought to be waterproof to keep your feet warm while on your hike. - Garden Gloves
You will require gloves to protect your hands during your hike. As you summit the top of Gahinga, remember that it can get slippery and somehow you need to hold on to some plants, and trees or even climb trees. These gloves will, therefore, protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands. - Rain Jacket
Mount Gahinga is located in a tropical climate characterized by rain throughout the year. You will never tell when it is going to rain so you need a rain jacket for this. Many clients prefer travelling in the drier months of June, July, August, and the beginning of September and try to avoid the rainy seasons of March, April, and May. The rains of the tropical climate are unpredictable. - Long sleeved shirt/blouse
You are required to have long-sleeved trousers/shirts for hiking Mount Gahinga. Please ensure that you tack in your trousers in your hiking boots to avoid insects such as safari ants entering your trousers. Jeans and Kachi though tough On the outside, are not to be brought as they never dry, meaning you will keep wet and soggy all through your Hike. - Energey bites, drinks and Snacks.
Hiking Up Gahinga lasts 5 -8 hours – the reason good levels of fitness are a Necessity. To add to that, we advise that you carry some energy-giving snacks as supplements. Before departing from your lodge, you need to have a packed lunch and lots of drinking water as you never know when you will return. - Camera + Extra Batteries.
Photography is an important component of your safari and thus make sure that you have your camera ready, charge your batteries very well and if necessary, carry extra batteries as you will need to take as many photographs while on your hike. - UV Sunglasses & a hat.
If it is hot, please carry a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays. You may also need to carry some sunglasses too. Don’t spend much on this, bring your old pair. - A pair of binoculars
Besides the Mountain Gorilla (which is so big for any eye to miss), the trail to the top of Mount Gahinga offers you an opportunity into the birds of Gahinga. A pair of binoculars might be helpful. - Helping hands from a local porter
This is an extra optional item but we strongly advise all our clients to take a porter on the Hike up Gahinga for it’s an indirect contribution to the welfare of those locals that live around the Gahinga hence its continued protection. Besides providing some household income, the hike up Gahing can be strenuous and thus you will need someone to give you a push or a pull on the way to the top.
