Gahinga Volcano Hiking

Gahinga Volcano hiking takes hikers on an active trek to Mount Gahinga (3474m) one of the scenic 8 Virunga Mountains. Gahinga Volcano is one of the 3 Virunga Mountain ranges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 3 (three) Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga include Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura. These are all hiked on Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Kisoro.

Gahinga Volcano Hiking Guide in Uganda

Gahinga Hike

Gahinga Hike is a complete day trek to the summits of Mount Gahinga (3474m). It is a dominant Volcano located in an area shared by Uganda and Rwanda. Due to its strategic location, it is possible to embark on a hike to its summits in Mgahinga National Park or Volcanoes National Park.

Gahinga Volcano Hike starts early morning with a briefing at Ntebeko Park offices. The park official will be available to take you through the guidelines or safety measures to be followed when climbing Mount Gahinga.

Gahinga Volcano Hiking Distance

Gahinga Volcano Hiking takes about 6-8 hours. This is a round-trip trek with hikers guaranteed of breathtaking sceneries, lush vegetation views, and a lot more. Gahinga is not as steep as Sabyinyo or Muhabura and is ideal for climbers who do not need tough hikes on Uganda safaris or Rwanda safaris.

At the base of the Gahinga Volcano, there are multiple species to encounter including African elephants, buffaloes, chameleons, bird species, and many others.

As you hike, expect to enjoy the breathtaking views of both Sabyinyo and Muhabura as well as the Rwenzori Mountain ranges at a distance. At the summits, there is a scenic crater lake with plants that make it a stunning volcano.

The base area of Gahinga Volcano and the park itself protect unique primates such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. There are handmade ladders to make climbers’ ascending and descending easier.

Gahinga Volcano Hiking Difficulty

Unlike hiking Karisimbi Volcano, Gahinga Volcano climbing takes hikers on a moderate hiking adventure. You can spend between 6 and 8 hours thus providing moderate hikes to and from the summits.

As you hike, expect to conquer the lush 2 km bamboo forest with the possibility of spotting other wildlife including golden monkeys and waterbucks.

Gahinga Volcano Hiking Cost

Gahinga volcano climbing and hiking require you to pay a certain fee. All Mgahinga Volcano hiking or climbing adventures cost USD 100 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 80 for foreign residents, and East African citizens.

How to book the Gahinga Volcano hiking safari

Gahinga Volcano hike tour can be planned and booked successfully through the local tour operator on the ground. Contact our team via our active email; info@adventureugandasafaris.comor +256 414 231 454 | +256 772 636 412.

Enthusiastic climbers/hikers can plan their hikes to explore Mount Gahinga at least 2 to 6 months in advance.

When to go for the Gahinga Volcano hike

The dry season is the best time to travel to engage in the active hike to the summit of Gahinga Volcano Mountain. There are two phases of the dry season to consider when for a successful Gahinga Volcano hike in Uganda.

The longest dry season starts from June to September, then the shortest dry months which begins from December to February. These months are characterized by low or no rainfall thus the ground is kept relatively drier.

Climbers stand a higher chance of having a successful trek to the top and also descend from the Gahinga Volcano during the dry season.

Where to stay

Accommodation options to consider for an overnight stay before/after hiking Mt. Gahinga in Uganda include Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Mucha Hotel Kisoro.

Climbers can also book Travelers Rest Hotel Kisoro for an overnight stay on Uganda safari in Mgahinga National Park.

What to carry

A complete packing list to have for your Gahinga volcano hike includes waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a daypack, a sweater, a good camera with adequate space, and insect repellents.

Extra activities to do in Mgahinga besides volcano hikes

The additional and most memorable hikes to engage in Mgahinga National Park include birding, golden monkey tracking, mountain gorilla trekking, and a cultural visit to or Batwa cultural trail.

How to get there

Getting to Gahinga for volcano hikes is all possible by road or air. Traveling to Gahinga by road takes hikers about 9-10 hours and this applies to climbers who depart from Kampala or Entebbe City.

From Kigali to Gahinga Volcano, you can spend about 4-5 hours driving via Chanika border to Kisoro then you connect to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

How many do you need to hike Gahinga Volcano?

As short as 2-3 days, you can have the best of the Gahinga Volcano hike. A 3-day Mt. Gahinga hike for instance can include the first day for traveling to Mgahinga National Park. The second day can be used for an actual hike and the 3rd day can be for returning to Kigali or Kampala.