Mount Gahinga – Mountain Gahinga lies between Muhabura and Sabyinyo and is the smallest of the three.
It is a dormant or extinct volcano in the Virunga Mountains, situated on the borders of Rwanda and Uganda.
In the Kinyarwanda or Rufumbira dialect, its name means “a small pile of stones.” It elevates to 3,473 meters (11,394 feet) and is part of a chain of eight volcanic mountains in the Mufumbiro Range, stretching across Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
Mount Gahinga has a swampy caldera at its peak, which is about 180 meters (591 feet) wide. It also harbors Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, from which it gets its name.
Mount Gahinga has a prominence of 424 meters (1,388 feet) and coordinates 01°23’13″S 29°38’48″E.
It is a stratovolcano, but its last eruption is unknown.
Vegetation Type
Mount Gahinga has Afro-Montane vegetation, with bamboo being a major type.
Activities Carried Out on Mount Gahinga During Tours
- Golden monkey trekking
- Gorilla trekking
- Birding
- Mountain hiking
Best Time to Visit Mount Gahinga
The best time to visit Mount Gahinga is any time of the year, though preferably during the dry season, between June to August and December to February.
Requirements to Carry While Visiting Mount Gahinga
- Hiking gear
- Packed food
- Drinking water
- Hiking boots
- Cameras
- Insect repellents
Accommodation
- Gahinga Lodge
- Travellers Rest Hotel
- Best View Hotel
In conclusion, Mount Gahinga, being the smallest among the three mountains, provides a better hiking experience with a wider view of different wildlife, especially the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
