This 3 days Mount Gahinga climbing tour offers a memorable adventure to one of the Virunga volcanic ranges. The trip starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport and gives travelers a chance to explore the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda.
Shared by Uganda and Rwanda, Mount Gahinga is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and is the mountain from which the park gets its name. The climb is a great way to experience Uganda’s volcanic landscape and its rich natural beauty.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and travel to Mgahinga National Park
Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel or from Entebbe International Airport and start the journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the far southwestern region of Uganda. The drive takes about 8 to 9 hours through beautiful countryside and farmlands.
Enjoy a delicious local lunch midway through the journey and continue through the winding roads of the Kigezi highlands. The scenery here is filled with terraced hills and valleys. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, have dinner, and rest as you prepare for your hike the next day.
Day 2: Mount Gahinga Climb – Full Day
Wake up early in the morning and have breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Meet your ranger guides, fellow hikers, and porters. Check your hiking gear as the rangers brief you about the day’s activity and the route to follow.
Begin your hike up Mount Gahinga, passing through different vegetation zones. The lower slopes are covered with bamboo forests, while higher up, you will find thick vegetation and open areas with clear views of the Virunga volcanoes. Along the way, you may spot several bird species, primates, and other small animals.
It takes about four hours to reach the summit. At the top, you will see a crater swamp surrounded by lush vegetation. Take time to relax and enjoy your packed lunch while admiring the scenic views and fresh mountain air. Afterward, start your descent back to the base of the mountain.
Meet your driver guide and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. You will stop for lunch along the way and take photos at the Uganda Equator. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your evening flight, marking the end of your 3 days Mount Gahinga climbing tour.
