Mount Mgahinga – Uganda Hiking Tours, Rwenzori Mountaineering Service.
Hiking is one of the big attractions in the Mgahinga national Park and perherbs one of the most done safari activity after mountain Gorilla Trekking . The park has 3 dormant volcanoes believed to have formed in the mid Pleistocene era about 1.8 million years ago and form part of the Virunga chain of 8 volcanoes. While at the peak, you stand a chance to view Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. Hiking one of the volcanoes does not require a lot of experience however, it depends on visitor’s fitness levels, an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guide helps you to choose and make the most of your time. Let us examine one by one of these volcanoes.
Mount Mgahinga
Mount Gahinga
Mt. Gahinga is about (3,473) meters above sea level and its known as one of the lowest and easy to hike compared to Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhabura. The hiking activity to the top takes about 6-8 hour loop trail which leads to a 180 meters wide swamp that covered up the Crater Lake on top. Mgahinga derives its name from a pile of volcanic stones that surround the local farmlands on its lower slopes. Since the hike to the top is less strenuous many hikers prefer hiking Mt.Gahinga, the hiking to bamboo zone and a trail ladder to access the middle of the beautiful swamp offers visitors a chance to several cats hunting black fronted duikers, you can as well spot the golden and blue monkey.
The hiking activity begins very early in the morning after reporting at the park headquarters for short briefings. After head to the starting point to begin the hiking activity , in case you need a porter, you can hire one at the park headquarters, sticks are also provided free of charge.
Mount Mgahinga
Visitors require no special equipment to hike Mount Ghahinga however; you are required to pack the following.
What to pack for mount Mgahinga
- Pack long sleeved shirts and trousers
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Don’t forget to pack rain coat it can rain at any time in Uganda
- Stocking hat for warmth
- Don’t forget to pack a camera with battery
- Binocular are also essential
- Garden gloves for cold weather at the top
- Packed Lunch and snacks
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