Combine Mount Gahinga Hike with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Combine Mount Gahinga Hike with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Embark on a thrilling adventure by combining a hike up Mount Gahinga with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi. Mount Gahinga, located in the Virunga Mountains, stands at 3,474 meters above sea level. Although it’s the smallest of the three main volcanoes in the region, it offers an exciting yet accessible trek. A hike up Gahinga usually takes around 6 hours, including both ascent and descent and features a stunning swampy crater lake at the summit. The name Gahinga means “pile of stones” in the local language, reflecting the rocky terrain.

The hike starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, where guides and park rangers will share important guidelines to follow during your climb. You’ll be provided with walking sticks to help you through the steeper sections and we highly recommend hiring porters to assist with your gear and provide extra support on the trail. The trek is challenging but rewarding, offering incredible views and a true sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.

How to Combine Mount Gahinga Hike with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Gorillas can help you plan the perfect itinerary to combine Mount Gahinga hiking with gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Uganda is renowned for its gorilla trekking opportunities and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best places to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are home to these majestic creatures. These parks are part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

Planning Your Adventure: How to Structure Mount Gahinga Hike and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

There are several ways to structure your Gahinga hiking and gorilla trekking adventure. You can choose to begin with gorilla trekking in Bwindi and follow up with the Mount Gahinga hike or start with the hike and then head to Bwindi for the trek. Either way, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds—an immersive trek through the stunning Virunga Mountains and an unforgettable experience with the mountain gorillas in the forests of Bwindi.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: Where to Go and What to Expect

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each sector is home to different habituated gorilla families and each offers a unique experience.

• Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern and northeastern parts of the park and are ideal if you’re also interested in game viewing, as they are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo are located in the southern part of the park, near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is also home to Golden monkeys.

Rushaga has the most gorilla families available for trekking, making it a popular choice for visitors.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Bwindi

The price for a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi is:

• $800 USD for Foreign Non-Residents
• $700 USD for Foreign Residents (with a valid work permit)
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you’ve tracked them in the forest.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Bwindi

To secure your gorilla trekking permit, it’s important to book in advance. Permits can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro (for visitors coming through Kigali).

Trek Africa Gorillas is here to assist you with securing your permits. Once you confirm your travel dates with us via email or WhatsApp, we can reserve your permits online, send you an invoice for payment and immediately purchase your permits upon payment. We’ll send you a scanned copy of your permit for your records, ensuring that your gorilla trekking experience is confirmed and stress-free.

Best Time to Combine Hiking Mount Gahinga with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time to combine hiking Mount Gahinga with gorilla trekking is during Uganda’s drier months, which are typically January, February, June to early September. These months make it easier to navigate the trails and the vegetation is less dense, making gorilla sightings clearer.

Essential Gear for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking requires comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Here’s a list of recommended gear:

• Long-sleeve shirt and trousers: For protection against the cold and vegetation.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Essential for the muddy and uneven terrain.
• Hat and sunglasses: Optional, depending on the weather.
• Camera and extra batteries: For capturing memorable moments (remember to turn off the flash).
• Binoculars: To spot wildlife like birds and other primates.
• Gardening gloves: For holding onto trees and branches during the trek.
• Raincoat: Since rain can be unpredictable in the rainforest.
• Mosquito repellent: To protect against insects in the forest.
• Sunscreen: For sun protection during the trek.
• Neutral colors: Avoid bright colors like red and blue, as they can disturb the gorillas and attract Tsetse flies.

Where to Stay Near Gorilla Trekking Areas in Bwindi

Bwindi offers a variety of accommodation options near the gorilla trekking sectors:

• Rushaga: Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge or Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge.
• Nkuringo: Consider Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort.
• Buhoma: Lodges like Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge and Ride 4 a Woman are great options.
• Ruhija: Options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking and Mount Gahinga Adventure with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we tailor tours that combine gorilla trekking with other exciting activities like mountain hiking. Our professional team is here to assist you with customizing your trip, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

We respond to your queries promptly, usually within 20 minutes and help you plan every aspect of your Uganda safari. We offer expert guidance, flexible itineraries and reliable bookings to ensure that your trip is hassle-free.

Ready to combine hiking Mount Gahinga with gorilla trekking in Bwindi? Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable adventure.