Mount Gahinga

Sometimes disregarded, Mount Gahinga is one of the two locations in Uganda where one can observe mountain gorillas (the other being Bwindi), and as such, it is one of the park’s primary draws. The park, which lies in southwest Uganda, guards the region that makes up the Virungas, an impressive chain of nine towering extinct and active volcanoes that border Rwanda and the Congo.

Sadly, its unavoidable goals of allowing gorillas to freely move through a continuous forest habitat—which makes up less than ten percent of a conservation area that includes Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and the Congo’s Parc National de Virunga—are also its downfall, since gorilla groups are more likely to be found in other countries and to search for food.

But Mount Gahinga is more than just home to gorillas. It is a fantastic place to walk, with an incredible variety of plants and breathtaking views.

Common activities include:

• swimming in a volcanic lake,
• bird-watching excursions, and
• explorations of various forest habitats.

Those who are particularly ambitious can even arrange more strenuous hikes that culminate in climbing one of the park’s three-peaks.

Here, guests are greatly appreciated. Deforestation and the communities that surround it pose a persistent threat to the area. A thriving tourism sector provides a different way to survive the current population growth.

The lodging and services at Mount Gahinga are excellent, and similar to Lake Mboro (albeit in a completely different way), they provide a place for travelers to unwind and have fun. Mount Gahinga Hotel is the current choice for lodging in this region for those who opt for gorila trekking in Mgahinga.