Hiking Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga

Hiking Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga

Hiking in Uganda offers some of the most thrilling and adventurous experiences, and climbing the volcanoes of Mgahinga National Park is one of the top highlights. These three volcanoes—Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga—are part of the Virunga mountain range shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Known for their stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, these mountains offer rewarding hikes and breathtaking views. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a casual hiker, each volcano has its own unique challenges and experiences to offer.

About Mountain Muhavura

Mountain Muhavura, located on the border between Uganda and Rwanda, is the highest of the three, standing at 4,127 meters above sea level. Known for its challenging hike, it takes about 5-6 hours to reach the summit, with a similar amount of time for descent. The summit features a small crater lake, and from the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Virunga mountain ranges and the distant plains. The hike is steep, but the reward of seeing the expansive views makes it worth the effort.

About Mountain Gahinga

At 3,474 meters, Mountain Gahinga is the smallest and least challenging of the three volcanoes. It is located between Mount Muhavura and Sabinyo, and its shorter climb makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a less strenuous hike. The hike to the summit and back takes about 6 hours. Gahinga features a shallow, swampy crater lake at the top, surrounded by lush moorland and vegetation. The misty, cool environment at the summit, combined with views of the surrounding area, makes this hike a tranquil and rewarding experience.

About Mountain Sabinyo

Standing at 3,645 meters above sea level, Mountain Sabinyo is located at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sabinyo is the most rugged and challenging of the three volcanoes, with its unique craggy terrain and several craters along the way. Its three peaks, which resemble old man’s teeth, give the mountain its local name, “Sabinyo.” A hike up Sabinyo typically takes one day, with 4 hours to the summit and 4 hours to return. Despite the difficulty, the views from the peaks are exceptional, offering a sweeping view of the Virunga Mountains spanning across three countries.

What to Expect on the Hike

All hikes begin early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers and guides explain the rules and guidelines for the hike. Hiking permits and walking sticks are provided, and porters are available for hire to assist with carrying your personal items. As you ascend these volcanoes, you will pass through diverse vegetation zones, from bamboo forests to moorlands. The hikes are physically demanding but offer incredible opportunities for wildlife sightings, such as forest elephants, birds, and other wildlife along the way.

How Long Does it Take to Hike Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga?

• Mountain Muhavura: The hike takes approximately 6-7 hours to reach the summit and the same amount of time to descend. The trail offers beautiful views of the forest and the chance to spot various wildlife species.

• Mountain Sabinyo: Hiking Sabinyo involves a one-day trek, with about 4 hours to reach the summit and 4 hours to return. The trail features a rugged terrain and several craters, making it a thrilling and challenging hike.

• Mountain Gahinga: The hike to the top of Gahinga takes around 6 hours, making it the shortest and easiest of the three volcanoes. The trail takes you through bamboo forests before reaching the summit, where you can enjoy cool mist and beautiful views.

Cost to Hike Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga

The hiking fees for the volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park are as follows:

• USD 80 per person for foreign non-residents

• USD 70 per person for foreign residents

• UGX 50,000 for East African citizens

In addition to the hiking fees, you’ll need to pay park entrance fees for Mgahinga National Park:

• USD 40 per day for foreign non-residents

• USD 30 per day for foreign residents

• UGX 20,000 per day for East African citizens

These fees are paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority, which manages the park and its activities. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking an all-inclusive package that includes transportation, accommodation, park fees, and guided hiking tours.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a first-time hiker, exploring the volcanic peaks of Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga offers an unforgettable adventure. The stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and rich cultural history of the region make it an experience worth every step.

Where Are Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo Located?

Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo are located in the southwestern region of Uganda, specifically within Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro District. This national park is Uganda’s smallest but one of the most scenic, bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The mountains offer stunning views that span across Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, and the park is home to endangered species like the mountain gorilla and golden monkeys.

How to Book a Mgahinga Volcano Trekking Safari

Booking a trekking safari to climb the volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park is a simple and seamless process. Hiking is available year-round, and we’re here to help you plan your perfect adventure based on your preferences, budget, and available time. Once you confirm your booking, we’ll send you an invoice and take care of the payment process. This secures your trip and ensures that everything is in place, including hiking permits and park entrance fees. You can choose to hike one or more of the volcanoes—Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo—each on different days, for a truly unique experience.

How to Get to Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo

Mgahinga National Park is easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, which is about a 4-hour drive to the park through the Chanika border. You can begin your journey from Kigali International Airport, possibly with a city tour, before crossing into Uganda for lunch and an overnight stay in Kisoro District. Alternatively, from Entebbe or Kampala, you can drive for about 9-10 hours via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro highway, passing through picturesque landscapes like plantations, the Equator line, rivers, lakes, and welcoming local communities.

For those looking to save time, flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, with a flight time of about 2 hours. The park headquarters is just a 30-minute drive from the airstrip. Several flight options, including scheduled flights with Aerolink Uganda, are available daily, with charter flights also an option.

Is It Safe to Hike Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga?

Yes, it is safe to hike Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga. While the region has faced political instability in the past, this has been effectively managed by both Uganda and Rwanda. The safety of visitors is a top priority, and there is an integrated security system in place. Armed rangers accompany every group of hikers to ensure safety, along with local guides who are experts in the terrain. With proper safety measures, hiking these volcanoes is a secure and enjoyable activity.

Where to Stay While Hiking Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo

There are a variety of accommodations near Mgahinga National Park to suit different budgets. Most of the lodges are located on the outskirts of the park, offering stunning views of the mountains and forest. Accommodation options include:

• Gahinga Lodge: A luxury option with excellent amenities and views.

• Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge: Mid-range to budget options for a comfortable stay.

• Kisoro Town: For more budget-friendly options, you can stay in Kisoro Town, just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: For those exploring both parks, there are accommodations in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, about an hour’s drive from Mgahinga.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions for Hiking Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo?

Trek Africa Expeditions offers some of the best mountain hiking experiences in Uganda and East Africa. We specialize in organizing tours to Mount Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo, ensuring that you have an unforgettable and personalized adventure. Our experienced team combines youthful energy and expert knowledge to create authentic experiences for all travelers. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, where past travelers share their positive reviews. Contact us today for discounted packages and tailor-made trips that perfectly match your hiking adventure to Mgahinga National Park.