One of the most exciting things to do in Uganda for mountain climbers is to go trekking on volcanic terrain. Rock climbing, hill trekking, and mountain hiking are all popular activities in Uganda. Everything is well-guarded, fun, and historically significant, so you may broaden your horizons.
Mountain hiking and gorilla trekking are popular activities in the Virunga mountain chain, which includes Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among the most stunning hiking spots in Uganda is the Mgahinga Volcano, where visitors may climb Sabinyo, Muhavura, and Gahinga, three of the six mountains in the range.
Regarding the height of Mount Muhavura
Located in Mgahinga National Park on the border between Rwanda and Uganda is Mountain Muhavura. At 4,174 meters above sea level, it is tallest among the gahinga mountains. Hiking to the peak takes over five hours, which is quite a bit of time, and the descent is just as taxing.
On top of it, there’s a little crater lake that you can just go around to obtain a perspective of the Virunga mountains. Visit www.gorilla-tracking-Uganda.com to learn about the various trekking packages offered by Katland Safaris to Mountain Muhavura.
In relation to the height of Mount Sabinyo
This is on the shared boundary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The most difficult of the three at 3645 meters above sea level due to more rough terrain with many craters, it is also the most enjoyable and offers the greatest views of the Virunga mountains, which reach over all three nations. Locals gave it the name Sabinyo, meaning “Old Man’s Teeth,” because its three summits resemble closely spaced teeth. The Sabinyo Hiking Trail only takes one day to complete.
Regarding the height of Mountain Gahinga
This lesser mountain, situated between Sabinyo and Muhavura but closer to the former, is the smallest of the three. At 3,474 meters above sea level, this dormant volcano in the Virunga Mountains is the simplest and quickest trek in the area, taking just about 6 hours to reach the peak and back down. At the peak, you’ll find the larger, swampier Crater Lake, which isn’t really an easy route to get around if you want to see more. The native language of the area is Gahinga, and the name means “pile of stones” in English.
At the crack of dawn, you’ll be briefed by park wardens and guides at the park headquarters on the rules and regulations that will govern your hike of all three mountains. The guides and park rangers will lead you to the routes where you may climb the volcano after the briefing. We highly recommend hiring porters to assist you with the climb and carry your backpack and other belongings so that you may walk easily, in addition to the walking sticks that are provided for use on steeper terrain. If you are visiting Uganda, you must see these mountains.
What is the average hiking time to reach Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Mountain Muhavura?
There are three mountains in Uganda that, depending on the hiker’s pace and physical level, could be the easiest. It takes about six to seven hours to ascend to the peak of Mount Muhavura, which is also one of the steepest volcanic mountains in the world, and roughly the same amount of time to descend. Hiking up the forest paths is a pleasant experience, and if you’re fortunate, you could even encounter some wildlife along the way, such birds, forest elephants, and other species.
Mount Everest ascent Depending on your speed and the weather, a day trek up Sabinyo may take you four hours and return. The Sabinyo hills have a lot of craters with steep ridges, so be prepared to see some rough terrain. You may hire porters if you need them, and walking sticks are given for free. From 2400 to 2800 meters in altitude, you’ll see a variety of plant life, including the bamboo zone. In terms of elevation, Sabinyo surpasses both Gahinga and Muhavura Mountains.
Of the three mountains, Gahinga is thought of as the least difficult to climb. It shouldn’t take more than six hours to reach the peak and back down again. This little volcano is perfect for climbers who aren’t very athletic and like to take it easy. Ascending the volcano’s slopes begins with a traverse through bamboo jungle at the base, followed by a sharp ascent.
Alchemilla, Senecio, and Lobelia flourish in the shallow moors and crater that sits atop Mount Gahinga. On top of the breathtaking scenery, the weather may be chilly and misty. Climbers’ stamina and the amount of time spent at the peak determine how long the half-day ascent of Mount Gahinga usually takes.
I was wondering how much it would cost to hike Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga mountains.
Our customizable hiking packages to Mgahinga National Park can accommodate a wide range of budgets, so you can choose the perfect adventure for you. For your hiking excursions to any mountain, we provide all-inclusive packages that include transportation, lodging, entry fees, hiking fees, and all services. Mountain Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga all have different hiking fees: 80 USD per person for non-resident foreigners, 70 USD for resident foreigners, and 50,000 SH for East African locals.
There is a park admission charge of $40 for non-resident foreigners, $30 for resident foreigners, and 20,000 Ugandan shillings per day for Mgahinga National Park. Payment is made to the management body, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, on a daily basis for mountain climbing and park admission fees.
Safaris to the Mgahinga Volcano: How to Make a Reservatio
Hiking is a year-round activity, so scheduling is a breeze. Just tell us when you want to go, how much time you have, and what you’re interested in, and we’ll create a package just for you. In order to secure all the services for your trip in advance, we will send you an invoice for payment after you confirm your booking with us.
At the park headquarters, we will pay the admission fees and hiking costs so that you may embark on the Muhavura, Gahinga, or Sabinyo hikes. You also have the option to plan hiking tours of all the volcanoes, with one peak to climb each day.
Are Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga mountains safe to climb?
Indeed, the area has a history of political instability, which both nations have dealt with. Even though these mountains can be seen from Rwanda and Congo, our country’s first concern is the safety of all tourists. The safety of the tourist activities taking place in these mountains is guaranteed by the integrated security measures. You may trek with complete peace of mind on Mounts Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga since each group is accompanied by two armed rangers.
The renowned Mgahinga National Park has the majestic mountains of Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura, which are situated in the Kisoro area in southern Uganda. With its bordering national parks in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. It is also the smallest national park in Uganda. The mountains are bordered by Rwanda and are rather near to one another; from their peaks, you can see the stunning landscapes of Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda.
It takes just four hours to travel from Kigali, Rwanda, to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where the mountain gorillas live, via the Chanika border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda. Departing from the airport or hotel in Kigali, you may have a city tour before crossing into the Kisoro area of Uganda, where you can stop for lunch and spend the night.
Another option is to drive the 9–10 hours from Entebbe or Kampala to Mgahinga National Park via the Kampala–Mbarara–Kisoro route. The route passes through many beautiful and interesting places, including plantations, the Equator line, terraced hills, rivers, lakes, swamps, and the kind and welcoming people of Uganda. Enjoyable road journeys are possible when your driver-guide stops at regular intervals for picture opportunity and lunch breaks.
Another alternative is to fly into Kisoro Airstrip from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip; the journey takes around two hours. The airstrip is just around 30 minutes away from the park headquarters. Daily scheduled flights are offered by Aerolink Uganda and other airlines, and charter flights are also an option. If you want an unforgettable adventure, we may personalize your vacation so that you can climb a volcano in Mgahinga National Park.
There are a variety of places to stay at Mgahinga National Park, which is conveniently located near the mountains. Located on the park’s periphery, most hotels have breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and mountains. A few examples of the lodges in the area include the five-star Gahinga Lodge, the mid-range Lake Chahafi Lodge, and the affordable Lake Muhele Lodge.
You may also choose to stay in one of the several hotels in Kisoro town, which is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of the park headquarters. Since it takes around an hour’s drive to Mgahinga National Park, some tourists choose to stay in lodges or tents in the Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Amazing mountain trekking adventures in Uganda and around East Africa are available with Katland Safaris. Mountain Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo have all been the sites of our mountain climbing expeditions. We provide cheap packages and may even create custom tours if you contact us.
Our ability to curate unforgettable experiences is a product of the cohesive team we’ve built over the years, which includes both youthful and dynamic employees, as well as seasoned and dedicated directors and managers who are native Ugandans. If you are interested in learning about the experiences of other travelers who have been with Katland Safaris for mountain trekking, you can see their reviews and ratings on safari bookings and trip advisor.
