Exploring the trails of mount Muhabura in Uganda
Embarking on a hike up Mount Muhabura in Uganda offers an exhilarating experience; this extinct volcano is one of the eight majestic Virunga peaks nestled within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The volcanic mountain rises to an impressive 4,127 meters above sea level, claiming the title of the third highest peak, following Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno. Mount Muhabura stands proudly near Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering the steepest hiking experience in the area.
Hiking Mount Muhabura offers an exhilarating and fulfilling experience in Uganda. The adventure begins early in the morning with a briefing on the rules, regulations, and expectations at the park headquarters. Mount Muhabura can be accessed from two countries: Uganda and Rwanda. Following the briefing, you will be paired with a knowledgeable park guide and accompanied by skilled park rangers. Then, you will embark on a drive to the trailhead, where your exhilarating hike up the mountain begins, taking approximately 5 to 7 hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and fitness level. While trekking up Mount Muhabura, you will pause at 3,116 meters and then again at an exhilarating 3,855 meters above sea level. Following the second stop, you will make your way to the summit, soaring to an impressive height of 4,127 meters above sea level. As you embark on the hike, you will traverse through a variety of lush vegetation zones, encountering an array of wildlife such as duikers, hyenas, forest buffaloes, elephants, and playful primates like golden monkeys, along with a diverse selection of bird species. Upon reaching the summit, breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Virunga volcanoes and the serene crater lake will unfold before you. Capture the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and snap photos to cherish the moment. Afterward, you will make your way back down to the starting point, where your driver guide will be waiting for you.
Ideal moments for exploring Mount Muhabura
Hiking Mount Muhabura offers an exhilarating experience throughout the year, with the most favorable conditions found during the dry season. This peak season spans June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, when the national park enjoys minimal rainfall. During these months, the hiking trails remain dry and accessible, making the ascent more enjoyable compared to the rainy season, when the paths can become muddy and slippery, posing challenges for climbers.
Expense of trekking Mount Muhabura
Hiking mount Muhabura is priced at 80 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 70 USD per person for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. Starting from July 1st, 2024, the fees for mountain climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have been adjusted. Foreign non-residents will now pay 100 USD per person, while foreign residents will be charged 80 USD per person. East African citizens will need to pay 50,000 UGX per person, and Ugandan students will pay 5,000 UGX per person.
What essentials should you bring for your hiking safari?
When preparing for the Mount Muhabura hike safari in Uganda, it is essential to pack several key items. Be sure to include hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, insect repellent, a waterproof rain jacket, energy snacks, and drinking water. Do not forget a first aid kit, a camera with extra batteries, a walking stick, garden gloves, a pair of binoculars, long socks, a map and compass, a knife, and a backpack, among other essentials.
How to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and can be reached by road. The journey begins in Kampala or Entebbe, taking you through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro before arriving at the park headquarters, which typically takes around 9 to 10 hours of driving.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can also be reached by air, where you can book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aero Link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a road connection to the park headquarters.
Accessing Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali, Rwanda is an exciting journey. You will fly into Kigali International Airport and then make your way to the park by crossing the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale, which takes about 4 to 5 hours of driving through stunning landscapes.
Choosing the perfect spot to rest during your hiking safari in Uganda
There are various accommodation options available for your hiking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Ntebeko Homestay, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mt Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel and Campsite, Mutanda Eco Community Center, Travellers Rest Hotel, Gahiza Island Retreat, Mucha Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Golden Monkey Guest House, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and Chameleon Hill Lodge, among others.
For further details about exploring Mount Muhabura in Uganda, feel free to contact us.
