Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga National Park
Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga National Park: Located in the Virunga Volcanoes, it is a popular activity that provides breathtaking views. Visitors can complete climbs in a day, and hiking permits are available at the park headquarters. In Mgahinga, there are three main volcanoes: Mount Sabinyo, which takes about eight hours for a 14 km round trip; Mount Gahinga, which requires around six hours to climb and descend; and Mount Muhavura, the highest peak at 4,150 m, taking eight hours for a 12 km round trip. Climbers can also see golden monkeys through the bamboo forests and enjoy views of nearby lakes and forests.
The Three Main Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park
Mount Gahinga
Following mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park, hiking and descending Mount Gahinga takes about 7 hours, where visitors traverse through bamboo forests; hence, it is the least demanding. Travellers, especially mountain climbers, are treated to witness the magnificent beauty of the volcano, especially the scenic swamps found at its top. Mountain Gahinga is one of the spectacular volcanoes that offer visitors an adventure of a lifetime, whereby, besides its breathtaking panoramic view, its summit enables one to stand at one point while in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Muhabura or Muhavura
At an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level, Mount Muhavura is the highest volcano among the three and the most demanding hike, taking about 8 to 10 hours of hiking through uneven, muddy, and cold terrain before getting back to the starting point. The visitor’s reward for hiking the scenic Mount Muhabura is the unique vegetation cover, the scenic crater lake that offers swimming opportunities, and the spectacular views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the wider Virunga ranges of mountains.
Mount Sabinyo
Following mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park, Mount Sabinyo is among the most interesting volcanoes, offering a true adventure experience to travellers interested in mountain climbing. This volcano is locally termed the “old man’s teeth” and is the second-highest and most attractive volcano, situated at 3,634 meters above sea level. Hiking Mount Sabinyo and returning takes about 8 hours. On top of the mountain, it’s where we find a point where the three countries can be seen while standing in one position. Since this point is located at the summit of the volcano, it marks the border among the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Meaning, one can stand at this point within three countries at the same time.
What is the Best Time to go Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga National Park?
Mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park can be done all year round, although some months are better than others. The dry months of May to August and December to February are the driest months of the year and offer the best mountain climbing experience in Mgahinga National Park. During the dry season, the climbing trails are always dry, and roads leading to the park are always dry, making them passable, with short vegetation that offers clear views of wildlife species. Below is our 4-day Mgahinga mountain climbing tour that will guide you on your hiking safari in Mgahinga National Park.
4-Day Mgahinga Mountain Climbing and Golden Monkey Trekking
Tour highlights
Equator Stopover
Lake Mburo game drive
Gorilla tracking
Golden monkey tracking
Mountain hiking
Airport transfer and drop-off
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Depart Kampala or Entebbe
Following mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park, our experienced safari driver guide will pick you up before 0700 hours from your hotel, either in Kampala or Entebbe, after breakfast, and depart by road, driving to the southwestern part of Uganda via Kibale town. You will have a stopover at the Equator for photography. The scenic journey will take you through Lake Mburo National Park, where you will have a chance of seeing zebras grazing and incredibly long-horned cattle alongside the road. Lunch break will be at Mbarara town, then we’ll proceed to Kabale and Kisoro, and finally reach the park in the evening. Check in to your preferred lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Mgahinga Gorilla Tracking
After breakfast, you will have a short briefing followed by registration for gorilla tracking. The tracking takes a while as it searches for these great apes.
Other primates can also be seen, including the golden monkey and the black and white colobus monkey. Later, you will return to the lodge in time for lunch, then relaxation.
In the afternoon, you may opt for a guided walk and visit the Garama cave, which is 342 metres long and 14 metres deep. It’s one of the caves where the Batwa lived and fought their neighbours, the Bantu, although it’s now inhabited by bats. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight.
Day 3: Hiking and Golden Monkey Tracking
Following mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park, Mgahinga is one of the only two locations where golden monkey tracking is done. While in the park, you have the opportunity to meet the golden monkeys that live in the park. During the hike, some birds and plants are worth learning about. The trek takes you first through a bamboo forest at the base before you climb the slopes of the volcano. You will also get opportunities to see the crater of Mt. Mgahinga, which is quite shallow, and its floor is covered in swamps and moors where plants like Alchemilla, Senecio, and Lobelia thrive.
Day 4: Departure
Following mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park, wake up at leisure, and after a leisurely breakfast, depart by road back to Kampala/Entebbe, making a stop at Mbarara Hotel for lunch. You will later reach the airport to catch your flight back home.
