Hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda.
One of the eight Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mount Muhabura is an extinct volcano that can be hiked in Uganda. After Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno, the volcanic mountain has the third-highest peak at 4,127 meters above sea level. Mount Muhabura is the steepest mountain to ascend and is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, near Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo.
One of the most fascinating and fulfilling experiences in Uganda is trekking Mount Muhabura. The hike begins early in the morning at the park headquarters with an explanation of the rules, regulations, and expectations. Rwanda and Uganda are the two nations from which Mount Muhabura is accessible. Following the briefing, you will be paired with an experienced park guide and armed park rangers.
Depending on your fitness level and pace, the hike takes approximately five to seven hours round-trip. There are two stops on the Mount Muhabura hike: one at 3116 meters above sea level and another at 3,855 meters. You will continue on to the peak, which is 4,127 meters above sea level, following the second stop.
You will see a variety of wildlife on the trip, including duikers, hyenas, forest buffaloes, elephants, primates including golden monkeys, and several bird species, as you traverse through various vegetation zones. Once you reach the peak, you can take in breathtaking views of Lake Bunyonyi, the crater lake, and other Virunga volcanoes. You may also take pictures and then head back down to the starting point to meet your driver guide.
The ideal time of year to hike Mount Muhabura
Since there is less rainfall in the national park during this time, the hiking trails will be dry and passable, making mountain climbing easier. In contrast, during the rainy season, when the hiking trails are muddy and slippery, making mountain climbing more difficult, the best time to hike Mount Muhabura is during the dry season, also known as the peak season, which is June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.
The price of climbing Mount Muhabura
The cost of hiking Mount Muhabura is 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens, 70 USD per person for international residents, and 80 USD per person for foreign non-residents. However, as of July 1, 2024, mountain climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is now 100 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 80 USD per person for foreign residents, 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens, and 5,000 UGX per person for Ugandan students.
What should you bring on your safari hike?
Hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellent, a waterproof rain jacket, energy snacks and drinking water, a first aid kit, a camera and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, long socks, a map and compass, a knife, and a backpack are some of the things you should pack or bring with you on a Mount Muhabura hike safari in Uganda.
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park travel route
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southwest region of Uganda and is reachable by road. It takes roughly nine to ten hours to drive from Kampala/Entebbe to the park headquarters, passing through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro.
Booking scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aero Link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip and then connecting to the park headquarters via road is another way to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can also be reached from Kigali, Rwanda, where you will fly to Kigali International Airport and then drive for around 4 to 5 hours to reach the park via the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale.
Accommodations for your Ugandan hiking safari
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, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and many more are available for your hiking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
