Volcanic Mountains are one of the most phenomenal geological creations and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park being a popular location where the creation of Nature’s beauty was witnessed, it is unmissable if you plan on undertaking Volcano climbing in Uganda. The beautiful Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three Volcanoes that form part of the Virunga massif extending across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With the existence of three Volcanoes, the 34-square kilometer Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a playground for geological buffs, Volcano climbers, mountain bikers, photographers and nature lovers alike, drawing over hundreds of travelers annually. The spectacular Volcanic landscapes are interspersed with jaw-dropping fauna and flora that include 70 mammal species and about 115 bird species as well as butterflies, tree species and so much more thus making any tour an unforgettable one. Check-out the three Volcano climbing options in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
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Mountain Muhavura
Mountain Muhavura is 4174 meters above sea level and sits on the Uganda-Rwanda border in Mgahinga gorilla National Park. Thanks to its height, Muhavura or Muhabura is the third highest of the 8 Volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif and the highest peak in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Hikes to the peak of this Volcano usually take about 4 hours then descent is about 2 hours with a lot of difficulty rugged terrains encountered along the way but once there, hikers are treated to views of a swamp at the Caldera as well as breathtaking views at the Virunga ranges.
While we say climbing Mountain Muhavura takes you 6 hours, it might take 7 hours depending on the pace of the slowest person and the prevailing weather condition (it becomes longer in wet season and shorter during the dry season). Watch lots of bird species that include the Albertine Rift endemics, primates- sometimes the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, forest elephants and others.
Mountain Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo is strategically located on the boundaries of the three countries where the Virunga massif is found- Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Its height is about 3645 meters above sea level, but due to its rugged terrains it is considered the most challenging of the three Volcanoes found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Thanks to its rugged terrains, this Mountain was named Sabyinyo to mean “old man’s teeth” and has stunning Craters thus rewarding travelers with amazing views. Mountain Sabyinyo hiking is one of the most difficult because of the rugged terrain and it should take you 4 hours to ascend and 4 hours to descend, but this time also depends on your pace of hiking and weather conditions. Walking sticks are provided to ease hiking and porters are available for hire at only $15 to $30 per person. Expect to transverse different vegetation zones that include bamboo zone from 2400-2800 meters above sea level.
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Mountain Gahinga
Mountain Gahinga is known for being the smallest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes and towers to about 3474 meters above sea level. Given its height, it is also the easiest-to-hike and lasts about 6 hours (4 hours for ascent and 2 hours for descent) hence making it the shortest hike. Gahinga’s peak has a huge swampy Crater Lake but provides the most obstructed views. The Volcano derived its name “Gahinga” from the pile of stones and is also from the Volcano that Mgahinga National Park was named.
Mount Gahinga climbing is ideal for travelers who aren’t physically fit, but expect to go through the bamboo vegetation at the base, dense rainforest as you head towards the steep slopes of volcanoes. The summit is filled with a shallow crater fringed by moorland and swamps where you will find exotic plants like Senecio, Alchemilla and Lobelia.
How Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is done
Volcanoes Climbing in Mgahinga usually starts in the morning with briefing at Ntebeko Visitor Center (the park’s headquarters) to get acquainted with the guidelines you will have to follow during hiking. This briefing is done by the Park wardens and guides who will help understand the unforgettable hiking experience. Having finalized with briefing, head to the trails for volcano climbing with walking sticks and porters who are available for hire at a small rate. Most of these porters are born and bred in the areas hence understand the Park and its terrains so well.
What’s the cost of Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga?
Volcano climbing in Mgahinga requires a climbing permit which costs $80 per person for the Foreign Non-residents, $70 per person for the foreign non-residents and Shs 50,000 for the East African citizens.
The permit rates don’t include Park entry fees that cost $40 per person for the foreign non-residents, $30 per person for the foreign residents and Shs, 20,000 for the East Africa citizens.
When to Enjoy the Volcano Climbing Experience in Mgahinga
The Volcano climbing experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the dry season-December to February and June to September are more preferable because they receive little or no rains hence making trails easy and easier to maneuver through. The wet season (March to May and October to November) are usually avoided because the heavy downpours make forest trails muddy and slippery thus hiking becomes more difficult
