Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers incredible hiking experience to its volcanic mountain peaks of Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo that form the larger Virunga mountain range chain. A hiking experience to any of these peaks offers you breathtaking mountain landscapes of the entire chain of volcanoes and exposes you to a diversity of montane vegetational types across varied altitudes. On a hiking experience at Mgahinga Gorilla NP also offers high chances to encounter the endemic golden monkey. that range across the bamboo zone on these slopes where it occurs along the endangered mountain gorilla.
All the volcanic ranges at Mgahinga NP rise over 3000m asl requiring average fitness levels and no technical hiking skills. Daily guided hikes to any of these peaks begin early (7:30am) from the park’s briefing points of Muhabura and Ntebeko.
Volcanic Mountain at Mgahinga NP
Hiking Mt. Sabyinyo – Mgahinga NP
Lying at the confluence of the three international border point of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC, the peak provides panoramic views of the great Virunga mountain range chains and the far rift valley. It’s name Sabyinyo means “the old man’s teeth” in the local Kifumbira/kinyarwanda direct, named after the jagged volcanic peaks and is the oldest of the Virunga ranges chain. It’s regarded as the most challenging yet scenic.
- Elevation: 3669m
- Altitude gain from Ntebeko gate: 1300m
- Duration: 8-10hrs
- Starting point: Ntebeko Gate (2364m)
- Fitness levels: Reasonable fitness
Hiking Mt. Muhavura
The tallest of the three peaks in Mgahinga NP and the second in the 7 peaks that makes up the greater Virunga mountain chain it boasts a small crater about 2km wide at its 4127m peak. Translated as “the guide” in the local Kifumbira dialect Muhabura commands a 360 degrees view of the surroundings. The bamboo zone along the mountain hill side host large populations of the endemic Golden Monkey.
- Elevation: 4127m
- Altitude gain:1793m
- Duration:8-10hrs
- Fitness levels: average
- Starting point: Muhavura gate (2334m)
Hiking Mt. Gahinga
The shortest of the three peaks is also the easiest, starting at Ntebeko gate office. There are excellent views of the three peaks and lowlands dotted with calderas and lakes.
- Elevation: 3450m
- Altitude gain:1100m
- Duration: 7-9hrs
- Starting point: Ntebeko gate (2364m)
- Fitness level: Average
Cultural Mountain Hikes on Mgahinga National Park
The Batwa Trail Experience
The Batwa is Uganda’s smallest tribe and the original forest dwellers now found on the forest edges of Bwindi and Virunga mountains. This ancient tribe was relocated to pave way for conservation of the fragile ecosystems on these montane ranges that protect several endangered primates namely Mountain Gorillas and other species within this Albertine Endemic zone and this caused serious interruptions in the livelihood that solely depended on these forests.
On the trek, the Batwa guides share incredible survival skills used as they lived in these forests, point out useful herbs and fruits they ate, showcase warfare and hunting skills, fire making skills and storytelling. The trek ends at the historical grounds of Garama cave, a once complex seat for the governing counsel of the Batwa community that stretched across the Virunga mountain forests. Finally one is encouraged to participate in the incredible Batwa dances, folksongs and storytelling.
The trail is also a great nature walk as it passes through regenerating and secondary forest then through the bamboo zones bustling with great birdlife and when in luck the beautiful golden monkey, duiker and bush-back are encountered. Great views of the three peaks and lowlands on the trek including the distant L. Mutanda with its islands and the terraced highlands are seen.
What to Pack for a Mountain Hikes on Mgahinga NP
Mgahinga NP peaks are among the easiest in the country but that said one needs to be in good shape to attempt any walk of this nature and below are a few to pack;
- Good hiking shoes with ankle support
- Comfortable long pants and sweat t. shirts
- Waterproof jacket/poncho
- A hat to keep you from the sun
- A walking pole, although this can be obtained from trail heads at Mgahinga
- On that day carry a parked lunch as these daily hikes are longer.
- Water proof backpack to carry your gadgets, snacks and water bottles
- A good attitude is a must to have, as this can break or make a day!
Best Time for Mountain Hikes on Mgahinga Volcanic Peaks
Any time is the best time… Mgahinga volcanic peaks can be hiked throughout the year although at the peak of two rainy seasons Oct-Nov and April-May the trails and the ladders at the high elevation are slippery but manageable. In the drier months of June-July and Dec-Feb there are lots of wind on the mountains and haze in the lowlands so the far scenic views are limited. That said, mountain weather is unpredictable and can change any minute of the day!