Mount Muhabura In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mount Muhabura In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Located within the volcanic highlands of southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a sanctuary for both wildlife and adventure seekers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and its role in the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas, the park is also home to three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Of these, Mount Muhabura stands out as a thrilling hiking destination, offering intrepid trekkers not only a chance to explore Uganda’s dramatic scenery but also an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the Virunga mountain range.

Mount Muhabura or “Muhavura” is extinct mountain on the border between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. In other words, one part of the volcano is in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, and another is in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The Mountain stands at 4,127 meters above sea level and has the 3rd highest peak among the Virunga Ranges. Mount Karisimbi is the tallest, then Mikeno follows. However, Muhabura is the steepest of all the eight Volcanoes within the Virunga ranges. Mount Muhabura is very close to Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga. Muhabura means “the guide” in the local language.

Muhabura means “the guide” in the local language. This name was coined probably because it was used as a guide by distant travelers.

There are only two places to explore Mount Muhabura on Uganda safari or Rwanda safari. In Uganda, Muhabura is found in the southwestern part of the country specifically in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. At Mgahinga National Park, Muhabura features on the list of the park’s 3 Virunga Volcanoes. Besides Muhabura, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also protects volcanoes like Gahinga and Sabyinyo Volcanoes. In Rwanda, Muhabura Volcano is lying in Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri.

The scenic Kabiranyuma River or Swamp is what separates Mount Muhabura from Mt. Gahinga. Muhabura Volcano is strategically located in protected areas where other faunal and avifaunal species thrive including elephants, mountain gorillas, and buffaloes.

Hiking Mount Muhabura

Of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Ranges, Mount Muhabura in Uganda is the most challenging to climb. Despite not being the tallest, it is extremely steep. However, the hike must be finished in a single day (before the sun sets). One must mentally prepare and possibly be a little stubborn in order to reach the summit and descend on time. It is possible to hike Mount Muhabura from both Rwanda and Uganda. You will encounter resident guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority if you are trekking Mount Muhabura from the Ugandan side. They will guide you to the Visitors Center in Ntebeko. If hiking from the Rwanda side, you need to report to the Kinigi visitor’s center.

Hiking Mount Muhabura in Uganda starts at around 7 am and takes between 5 to 7 hours to complete. Before heading off to the head trail, the Rangers will organize a briefing for all hikers. This briefing covers all important aspects of the hike and includes the history and formation of the mountain. The Rangers will advise hikers on how to prepare mentally for the activity. They also teach them how to deal with any injuries or symptoms of altitude illness.

Mt. Muhabura climbing adventure involves conquering the steep slopes with an expert. The hike to the summit of Mt. Muhabura starts with a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The briefing is done at Ntebeko where the park official will take climbers/hikers on guidelines to follow during their trek to the summits of Mt. Muhabura.

 Cost of hiking Mount Muhabura/ volcanoe climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The cost of climbing volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National park is 100 USD for foreign nonresidents, 80 USD for foreign residents and 50,000 UGX for East African Citizens.

What to expect while hiking Mount Muhabura

After such a tough trek, those who reach the summit are rewarded with stunning views, lakes, and other volcanoes in the Virunga ranges, including Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo. You get the impression that you are totally cut off from reality at the summit. Primates, birds, and even large forest creatures like buffaloes and elephants can be seen.

Mountain Muhabura offers opportunities to spot rare birds and mammals. These include buffaloes, elephants, and Mountain gorillas – especially from the Uganda side. The buffaloes can be dangerous to hikers because they are naturally aggressive. However, armed rangers are always on hand to scare them away

Then there is a crater lake at the summit with beautiful clear waters. Hikers can swim in the lake but most are discouraged because it is usually very cold. From the Rwanda side, one can spot the beautiful twin lakes Ruhundo and Burera. One can see Lake Bunyonyi from the Uganda side. Unfortunately cloud cover and mist may limit one’s view of the distant volcanoes during some months of the year.

Best time for hiking Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura can be visited at any time of the year but the most preferred period is during the peak dry season. The peak dry season is experienced from June to September then December to February as per the Ugandan travel calendar. Visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to explore Muhabura Volcano around these months guarantees climbers memorable hiking expeditions with less disruption from the muddy or slippery steep slopes.

What to park for climbing Mount Muhabura

To have the best possible experience, hikers need to move with light snacks and drinking water. They also need a walking stick, hiking boots, warm stockings, hand gloves, rain jackets, insect repellents, and sunscreen. Good hiking shoes are very important for a Mount Muhabura hike, especially during the wet season.

Apart from the above items, don’t forget to travel with a good camera, binoculars, and full batteries. You will need binoculars to have clearer views of the distant volcanoes and other landmarks

Where to stay

Budget-friendly to upscale resorts and campers are available for overnight stays following or prior to hiking Muhabura Volcano. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveler’s Rest Hotel, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, and other top lodging choices are available for reservations.

Conclusion

For those who love the great outdoors, climbing Mount Muhabura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an experience of a lifetime. In addition to being a strenuous hike, it provides a chance to discover the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife of one of Uganda’s most picturesque areas. Trekkers are rewarded with expansive vistas of three nations and innumerable volcanoes when reaching the summit, which makes the effort worthwhile. The ascent of Mount Muhabura is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with enduring memories and a greater respect for the untamed grandeur of East Africa, regardless of your level of experience.