Hiking Volcanoes at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the hallmark activities done by hiker lovers. However, the park boasts with three dormant volcanoes within its outfits where visitors take their hiking safari adventures on one of the three volcanoes. They include; Gahinga volcano raises about 3474 meters above sea level, Gahinga is the smallest of the 3 volcanoes in the national park and hiking takes about 6 hours’ round trip depending on your hiking speed, Mount Sabyinyo sounds like the old and stands at the altitude of 3,645 meters and Mount Muhabura stands at the altitude of 4,127 meters. Hiking volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best-done activities after the most thought mountain gorilla trekking.
However, Mgahinga Gorilla National park is one of the national parks in Africa that sits on high altitudes and stands at the altitude range of 2227 meters and 4127 meters. More so, the park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda in Kisoro District. Despite Mgahinga Gorilla National park expends through the area covering about 33.7 square kilometers that shelters one of the remaining critically endangered mountain gorillas. The park’s part of the land extends to the great Virunga conservation area which composes of Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park itself.
Generally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park got its name from a local slogan ‘’Gahinga’’ means a pile of volcanic stones which are spotted all over the park. The park stretches through three volcanoes namely; Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga, however, these three volcanoes are covered by canopy vegetation cover which offers a home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Apart from being home to Mountain gorillas, however, Mgahinga is also home to forest elephants, buffaloes, and a hoven of birders. Some of the bird species to see include; Brown-crowned Tchagra, Regal sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Black–headed Waxbill, Olive Thrush, Mountain masked Apalis, Blue-headed coucal, Handsome spur fowl, African live pigeon, strange weaver many more.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is renowned as a primate kingdom that also offers fabulous Volcanic hiking. Volcanic hiking adventure takes place on the three iconic volcanoes located in the park that is; Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga.
Facts about the three volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
Hiking tour – Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo is known as the oldest mountain on the chain of Virunga Mountain that got its name from a local Kinyarwanda word Sabyinyo meaning old man’s teeth. This Mountain stands at an altitude of 3,645 meters.
The hiking adventure usually starts as early as 7:00 am with a briefing about hiking rules. So we advise you to be physically fit to manage the hike which takes 8 hours to and from while navigating on the Sabyinyo gorge trail through the Rugezi swamp and thick forests. Along these trails will have chances to enjoy views of the Virunga chains, Kisoro town, calderas on top of Gisozi hills, Bunagana town, and beautiful Lake Mutanda.
You will also be able to encounter animal species such as duikers, buffalos, and elephants among others. More so, hiking on mountain Sabyinyo offers a climax opportunity for the three nations like Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Its peaks provide a gainful view of these countries.
Hiking Tour – Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga is located on the border of the southwestern region of Uganda in the Kisoro district and northwest of Rwanda. Despite this, the Gahinga volcano stands at an altitude of 3,474 meters and derives its name from a Kinyarwanda/Rufumbira word that means piles of stones that are seen on the slopes of the volcano.
Hiking Mount Gahinga is made easy compared to Mount Sabinyo and Muhabura taking you through on trails that pass through bamboo and alpine vegetation. Along the hike, you get to encounter animal species like black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and golden monkeys mentioned a few.
Hiking on mount Gahinga takes 6 hours to and from the volcano, you also get to adventure buffaloes and duikers as they roam on the slopes of Mount Gahinga. Note, that Mount Gahinga is occupied by a crater lake which has now turned into a swamp on top of the Volcano.
Hiking Adventure Tour – Mount Muhabura
Mount Muhabura refers to a magnificent volcano that stands at an altitude of 4,127 meters. More so, Mount Muhabura derives its name from a local Kinyarwanda word and this mountain refers to the third tallest mountain in Uganda and can be seen from afar. Take note, hiking mount Muhabura is a bit challenging hike that estimates 10 hours through different vegetation zones.
The hiking adventure here starts as early as 7:00 am thus the trails offer tourists exceptional views of Virunga Volcanoes, Rwenzori mountain ranges, Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as a great view of Lake Edward.
On a visit to Mgahinga National Park, you can combine hiking adventure with gorilla trekking or Visit the Batwa trail to experience many more.
Tips for Volcano Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
At the briefing center always take heed to the rules and regulations as well as information is given to you by the hiking park guide ranger;
Carry enough drinking mineral water and energizing snacks.
Wear the right hiking shoes
Pack your items
Make sure you are physically fit to handle the pressure of hiking.
Be ready to trek into slippery and muddy trails
Before you hike, do some physical exercises.
What essentials to carry for a hiking safari?
First aid kit
Wear garden gloves
Comfortable hiking shoes
Wear rubber comfortable clothes like waterproof jackets for rainy days
Insect repellents
