Hiking Mount Muhabura Volcano in Uganda

Hiking Mount Muhabura Volcano in Uganda – trekking permits at Mgahinga gorilla National Park

Hiking Mount Muhabura volcano in Uganda – is another activity that tourists can do within the Virunga Massif. With an elevation of 13,450 feet/4,127 meters above sea level, climbing Mount Muhabura is no joke. This extinct mountain is the steepest of all the 8 Volcanoes, the second highest mountain in Rwanda and the third highest among the 8 Virunga Mountains after Mount Mikeno in the Democratic Republic of Congo which is the second highest at 14,560feet/4,437meters and Mount Karisimbi the highest standing at 14,790feet/4,507 meters and situated within Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.  Mount Muhabura is the most easterly of all the Virunga Volcanoes and shares its border between two countries and National Parks of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Mountain Muhabura is more strenuous to climb than Mount Karisimbi because it is steeper however, it can be hiked within one day. It is the most interesting because while at the Peak, tourists are rewarded with the breath-taking views of the other Volcanoes and the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Another interesting thing about Mount Muhabura is that its Crater Lake is next to its summit and the vegetation is always drier than other parts of the Volcanoes National Park. Muhabura is connected to Mount Gahinga by a wide saddle in the West with a Crater Lake of approximately 40 meters at its summit.

The word Muhabura is a “Kinyarwanda word meaning sentinel and its usually shaped delineate can be seen from most parts of Rwanda and Rukiga language of Uganda, the word Muhabura means “the guide”.

Hiking Mount Muhabura volcano in Uganda

Travellers can book for the permits in advance though not very necessary or even on the day of hiking. Unlike Mount Sabinyo that can only be climbed from the Uganda side, Mount Muhabura can be hiked from both sides of Uganda and Rwanda. Hiking Mount Muhabura usually takes 5-6 hours depending on the pace of hiking but it also requires tourists to be with a certain level of fitness.

The process of hiking applies to both countries and hiking through Mount Muhabura usually takes a full day. It usually starts by tourists checking whether they have the right hiking gears and supplies which include packed lunch, snacks; drinking water is also handy, hiking boots, long trousers, long sleeved shirts and a walking stick to support you on the slopes among others. Tourists then report to the Park headquarters at Ntebeko visitors centre for pre-hiking briefing by 7:00am. This briefing involves explanation of the formation and history of the Mountain, hiking guidelines are what to expect during hiking, tips on how to deal with injuries and what to expect as you climb to higher elevations.

After the briefing, tourists are driven to the trailhead at the base of the Volcano. The hike is conducted in the company of armed rangers to protect tourists from wild animals like Elephants and Buffaloes, which are scared by shooting in the air. The hike is divided into two stops each with a hut before reaching the summit. The first stop is at 3116 meters/10223 feet above sea level and the second one being at 3855 meters/12648 feet above sea level. The peak of the climb is at 4,127 meters/13,450 feet above sea level. You will be among the victorious ones to reach up to the peak because some hikers stop at the first hut while others at the second. The peak is cold and misty but because of the climb, you can get tempted to swim in the Crater Lake. Nature walks in Mgahinga goes together with hiking because of the fact that this is a very hilly area and hiking is something that you can hardly avoid. There are several amazing places that you can always visit during your trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These are always guided nature walks with armed escorts which are provided to walk along with you during your nature walk and so with the help of your guide, you will visit and see the scenery as well as the different tourism attractions in the area.

What to Bring for your Mountain Hiking

These items should be on your hiking checklist:

Hiking backpack

Weather-appropriate clothing (thick moisture-wicking and layers)

Hiking boots or shoes

Plenty of energy giving food

Plenty of water

Navigation tools such as a map and compass

First-aid kit

Knife or multi-tool

The rest of the above essentials are appropriate for your hike

While you are packing, use this handy day hiking checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Here are some notes on how to best use this list:

Items that are part of the Ten Essentials are marked by an asterisk. The exact items you take can be tailored to your trip based on considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration and distance from help.

This checklist is deliberately comprehensive and intended for day hikes in the backcountry where being self-sufficient is important to your well-being. It includes many more items than you’re likely to need for short treks in or near developed areas, like city parks, though you can adapt it to your needs for these trips.