Hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda
Going hiking on Mount Muhabura in Uganda. Mount Muhabura is one of the eight dead Virunga mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Its top is 4,127 meters above sea level, making it the third highest mountain in the world, after Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno. This is the hardest mountain to walk. It is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, close to Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo.
One of the most interesting and satisfying things to do in Uganda is to hike Mount Muhabura. The hike starts early in the morning at the park offices, where you will be told about the rules, regulations, and what to expect. There are two ways to get to Mount Muhabura: from Uganda or Rwanda. Following the lecture, you will be paired with an experienced park guide and armed park guards. You will then be driven to the beginning where you can begin hiking the mountain.
Depending on your fitness level and pace, the hike should take between 5 and 7 hours round-trip. There will be a break at 3116m and a second break at 3,855m above sea level on Mount Mahāburča. You will go to the top, which is 4,127 meters above sea level, after the second stop. As you walk, you’ll see different kinds of plants and animals, such as duikers, hyenas, forest buffaloes, elephants, primates like golden monkeys, and different kinds of birds. When you get to the top, you can take pictures and enjoy amazing views of other Virunga volcanoes, crater lakes, and Lake Bunyonyi. You will then go back down to the starting place and meet your car guide.
Time to hike Mount Muhabura at its best
You can hike up Mount Muhabura at any time of the year, but the best time is during the dry season, also called the peak season, which is June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. This is because there is less rain in the national park during these months, so the hiking trails will be dry and easy to use. This is in contrast to the rainy season, when the hiking trails are muddy and slippery, which makes mountain climbing harder.
What it costs to hike up Mount Muhabura
It takes 80 USD per person from outside of East Africa to hike Mount Muhabura, 70 USD per person from outside of East Africa, and 50,000 UGX per person from East Africa. As of July 1, 2024, the cost of mountain climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park went up to 100 USD per person for foreigners who are not residents and 80 USD per person for foreigners who are residents. It also went up to 50,000 UGX per person for East African citizens and 5,000 UGX per person for Uganda students.
What should you bring on your camping trip?
There are many things you should bring with you on a hike to Mount Muhabura in Uganda. These include hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, bug spray, a waterproof rain jacket, energy snacks and water, a first-aid kit, a camera and extra batteries, a walking stick, garden gloves, binoculars, long socks, a map and compass, a knife, and a backpack.
A guide on how to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in the southwest corner of the country. To get there, you can drive from Kampala or Entebbe to the park offices, going through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro on the way. The drive takes about 9 to 10 hours.
You can also get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by regular or special local flights with Aero link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro runway. From there, you can take a road to the park offices.
If you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda, you can also get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To get there, you’ll need to fly to Kigali International Airport and then drive for four to five hours to get to the park through the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale.
Where to stay in Uganda while on a hiking trip
During your hiking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can stay at a variety of places, ranging from cheap to high-end. These include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Ntebeko Homestay, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mt. Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, Virunga Hotel and Campsite, Mutanda Eco Community Center, Travellers Rest Hotel, Gahiza Island Retreat, Mucha Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Golden Monkey Guest House, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and Chameleon Hill Lodge.
