Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Volcano climbing is one of the  famous travel activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.  A hike to any one of the 3 majestic mountains in the park is a lifetime challenging adventure which you should not miss on your next Uganda safari. Whereas Mgahinga is famous for gorilla trekking, the rain forest park is also a center for volcano climbing for adventure travellers in Uganda.  The park shelters 3 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. Volcano climbing complements other wildlife experiences in the park such as mountain gorilla trekking, bird watching nature walks, batwa cultural trail and  golden monkey trekking among others.

Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Mount Muhabura

Also called Mount Muhavura which located translates as  the “guide” Mount Muhabura is the highest Volcano in Mgahinrga standing at 4,127 meters above sea level which is 13,540 ft.  Mount Muhabura is located on the borders of Uganda and Rwanda and is the third highest Volcano in Virunga Massif after Mount Karisimbi at (4,507m and Mount Mikeno at 4,437m). The all-round trip ascending and descending down Mount Muhabura lasts for between 8-10 hours requiring some level of fitness and hiking experience. The summit of the Volcano shelters a beautiful crate lake best for photography

Also, travellers at the summit are rewarded with spectacular views of the other Virunga Volcanoes, Rwenzori peaks, gorilla parks, Kigali city, Lake Edward, Kisoro town and neighboring local communities According to the reviews of past travels, hiking down is more challenging than hiking up.  Volcano climbing takes you through different vegetation zones which shelter some wild animals and birds.  7:0am is the recommended starting time for hiking Mount Muhabura.  Hiking Mount Muhabura costs $100 for foreign non residents, $80 for foreign residents and 50,000shs for East African citizens.

Mount Sabyinyo

Named after the “old man’s tooth” due to its toothlike shape, Mount Sabyinyo is yet another interesting Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Volcano is the second highest in Mghainga standing at 3,669 meters above sea level after Mount Muhabura. Mount Sabyinyo is unique in that its shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo which means that it can be hiked from any of the three countries. However, the summit is fully in Uganda. A hike to the trip pint where Uganda, Rwanda and Congo meet is a experience f its kind.

You get a chance of being in three countries at the same time. Hiking to the summit of the Volcano and back takes roughly 8 hours  via strenuous trails, rugged terrains and steep ridges on wooden ridges.  Hiking through different vegetation zones gives you an opportunity to meet some wild animals and birds which live there. The cost of hiking Mount Sabyinyo  is $85 for foreign non residents, $80 for foreign non residents and 50,000s shs for East African citizens

Mount Gahinga

Standing at 3,474 meters above sea  level, Mount Gahinga is the shortest and easy to hike volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Hiking time to the summit of the Volcano takes between 6-8 hours via bamboo forests and other vegetation zones. The shallow lake at the summit of the Volcano surrounded by giant lobelia plants is a wonder that will amaze you. The cost is $8 for foreign non residents, $70 for foreign residents and 50,000 shillings for Ugandans and East African residents

Best time for Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be all year around and each season is unique in its kind.  However, the best time for Volcano climbing is in the dry season. The dry season between June to September and December to February is rated the best time for volcano climbing.  The season is generally characterized by no rains which make trails dry, firm and less slippery making it easy for travelers to hike through. Summit views, visibility and photography of the volcano are best done during the long dry season.

The wet seasons between March to May and October to November is a hard season  for volcano climbing characterized by heavy rains, slippery views and poor views

Packing List for Mountain Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Preparation  for Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park require one to pack the right gears. Among other things to pack include footwear gait which must be comfortable, warn in and offer ankle support, hiking stocks gardening gloves, long sleeved shirt, long trousers, sunscreen, Insect repellent, waterproof, drinking water (roughly 3 litters), camera and extra batteries, rain jacket and walking stick among others.  Energy giving snacks are also highly recommended for everyone going for mountain hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Other Virunga Volcanoes

The other Volcanoes that make the chain of the Virunga mountains include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Mikeno, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira. All other Volcanoes are safe for hiking except Mount Nyamuragira

Other activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Besides mountain climbing, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hub for a variety of activities which reward traveller with lifetime experiences. These include

Mountain gorilla trekking

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another centre for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The small park is home to Nyakagyezi gorilla family which has been fully habituated for trekking by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ease trekking. The park shelters the smallest population of gorillas . Just like in the sister Bwindi Foerst park,  the permit to see gorillas in Mgahinga park  costs $800 for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents and 350,000 shillings for East African citizens. Each day, 8 permits are issued to travellers visiting to visit Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is yet another interesting activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is the only destination in Uganda where these primates are seen all over Uganda. Different golden monkey communities have been habituated for trekking in Mgahinga. Each permit costs $100 but its worth it

Batwa cultural trail

If you want to experience the real traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is your best place to visit.  Join the Batwa cultural trail to Mgahinga, learn about the forest life of Batwa pygmies. You will be guided into the forest to learn about their forest activities such as collecting honey, making fire, hunting, and fruit gathering

Bird watching

Sheltering over 150 bird species, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a birders paradise.  Among the birds seen in the park include handsome francolin, Regal sunbird, Ruwenzori Turaco, White necked raven, African hill babbler, African Olive Pigeon, Moorland chat and Alpine Swift. The best time for bird watching in Mgahinga is between April to Mid May and October and November

How to book a volcano climbing Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Book superfine Safaris for customized and affordable mountain hiking tours to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. We offer hiking trips to all Volcanoes in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo