Gahinga & Muhabura hike is such an exciting experience in Rwanda. Hiking two of the three Virunga Volcanoes are protected by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (the smallest National Park in Uganda), and together with 6 other mountains form part of the extensive Virunga massif found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mount Muhabura, along Rwanda – Uganda border, part of the Gahinga & Muhabura hike
Hiking Mount Gahinga
At 3,474 meters above sea level, Mount Gahinga is the smallest of the three Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is from this Mountain that Uganda’s smallest National Park was named, and its name is derived from the “small piles of stones” on its lower slopes. This stunning Volcano’s peak is marked by a swampy caldera of about 180 meters wide.
The slopes of this Mountain are mainly marked by Afro-montane vegetation, with primarily Bamboo Forest which shelters the Golden monkeys.
Mount Gahinga Hike, like most activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, begins with a briefing at Ntebeko Visitor Center at 7:00 a.m. This is followed by the allocation of an experienced park guide, armed Ranger (for security from stray animals), and hiring of porters (although it is optional). Get a walking stick and start the 6-8-hour hike (for a round trip).
While on this hike, go through the verdant farmlands on the lower slopes, Bamboo Forest, and other vegetation types while sighting different wildlife species that include golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and many others. Getting to the peak, you will be welcomed by the beautiful 180-meter-wide swampy caldera at the peak, with views of other Volcanoes (especially Muhabura and Sabyinyo, as well as the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain range).
Mount Muhabura Hike
Extending along Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), this 4,127-meter-tall Volcano is the third highest of the eight Virunga Volcanoes, but surprisingly the steepest of them all.
“Muhabura” means “guide” in the local Rufumbira dialect because it was used as a guide by distant travelers. You will experience difficulty while hiking and therefore, moderate physical fitness is required to have a complete and successful hike. While at the peak, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of other Virunga Volcanoes, clear views of Lake Edward, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain peaks, as well as the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Starting at 7:00 a.m. with briefing at the Visitor Center, hiking Mount Muhabura takes about 6 to 8 hours with frequent stops for wildlife and bird viewing.
How much is the hiking permit?
Gahinga and Muhabura Hikes cost $80 per person for foreign non-residents, $70 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 50,000 for East African Community residents. These rates don’t include entry fees of $40 per person for foreign non-residents, $30 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 20,000 for the East African Community Residents.
Best time for Gahinga & Muhabura Hike
The best time for hiking Mount Gahinga and Muhabura is June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, in addition to forest trails being less muddy or slippery due to reduced precipitation levels. However, it is always advisable to prepare for anything as the weather sometimes becomes unpredictable.
What to pack for the hike?
The most important items to pack for your Gahinga and Muhabura Hiking trip include good quality, waterproof and lightweight rain jacket, comfortable and breathable safari trousers and long-sleeved shirts (in neutral colors), a good camera with extra batteries and memory space, long cotton socks, a reusable water bottle (with plenty of water filled in the morning before the start of the hike), energy-giving snacks, sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, gaiters, a first aid kit, gardening gloves, toiletries (hand and body lotion, hand sanitizer, deodorant, sunscreen, toothpaste and toothbrush), an insect repellant, a spare change of clothes, pair of binoculars, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and many others.
Where to stay during your Gahinga and Muhabura Hiking Trip
For places to stay during your hiking trip, you can choose from Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travelers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, Ichumbi Hotel in Kisoro, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mutanda Lake Resort, or Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.