Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda

Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes-The Mufumbiro Mountains that Cook

Tips-Advice-Information for Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Hike the Mufumbiro Mountains (Mountains that boil/cook) in Uganda. Hit the Trail and hike the peaks of the 3 Virunga Volcanoes in the minor park with several activities. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Means Hiking the Volcanoes without the mobs/masses.

Hike Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhavura & Mount Gahinga in a day-hike-climb. Select one of the Volcanoes, or hike all three of Mufumbiro Mountains. Each one is a day-hike from 6- 9-hrs in long. The striking & picturesque spots from the peaks are magnificent and well worth the effort. Rwanda, DR Congo, the Virunga, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Lake Edward, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are all before as missive.

As you hike the volcanoes, you pass via several vegetation zones. It starts with a low woodland section which was once a populated area until the park was recognized. You then enter the montane forest area and proceed into the Bamboo forest section which makes up a huge slice of the park, the Hagenia-Hypericum/ Ericaceous zone which is overhead the Bamboo zone. The Afro-Alpine zone is next on your climb, and it is here that you will spot the giant Senecio & Lobelia Species.

The finest months of the year include January, February, March, late June, July, August, September, October, and the last 2 weeks of December. Several trekkers/travelers to Uganda come to trek Gorillas, Chimpanzees, spot the wildlife, fewer decide on climbing the Virunga Volcanoes, the Mufumbiro Mountains of Uganda in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda, there is nothing to relate. A diverse involvement for most. Something not to be missed. It might not be on your outline, but it should be.

Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Take a look at the several tracks, also do not miss the vegetation zones that you will be passing over.  While Hiking or Climbing in the Park, you are escorted by armed Rangers who are well versed with the Park very well, keep your well-being in mind and get you back without any harm. The loveliness about Hitting the Tracks & Peaks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is that most of the time it is so without the masses, unlike in Rwanda.

Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Hiking Trails – Nature Walks – Volcano Climbs on the Virunga Volcanoes

Hitting the Volcano Peaks – Volcano Climbs in Mgahinga Gorilla Park:

Climb Mount Sabinyo (Sabyinyo in Rwanda) -Elevation-3645 meters

This volcano is also referred to as the “Old Man’s Big Teeth” aiming out that the peak of the volcano has battered over time (exactly like the teeth of an old man). The Hike calls for a pre-genesis start to retire to vile before sunset, which is at 6:45 PM.

As you trail via the Bamboo zone (about 2400 – 2800 m raise), you often see /sight the Golden Monkeys that stay here. Gentle giants(Gorillas) are infrequently sighted as the Forest Elephants and Buffaloes.

There are 3 crests on this mountain with striking spots of Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo & Uganda. The last crest includes Hiking up some ladder attached onto faces at a 60⁰. There are also vertical ladders in places.

When you reach the third crest, you have the fine 360⁰ spot of the Virunga chain, Rwanda, DR Congo & Uganda. It is like from the clouds, from heaven kind of spot that will long stay with you. At the third crest, you can step into Rwanda and DR Congo without a visa. However, due to the rough ground of Mount Sabinyo, it can only be obtained from the Ugandan side in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. That is because Uganda has invented a safe but stimulating trail that involves handmade steps to assist hikers at the roughest sections of the hike.

The hike is not for the dim of heart, and you do have to be in fine shape and physically fit to make it to the third crest, some give up the hike at the first crest. This has been the most famous hike with our clients’, even though it is the hardest hike in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

At the third crest of Mt. Sabyinyo, you can place one foot in Rwanda, another in Uganda, and your hand in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). If the sky is clear, you can spot the entire series, which incorporates one of the last headlocks of the highly threatened mountain gorilla.

Climbing Mount Sabinyo: Carry with you & wear the right clothes.  Use the help of a porter to lug your day pack. Depend on the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger to direct you on this day.  They know what is best for you and will keep you safe and secure on your Volcano Hike.

Climb Mount Gahinga – Elevation 3474-Meters:

Climbers might overlook Mount Gahinga, the deserted by Volcano hiker who decides to hike Mount Muhavura or Mount Sabinyo instead/ It, but it stays an outstanding selection where you can discover a Crater Lake Swamp at the crest. Those who decide to hike Mount Gahinga vocal no regret, but jet about the setting that they met on their trek.

The name Gahinga: As you advance the park you will observe that there are heaps of rocks all around the gardens of homes at the vile of the hike – Gahinga implies little stones, little stones, and villagers here have collected and used them for centuries.

This is a 6-7 hrs activity (hike), hike and once again quite satisfying with great spots, you also pass via the Bamboo Forest and dissimilar vegetation zones as you transfer toward the summit. You will likely spot the lovable Golden Monkeys, even Gorillas as you pass via the Bamboo zone. Buffaloes and Elephants are here most often, you will spot their droppings and not them. As you hike up, there are Kodak moments wherever you turn.  One has to have the camera ready to take advantage of taking good photos.

The swamp at the crest was once a primeval crater lake, but it turned into a swamp over time. The swamp surrounded is enclosed with giant Lobelias that are even more stunning when they bloom.  The swamp shelters wildlife like Duikers and even Serval Cats. Ask your ranger if you could have a nearer sight and explore it and most likely, he or she will gratify.

Hiking Mount Gahinga is a decision for those that are not perfectly fit but still want to hike a Volcano. That they can do and Mount Gahinga is the right selection for them. Mount Gahinga is a handier Volcano to ascent related to the other two. The total Trek is 6 hrs in duration.

Mount Gahinga is perfect for those that are beginning to hike.  

Climb Mount Muhavura (Mount Muhabura) (4127 meters high)

This volcano is also termed as “the Guide.”  observable from far and wide it offers some of the fine sights obtainable in Uganda – from the top of the climbers can spot the Virunga Volcano range, Lake Edward, and Queen Elizabeth Park.  Even the heights of the well- known Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon are observable from here.

Mount Muhavura is the sharpest volcano hike which means that you should be a skilled hiker if you want to hike Volcano. Like Mount Sabinyo this rise is not dim of heart. You need to be totally fit, in fine shape. We commend that you trek gorillas prior bidding a volcano hike.

This climb takes about 7-9 hrs to conclude the trek, but it is well worth it, and it takes an early begin. The sights from the crest are striking and magnificent from this the uppermost Volcano in Mgahinga. The 40-meter wide crater lake is another reason that hikers select this Volcano hike.

Volcano Myths and Legends: We commend that you do not bother the giant snake that legend says is here.  Since bothering will lead to an outburst. Thankfully that story remains a myth/folklore.

In our opinion: Mount Muhuvura can be hiked on the Rwandan and Ugandan positions of the border. Preferably, it would be helpful and a fresh thing if you can climb the volcano in one country and pedigree the mountain in the other. Currently that is not possible.

Swimming in a Volcano Crater Lake? Except you belong to the polar bear swim during winter club, it is not advisable. Relish the setting, the sights from the crater lake and concentrate on the trek.

Mount Muhavura is a favourite Volcano hike in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The raised, tallest Volcano, the picturesque sights from the crest and on the hike and the Crater Lake at the uppermost of it. Supplement it with the infrequent Mountain Gorilla Sightings, Golden Monkeys, Forest Elephants and Buffaloes and you have a perfect African Volcano Hike in the Virunga Volcanoes.

Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla Park-Know Before you go

For the Best Volcano hiking skills, it is fine to identify earlier what you are best going to spot, what you will be getting into and to sight if you can handle, or want to do. We propose that you engage in Volcano hiking after you trek gentle giants (gorillas) in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/ Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Most often the Gorilla Trek will be easier than the Volcano hike, and you will have adequate vigor left for the Volcano Hike.

Things to Pack and Bring for your Volcano Climb

Many of the items will be the same like for Gorilla Trekking wear & gear. Gumboots, Wellies, or Rubber Boots are prevalent with Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers. Great- but they give little ankle-support. They do offer Protection up to the knees

• Light Waterproof-Backpack-Day pack: This is where we strongly advise you to use a porter. It is fine to be tangential, and you hike up steps on the sides of absolute faces going up Mount Sabinyo. The day pack should contain water/ juice, a packed lunch, Sunscreen, a short sleeve top that you might need to put on when the sun comes out in full at noon. Insect Repellent, Camera Equipment, lenses, batteries in Ziploc Bags, or shower or bathing cap.
• Long-Trousers: Jeans are great. We advise you tuck in your trousers into thick socks that you are wearing with boots. This safeguards you from nettles, thorns, and scratchy brush.
• Long-Sleeved Shirt: This shields your arms. Notice, the Rangers with you do not wear short sleeve shirts.
• Light Rain Jacket or Poncho:Put it in your day pack if it is not raining. It might rain on the way up or down.
• Hat-protection from the Sun – Rain:  Wide-Brim Hat is fine for sun protection.
• Tough Gardening Gloves; Sound odd to you – quite practical protecting your hands brushing nettles, thorns, most importantly thy are handy when you are pulling yourself up on a brush, branch, steps on the sides of a volcano in Mgahinga Park.
• Altitude Sickness tablets: Such as Diamox or Acetazolamide should be swallowed a day or morning prior the hike if necessary. They can easily be gotten from pharmacies in Kigali, Entebbe, Kampala or Kisoro. We suggest that you get them prescribed from your doctor at the same time you get your prescription for your malaria regiment.
• Sunglasses – Sunscreen:  When the sun comes out, it is fine to protect yourself.
• Insect Repellent:There are no mosquitoes or Tsetse Flies at these altitudes. Flies and ants might annoy you. Be sure to put repellent into a Ziploc Bag to protect other things in case of leakage.
• Camera and Binoculars:  Protect your camera from the elements with a Ziploc Bag, shower, or bathing cap. Binoculars add weight, and most do not need them.

Things to have on the day of Volcano Climb

• 3-Liters of Water: You need to stay hydrated on the Volcano Climb-We offer Water for our visitors
• Packed Lunch & Energy Snacks: Add the packed lunch with Energy Bars. Locally dried fruit, Nuts like G-Nuts- Peanuts, Sim-Sim – Sesame Seed and Honey Cakes. Please do not mess, pack it in, pack it out.
• Sani-Wipes:Come in very handy on the Hike.
• Local Walking Stick: A must stable element you need on your hike up. They are often made from Bamboo.
• Service of a Porter:  One of the fine jobs around for young men and women near Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Their amenities allow you to concentrate on the hike & the setting.

Physical Fitness – How Fit do I need to be for Volcano Climbs

Your level of fitness contributes highly in the Volcano hike. We propose that you formulate yourself both for the Gorilla Trek and the Volcano hike in Uganda.  Fitness is more of principle than age.  The finest way to formulate is to takes climbs at home before coming.

Climb up some hills.  If you do not have hills to hike, then go to your local gym and get into shape.  Uganda is dissimilar from other African Tour Destination in that many of the activities like Volcano hiking get you out of the vehicle and involving Africa on Foot. Volcano hiking necessitates a better than intermediate level of fitness. Otherwise one gives up before reaching the crest. Formulate by taking normal hikes.

Guidance and Security for your Volcano Climbs

Highly Trained and Experienced Rangers

You are with the squad of Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers that are armed to safeguard you from any wild animal. They are conversant, considerate, smooth flow in English and will guide you carefully up down the Volcano. They do this 365 days of the year. They are in close contact with park headquarters and can deal with any state of affairs that might arise.

Volcano Hikes & Climbs in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have been a harmless and protected activity with no difficulties detailed or testified.

Monitor the strategies for the hike during the positioning and during the hike itself.  The Rangers are professional hikers and often bring years of both keeping fit and practice onto your Volcano Hike.

Our Take -Volcano Climbs and Hikes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Volcano Hikes have become more famous in the past few years. This off the beaten path position is a utopia for hikers. Apart from Hiking, there is Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking where one can stay several days in the section and also take in Lake Mutanda and the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you carry on hiking via the earliest forest.

Southwest Uganda is one of the finest destination in all of Uganda for hiking and hitting the heights of the Volcanoes.  We can involve any of the above climbs in your Empirical Tour in Uganda.