Explore Mount Muhabura/Muhavura
Mount Muhabura sometimes called Mount Muhavura is an extinct mountain and the 3rd highest volcano among the eight volcanoes. It lies in the Virunga Massif and is located on Uganda and Rwanda border. Standing at an elevation of 4,127m; Muhabura partly lies in Mgahinga Gorilla and Volcanoes National Parks. The term “Muhabura” is a local Kinyarwanda term which means “The Guide”. Because of its slope, Muhabura can also be seen from different areas of Rwanda and Uganda.
Furthermore, Muhabura is home to Mountain gorillas hence this has added to the attraction in this area, basically it is a great and unique experience while on a hike on this Volcanic Mountain. Hiking this volcano is a bit challenging to the climbers because of its ascent but as you proceed to its summit all you start seeing are great views, wildlife like primates, buffaloes as well as birds and of course you forget about the hard time you had while hiking.
The Hike
Hiking Muhabura can take the whole day and it starts from Kiningi the park headquarters at 7:00am. Hikers will be briefed and thereafter start off the hike led by the skilled ranger guides and armed soldiers, ensure that you have your hiking gear. You can purchase the climbing permits on the same day of the hike so it’s not a must to do prior bookings, what most tourists do is they climb the mountain after gorilla trekking. So you are at liberty to start with what you want.
Mount Muhabura has very steep slopes hence requires the hiker to be physically fit and in good health, there are porters that help in carrying your luggage to the top but you have to pay them for their labor. When you get to the summit you will have magnificent views of around 5 other volcanoes, crater lakes and also the twin lakes.
Also be reminded that it is better to hike Mount Muhabura during the dry season since the hiking trails can be slippery and hard to walk on. The hike on this volcano costs $75 each person if they are hiking from Uganda.
Getting there
Getting to Muhabura is quiet easy since you can take a bus or car that is headed to Kisoro town (8hours drive) in southwestern Uganda and use approximately 1hour and 30minutes to drive from Kabale town. Still by public means from Kisoro town board a taxi to the headquarters of Mgahinga National Park. Ensure you get the phone number, name and clear identity of your driver such that in case you are done with your hike he can pick you up.
Also you can also fly in from Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) to Kisoro Airstrip where you are picked up and transferred to Mgahinga. Basically you can book with us and we plan your trip without you having to do all things on your own!
What to carry
-Trousers
– Enough drinking water and Packed lunch
-Sturdy trekking boots
-Long sleeved shirts
-A camera (water proof)
-A rain coat
-Insect repellents
-Hat/sun glasses
-Trekking/hiking stick (which can be hired from the starting point)
In a nutshell,
hiking to mount Muhabura is an extraordinary activity tourists can take part in while on a trip in Volcanoes or Mgahinga National Parks for gorilla tracking. It is tempting for anyone to hike this volcano just because of the exceptional views such as the Crater Lake!
