Book Mount Muhabura volcano tours in Africa with us to get discounts on climbing permits and learn about the facts of the mountain. Among the Virunga Mountains, there is another inactive volcanic mountain known as Mount Muhabura or Muhavura. It is the third highest mountain in the Virunga mountain range, standing at an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level.
Mount Muhabura is located at the border between Rwanda and Uganda. The mountain slopes stretch through parts of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and partly into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Muhabura means “guide” in Kinyarwanda, and it is used by locals as a guide since its rocky slopes are visible from many parts of southern Uganda and northern Rwanda.
Mount Muhabura is located in the southwest part of Uganda, specifically in Kisoro District, and can easily be accessed through Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
It is an eight-hour journey from the capital Kampala, which is quite a long journey but enjoyable. A bigger part of the mountain lies in Kisoro District in Uganda, and a smaller part is in Burera District in Rwanda.
One must pay attention to the small towns and villages when heading there, as this helps keep track of the journey.
The mountain appears in a cone-like shape, with residue from volcanic activity that happened long ago. On top of its peak is a crater lake that was formed from past volcanic activity, and surrounding vegetation covers its slopes.
Alongside its height, the mountain also boasts a smoky slope that is eye-catching together with the beauty of the vegetation on its slopes.
The vegetation on its slopes offers a different contrast when ascending and descending during the hike. This is a firsthand experience that one needs to see for themselves.
The major tourism activities on Mount Muhabura are hiking, photography and videography, and gorilla trekking, among others. Other species of animals are found there, like mountain elephants and buffaloes, which also attract tourists.
Hiking is the major tourism activity at Mount Muhabura, and it offers an adventurous experience with the main goal of reaching its towering peak.
During the hike, one enjoys the beautiful vegetation, views of the Rift Valley, Rwenzori Mountain ranges, and other Virunga Mountains, along with encountering gorillas, elephants, and buffaloes.
Hiking Mount Muhabura can take up to eight hours, so it is advisable to start the hike at the break of dawn around 08:00 hours.
Since this is an organized activity by Uganda Wildlife Authority, hikers meet at Mgahinga National Park headquarters for a simple briefing, which includes security concerns and what to expect.
On your way up during the hike, the trail is boggy and slippery since it rains often. You will see crater ponds and pockets of swamps that retain water throughout the year.
The trail goes through thickets, shrubs, and other plant species, so it is important to wear trousers, boots, and gloves when hiking.
The slopes are quite steep and tough, so hikers need to be physically and mentally ready. It is also recommended to hire porters to help with luggage and assist in tough sections of the hike.
The Virunga Mountains receive frequent rains, making the hike more challenging, but those who complete it celebrate their achievement proudly.
Essentials for Hiking Mount Muhabura
The requirements for hiking include jungle shoes, rain jackets, head caps, packed lunch, walking sticks, long trousers and sleeves to protect the skin from irritation.
For better views, binoculars are recommended to clearly see the terrain, gorillas, and other scenery. Accommodation is at your own cost from different eco-lodges within the parks and surrounding towns.
Mount Muhabura is of great importance to the local communities as it helps them generate income. The mountain can be hiked from both Rwanda and Uganda, making it easily accessible.
Hiking Mount Muhabura is an experience you will live to remember and tell forever.
