This inactive volcano straddles between Rwanda and Uganda and proudly stands as the third highest among all eight mountains that make up the Virunga Massif. According to some sources, the mountain last erupted in the Holocene era, but the exact date remains unknown.
Uniqueness of the Mountain
The mountain boasts a small but beautiful crater lake at its summit. This crater, about 40 meters wide, and a spacious saddle connects Mount Muhabura to Mount Gahinga.
It is the steepest of all eight mountains in the Virungas, yet surprisingly, it can be hiked round trip in just one day.
Besides the awe-inspiring scenery of other volcanoes and the surrounding area that tourists are blessed with at the mountain’s summit, they also get to appreciate the beauty of the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera nearby.
Hiking Mount Muhabura
Hiking Mount Muhabura is an exciting adventure that can be undertaken from both Uganda and Rwanda, depending on the visitor’s choice. Depending on the hiking pace, the activity takes around 5-6 hours.
The activity begins with a pre-hiking briefing starting at 7 o’clock in the morning. During this briefing, visitors are informed about the formation and history of the mountain, what to expect while hiking, guidelines, and hiking tips for Mount Muhabura. The hike is strenuous and is divided into two stops. Most people prefer ending their hikes at the first ranger station, which is located at 3,116 meters (10,223 feet) above sea level.
Among the successful climbers are those who endure the steep terrain to reach the second hut at 3,855 meters (12,648 feet) above sea level. The most successful hikers are those who make it to the cold summit of the mountain, as many turn back at either the first or second hut. While at the summit, hikers cannot miss the breathtaking views of the crater lake, twin lakes, and other volcanoes before descending back and sharing stories about their amazing uphill experience.
How much does it cost to hike Mount Muhabura?
The permits for hiking Mount Muhabura cost $75 per person for foreigners and 50,000 UGX for nationals. Permits can be obtained at any time, including on the same day as the hike. The price does not include the costs of hiring porters, transportation, accommodation, or any additional services that the visitor might wish to utilize.
Other Attractions and Activities around Mount Muhabura
Mountain Gorillas
After enjoying the breathtaking views that the mountain offers, visitors have the opportunity to be enchanted by the creatures that inhabit the mountains. Mountain gorillas, as their name suggests, are robust apes fascinated by expeditions through dense forests and mountains. In both Volcanoes and Mgahinga National Parks, visitors will be amazed by the lives of these human relatives living in their families.
Golden Monkeys
Given the proximity to Mgahinga National Park, visitors are captivated by the spectacular views of bamboo plantations and trembling tree branches where these beauty pageants are seen in the air bouncing up and back to the trees with their golden-brown striking bright as the sun strikes them. These can be spotted by trekkers who choose to hike Muhabura from Uganda in Mgahinga National Park or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Wildlife
While in the Virungas or Mgahinga National Park, visitors get a chance to view a wide variety of animals kept in these parks alongside endangered mountain gorillas. Travelers get to spot animals like red-tailed monkeys, patas monkeys, golden cats, forest hogs, elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, geckos, and chameleons during their hike to the summit of Muhabura or nature walks.
Caves
The Garama cave, currently home to bats and insects, is haunted by the history of its former inhabitants before they were excluded from the park premises. In the prehistoric era, the Garama caves were inhabited by the pygmy Batwa, who used it as a council chamber and a retreat area after raiding their neighbors. Local guides are always eager to narrate to visitors how the Batwa people survived, made attacks with a strong base that originated from this cave.
Tourist Activities in and around Mount Muhabura
Guided Nature Walks
A guided nature walk in the park starts from the Ntebeko briefing station, with a viewing platform located about 800 meters from the park’s gate. This activity allows tourists to walk around the park at their own pace while enjoying the beautiful surrounding views that include surrounding hills, dense forests, wildlife, Batwa homesteads, among others.
Bird Watching
Mgahinga National Park boasts approximately 79 bird species, some of which are endemic to the East Congo Montane region. The Virunga region is a paradise with over 295 species endemic to the Albertine Rift region, offering excellent birding opportunities. Birding enthusiasts shouldn’t miss bringing a pair of binoculars to get amazing views of birds like the grey-capped warbler, waxbills, yellow-vented bulbul, ibis, whydah, among others.
Batwa Trail Experience
Batwa guides enthusiastically walk around with tourists to provide insight into their traditional forest life that was long lost but not forgotten. Batwa guides explain and demonstrate their hunting tools, skills, ways of gathering honey, how to make medicine from plants, make bamboo cups, among others. Visitors shouldn’t miss participating in cultural dances performed by Batwa women and any other traditional activities that intrigue them.
When to Hike Mount Muhabura?
Mount Muhabura in Uganda and Rwanda can be hiked year-round, but it is best hiked during the dry months—from June to early October and December through late February—when hiking trails are less slippery and muddy, which usually strains visitors and slows their trekking speed.
