Mount Sabyinyo is among the eight Volcano Mountains in the Virunga Mountain ranges that straddle the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Historically, it is the oldest mountain in the Volcano ranges and stands at a height of 3,669m above sea level. The name Sabyinyo is derived from a local Kinyarwanda word that means “tooth,” because the mountain has the shape of an old man’s tooth.
One can easily locate Mount Sabyinyo since it is west of Lake Bunyonyi and northeast of Lake Kivu, a famous lake on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the great lakes. This mountain holds traditional beliefs of the locals, and during the trek, there is a high chance of encountering locals performing rituals on the mountain. For easy access or hiking on this mountain, tourists must be in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The summit offers a chance to stand in three countries simultaneously.
This means that Mount Sabyinyo is shared between three different national parks: Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. All these national parks are famous for housing endangered mountain gorillas, with a total population of about 600 individuals. Hiking Mount Sabyinyo is only done from Uganda since the landscape is simpler compared to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mount Sabyinyo is located in the wilderness of these three national parks, which are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The slopes of Mount Sabyinyo are also home to various primates, offering opportunities for gorilla trekking experiences where trekkers can spend an hour in their presence, capturing memorable photos and recording their best moments. Apart from gorillas, other primates such as golden monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and more can be spotted. The mountain’s biodiversity also includes bird species, butterflies, waterfalls, and diverse vegetation that should not be missed.
Tourists who love hiking can explore the three different peaks of Mount Sabyinyo, each offering unique scenic views. This is the main activity on the mountain. The summit also provides panoramic views of Lake Kivu and Lake Bunyonyi. During the hike, one can encounter various creatures such as insects, bird species, primates, unique plants, and more. Interestingly, the hike begins at the park offices with a locally-made ladder. The entire hiking experience takes about 6 hours, including 4 hours ascending and 2 hours descending, making it a half-day adventure.
Other activities available around Mount Sabyinyo include bird watching, nature walks, golden monkey trekking, Batwa community trails, and gorilla trekking. All these activities are supervised by park ranger guides. It is advisable to book these activities in advance, as they are highly demanded and some have limited permits, especially for gorilla trekking.
When to Climb Mount Sabyinyo?
Trekkers are advised to climb Mount Sabyinyo during the dry seasons of December to February and June to September. While rains can be unpredictable even in the dry season, there may be occasional afternoon showers. Therefore, it is recommended to carry strong hiking boots, rain jackets, mosquito repellent, enough drinking water, energy-giving snacks, cameras for photography, binoculars for observing distant objects, and other essentials.
Are you ready to hike Mount Sabyinyo? We are prepared to take you to Mgahinga, the smallest national park in Uganda, where the hike on Mount Sabyinyo begins.
