Hiking mountain Muhabura/Muhavura
Hiking mountain Muhabura/Muhavura : The Mount Muhabura as is known in Uganda or Muhavura as known on the Rwandan side is one of the Virunga volcanic mountains. Mount Muhabura is a dormant volcano and is shared by Rwanda and Uganda and can be hiked from either side. The Virunga mountains are a chain of eight volcanic mountains spread out on the border line joining Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. These mountain ranges are sited in the Albertine rift of the East African Rift which is between the Lake Edward and the Lake Kivu.
The eight Virunga mountains are the Mount Karisimbi which is the highest at an elevation of 4,507 meters and is located in both the DR Congo and Rwanda, the Mount Mikeno standing at an elevation of 4,437 meters only located in the DR Congo, the Mount Muhabura standing at an elevation of 4,127 meters and shared by both Uganda and Rwanda, the Mount Bisoke standing at an elevation of 3,711 meters shared by Rwanda and the DR Congo, the Mount Sabinyo, the only one shared by the three countries is standing at an elevation of 3,674 meters, Mount Gahinga shared by Rwanda and Uganda is standing at an elevation of 3,474 meters, the Mount Nyiragongo only in the DR Congo standing at an elevation of 3,470 meters and the lowest yet most active Mount Nyamulagira in the DR Congo standing at an elevation of 3,058 meters.
The Mount Muhabura is one of the most hiked of these volcanoes and on the Ugandan side is hiked from the Mgahinga gorilla national park and in Rwanda is hiked from the Volcanoes national park. The Muhabura was named Muhabura meaning “the guide” in the local language spoken in the area and this is majorly because it stood out and is what travellers followed as a guide.
Mount Muhabura has a cone like shape with volcanic ash from the past volcanic activity some good years back on the mountain. There is some vegetation on the slopes of the mountain slopes and the hikers get to spot the difference in vegetation as they ascend uphill and back. This is a one day hike up the Mount Muhabura to the Crater Lake at the top.
As you hike up the Mount Muhabura, you will meet forest elephants or even come across the mountain gorillas on a lucky day and also spot a number of birds so be sure to carry your pair of binoculars. This may be a one day hike but is quite a difficult one to conquer so one has to be mentally ready and physically capable as you will have to ascend and descend back before it gets dark.
Hikers opting to hike the Mount Muhabura from the Ugandan side will be accompanied by ranger guides from the Uganda wildlife authority and the briefing will be done at the Ntebeko visitor’s center. However the hikers who decide to take on this activity from the Rwandan side will be guided by the ranger guides trained and deployed by the Rwanda Development board and the briefing will be done at the Kinigi visitor center. This is also where you will get to hire the needed gear for the hike like the walking sticks or porters before you start the hike.
Trekkers will be grouped and ranger guides will be assigned accordingly and they will lead the way on the hike as they share the information about the hike and the surrounding area. The hikers who may have extra luggage will be helped by the porters and for if the number of people hiking that day are many then the group will be divided into two usually the fast hikers and the slower hikers so that every hiker gets attended to.
Mount Muhabura hike up starts with a briefing at around 7 am by the park rangers and they take about 5 to 7 hours to complete the hike up and back. On this hike up to Mount Muhabura, you get to know about the history of the mountain, the formation and the last eruption experienced on this mountain.
You should pack long trousers and long sleeved shirts that will protect your skin from irritations as you make your way through the bush and a great pair of hiking boots to have a seamless and successful hike. A hike permit to the Mount Muhabura costs 75 USD per permit person. Get in touch with us and let us organize for you your hike up Mount Muhabura.
Uganda is simply is the most beautiful country in East Africa and thats why its called the “pearl of Africa”. It has a lot of hills and beautiful scenery
Muhabura-The Guide in the local language, Kinyarwanda, is an extinct volcano in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Rwanda and Uganda—it lies partly in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and partly in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.
For climbers, you should fear not! There is a mountain in Kisoro district to take a hike and is also easily accessible by car. Mount Muhabura is the country’s 3rd tallest mountain at around 4,127 meters. Muhabura provides hikers with a challenging ascent with its own rewards that include fantastic views of the surrounding countryside as well as wildlife including birds, Primates and Buffalos. Though most travelers hike the mountain after a gorilla tour in Mgahinga National Park, independent hikes are also possible.
Getting There to Hiking mountain Muhabura/Muhavura
Its about 8 hours from Kampala to Kisoro where this mountain is housed. You can choose to hire a car or use public means.
When You Arrive
You will be spotted soon enough after reaching by Uganda wildlife authority guides who will come running out to you. You will be taken to the visitor center and assisted as requested. After paying for the activity, you will be given a guide to take you up to the peak of Mt. Muhabura and if you have a back packs then request for a porter who will help you carry your luggage. Enjoy the scenic views of DRC, Rwanda as well as Uganda. The hike is a bit steep and so demanding.
The name Muhabura means sentinel in Kinyarwanda (the local dialect) .The hike will typically take a full day. The Park fees for the climb are currently USD$ 75 per person which includes the park guide. The trek begins at around 7.00am from at park headquarters in Kinigi, from where visitors will have to drive / be driven to the base of the volcano.
Mount Muhabura may not be as glamorous as other better-known tourist stops, but it certainly offers outdoor enthusiasts a fun, day long activity that’s near Kisoro and, best of all, it’s pretty darn cheap thus you should consider Hiking mountain Muhabura/Muhavura.
