Mount Sabinyo’s Hiking in Uganda
Hiking Mount Sabinyo in Uganda: Mount Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno, Gahinga, Muhabura and Nyamuragira is one of most visited extinct volcano located inside the Virunga range and other mountains.
Actually, Mount Sabinyo is cut off from its closest neighbor Muhabura by a crater lake spanning twenty meters in Diameters. Note: Sabinyo means “Old man’s tooth” all because of its craggy summit, which, when compared to more level summits of surrounding mountains, resembles worn-out teeth.
Information about Mount Sabinyo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Rising more than 12,037 feet high, Mount Sabinyo is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and serves as a border or barrier for three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The threatened mountain gorillas as well as other species such buffaloes, numerous forest antelopes, find cover on the mountain slopes. More especially, among the Virunga Ranges of mountains, Mount Sabinyo is one of the most difficult climbs. Many ridges have been formed on this mountain by the craters on its flanks and difficult slopes.
Hiking Mount Sabinyo can only be done from Uganda at the moment since a path to other two nations Congo and Rwanda has not been developed into the sharp ridges. Nonetheless, the government of Rwanda has ideas to curve away out through the craters and ridges so that guests may begin the journey right from Rwanda.
Trekking Mount Sabinyo from the Uganda Side
Mount Sabinyo is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwest Uganda, roughly 8 to 9 hours’ drive from domestic aircraft takes one hour landing at Kisoro Airstrip and then be taken by our safari driver. Alternatively, you could choose to travel four hours from Kigali, Rwanda, from which to enter Mgahinga National Park. Fascinatingly, among the spectacular climbing adventures available in Uganda is Mount Sabyinyo. Building handcrafted ladders helped the Uganda Wildlife Authority tackle the issue even with the jagged ridges and crater lakes before the ultimate peak.
One must register at the park head office, sign into the guest book and clear all payments before starting the climb. The hiking trip starts with a briefing, whereupon the guide and rangers will inform you on what to expect, mountain history, and what to pack. Should you miss the top at 3pm, you are urged to descend since it would be too late to finish the activities on schedule.
To assist you in difficult terrain, all hikers receive a walking stick. For individuals with heavy machinery like cameras, mineral water bottles, porters are on rent. Together with at least three residents, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger who is always on the team to scare off big animals like elephants that feed on mountain slopes. From the first 2390 to 2800 meters, hiking winds across a level terrain with areas of heavy vegetation. Mostly bamboo forests here provide habitat for golden monkeys. Apart from the monkeys, you could come across other animals around here such buffaloes, elephants, and mountain gorillas. Following the first zone, you will be able to witness sub-alpine type of vegetation with few trees but home to the rare Rwenzori Turaco only found in the Albertine rift area. You can already see the top ahead by the time you finish this zone.
At Mount Sabinyo’s top, what do you hope to find?
Mount Sabinyo hiking trip in Uganda
Mount Saisyo
Along with some of the nicest views you will ever have-weather allowing- climbing Mount Sabinyo puts you into three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo simultaneously. From the top, then, you can view the Democratic Republic of Congo and the stunning Lake Kivu in Rwanda. You can also see over six mountains of the Virunga region and many other features Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, the Rwenzori ranges of mountains there.
While Rwanda is more heavily inhabited, Congo appears to be somewhat empty. Note: though it’s simpler, descending can be difficult. You only have to handle the ladders, but you should do it carefully—especially in inclement weather.
The cost of the hiking trip in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Including ranger fees, hiking Mount Sabinyo is USD 85 per person. Permits can be obtained either through your trip operator or from the offices of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro. You should make advance permit bookings.
Climbing Mount Sabyinyo – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park packing list
- They contain hand gloves for the cold peak and warm clothing like warm stocking.
- Trail boots for hiking
- Bring packed lunch or snacks together with enough mineral water bottles.
- A nice camera to carry for getting fantastic mountain photos from the peak is a binoculars camera.
- First aid kits and toiletries come in handy when one gets miner’s scratches or knee joint aches. Try to use the loo before starting the climb; hence, always have toilet paper with you in case of any need.
Apart from “Hiking Mount Sabinyo,” Golden monkey tracking, Gorilla trekking, animal viewing, Birding, Batwa culture tour among others are other pursuits to engage in in Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Now get going.