Hiking Mount Muhabura in Uganda
The mountain is at an altitude of 4,127 meters above sea level and hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda is an exciting activity.
Hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda is one of the activities that a tourist will participate in either on their Uganda safari or when gorilla trekking in Mgahinga park.
Mount Muhabura is the sharpest of all the volcanoes mountains among the Virunga volcanoes.
The mountain gets its name from a Kinyarwanda word meaning lookout, watch, custodian or guide.
Virunga mountains are eight (8) in number and the third highest mountain after the Congo DRC’s Mikeno and Karismbi.
Hiking mount Muhabura can be done in two countries that is Uganda and Rwanda. This will take you to two National parks is Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda.
The hike of mount Muhabura is more strenuous than all the kikes of these dormant volcanoes.
The hike will take one full day to reach the top of the mountain and hikers should carry packed lunch and water.
You will be rewarded with breathtaking scenic views of the other volcanoes, crater lakes.
These lakes include Ruhondo and Burera which are closer to its summit area.
Cost or Fees of hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda
Hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda costs $80 per person inclusive of hiking fees and guiding fees.
However, note that this money doesn’t include the price of hiring a porter to support you during the hike.
Porters cost between $10-$15 per person and they help carry your bag full with; packed lunch, water, raincoat, sunscreen and walking stick.
The hiking permits can be booked either in advance or at the park headquarters in Mgahinga National Park.
You can use agents like Forever Africa Safari to book this trip for you or add it to your Uganda safari itinerary.
Hiking Mount Muhabura in Uganda
If hiking mount Muhabura is on your itinerary then you need to secure a permit either by yourself or tour operator.
This can be pre-booked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala or at Mgahinga National Park.
The hike will take you approximately 5-6 hours and this is dependent on the pace of the hikers or climbers.
As you plan to hike Muhabura you need to be physically active or energetic because it’s a strenuous summit.
You should plan a full day if you intend to participate in this activity for proper preparation.
This will require you to inform your hotel during dinner to pack your lunch or snack, drinking water.
On the day of hiking, you are required to wear a long-sleeved shirt & trousers and hiking boots.
You shall arrive at the starting point of the summit and go through a briefing about the rules and regulations.
This will be at Ntebeko gate in the visitor centre area in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda at 07:00 am.
You will be told what to expect while hiking, what to do as you advance higher elevation and injuries.
The hike will commence or start afterwards and please carry a walking stick and hire a porter.
The hike gets slippery in some parts and the porter will act as your support. This is in terms of carrying your bag and helping you manoeuvre the slippery grounds.
The Hiking experience on Mount Muhabura
You shall be accompanied by a ranger guide and armed soldiers for your protection since wild animals are present.
These include buffaloes and forest elephants that tend to be dangerous during hiking.
These animals are scared by the soldiers when they shoot in the air.
The Muhabura hike is divided into two, that is the first stop at 3116 meters hut and the second stop at 4127 meters above sea level.
As a hiker depending on how you are feeling during the hike you can stop at the first or second stop.
It’s so rewarding when you reach the second stop that offers scenic views of the crater lakes.
The peak is so cold and misty but since you have been hiking then you won’t feel that. Most hikers when they reach this point, they surely reward themselves with a swim.
In conclusion, hiking mount Muhabura in Uganda is an extraordinary activity that you as a tourist shouldn’t miss out on your itinerary.
This is because it offers incredible views on this summit ranging from sights of crater lakes and other volcanoes.
Of course, it’s enticing to take a hike or climb this mountain.
Especially if you have participated in the gorilla trek and golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga park.
