A of couple of weeks back I asked this friend of mine, so passionate about mountain climbing to pen down a guide for my friends who might be interested in joining the mountaineering fraternity or those around the world planning on taking a mountaineering safari to Uganda. I trust you’ll love and find this article helpful.
Mount Sabinyo, Mgahinga and Muhavura/Muhabura are part of the chain of the Virunga ’’volcanic’’ mountains that are spread across the borders of Rwanda and Congo. These three are situated within the Mgahinga National park in the Kisoro region of the South western part of Uganda and are best hiked in January, June-September and December as these months are drier, making hikes along the trails much easier. However the weather in this area can be very unpredictable with heavy rains pouring regardless of the season.
Mount Sabinyo derives its name from a local Kinyarwanda word “iryinyo” which means tooth. The mountain has 3 peaks with the highest summit standing at a height of 3,645m (11,959 ft) a unique point where the three borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo meet .The ascent gets steeper as one approaches the highest peak and should be avoided during the rainy season as the trails get muddy and slippery making it harder to maneuver along the trails. Hikers require between 8-12 hours to ascend and descend the mountain, this greatly depends on their pace. Mount Sabinyo is best hiked by individuals with some form of climbing experience as some parts are quite steep with several ladders to climb up and down.
Mount Gahinga’’pile of stones’’ as the name translates from the local Kinyarwanda/Rufumbira local dialect lies between Mount Muhabura/Muhavura and Mount Sabinyo at a height of 3,474m(11,464 ft) ranking it the smallest of the three mountains and easiest to summit. An ascent and descent on Mount Gahinga would take between 6-10 hours depending on one’s pace; it’s a comfortable hike one highly recommendable for first timers and individuals who suffer from altitude sickness or vertigo. A beautiful swampy caldera that is believed to be about 180 meters wide lies at the top, a great spot to pull out one’s camera and capture memorable shots.
Mount Muhavura also pronounced Muhabura means ‘’the guide’’ in the local dialect is an extinct volcano that stands at a height of 4,127m (13,450 ft) and can be hiked from either Uganda or Rwanda. Mount Muhavura is the steepest and most strenuous of all the 8 volcanic mountains in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. As much as it can be hiked in one day, hikers are expected to be physically fit as hiking this particular mountain is not a joke, hence should not be treated lightly. Hikers are rewarded with the stunning beauty of a crater lake at the summit coupled with jaw-dropping views of the Ruhondo and Burera twin lakes and other distant volcanic mountains.
The following is essential for the hike:
- Water proof quality boots or long gumboots.
- Light weight back pack-Hikers should ensure to pack as lightly as possible especially if they prefer to carry their own bags during the hike. The weight of a heavy back pack is troublesome and plays a great role in slowing one down.
- A head cap for sun/rain protection.
- A hand watch
- Sun-glasses
- Light rain jackets/ponchos preferably with a hood and water proof pants
- A camera/phone camera
- Walking sticks/bamboo sticks are always provided from the office at no fee.
- Long sleeved shirts and pants.
- At least 2 liters of drinking water.
- Light snacks like Oranges, apples, juices, chocolate bars, crisps, sandwiches, and cakes etc –Hikers should avoid eating heavy meals during the hike. Sugar and salts help in replacing the nutrients lost from the body during the hike.
- Altitude sickness tablets like Diamox or Acetazolamide that help curb the negative effects of altitude sickness should be swallowed a day or morning before the hike.
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Toilet paper/wet wipes/hand sanitizer
- Trash bags for litter collection.
Armed UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) guides always lead the hikers along the trails and also chase away elephants, buffaloes and any other wild animals that may be encountered during the hike, it’s important to remember it’s a National park hence should not be littered.
