Putting aside gorilla trekking expeditions, mountain volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also a lovely adventure to do, especially for nature lovers and hikers. Volcano trekking in Mgahinga National Park Uganda offers one of the best hiking safari tours in Uganda.

This striking park in the south-western part of Uganda holds three volcanoes out of the 8 ranges of the Virunga Mountains, and these include Mount Sabinyo, Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga, all along the Uganda Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo border.

Visitors will choose a volcano to hike and each hike offers a unique hiking experience! We are there to guide you on which volcano to hike depending on your fitness level.

Uganda hiking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are scenic guided hiking tours taking normally a whole day. During the hike, it’s possible to encounter some wildlife species in Mgahinga Park, such as golden monkeys, bushbucks, forest buffalos, forest elephants, bushpigs, and many bird species.

For a lovely mountain hiking tour in Mgahinga Park, visit from June to early September—dry months when rainfall is minimal. In wet months, the Mgahinga region receives heavy rainfall, which makes hiking trails challenging to hike.

In most cases, visitors that hike Mgahinga Gorilla Park volcanoes also do mountain gorilla trekking or track golden monkeys. Bird lovers can also enjoy bird watching since this park is a popular destination for Uganda birding safaris.

Never end your trip without enjoying the Batwa cultural experience—the most amazing cultural experience for tourists on Uganda tours.

The following are the different options for volcano climbing in Mgahinga Park:

1. Climbing Mount Gahinga

In the Kisoro District, just northwest of Rwanda stands Mount Gahinga, which marks the boundary between the southwest part of Uganda and Rwanda. Mount Gahinga, 3,474 meters tall, gets its name from a Kinyarwanda phrase meaning piles of stones. These stones are visible on the mountain’s slopes.

Hiking Mount Gahinga is the easiest in comparison with the other volcanoes, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhabura. During the Mount Gahinga hike, travelers will go through various amazing vegetation zones, including a bamboo forest—the main vegetation type on Mount Gahinga slopes.

On lucky days, travelers climbing Mount Gahinga can encounter some animal species in Mgahinga Park, for example, the forest elephant, giant warthogs, golden monkeys, plus countless beautiful bird species.

The summit of Mount Gahinga holds a beautiful large shallow crater swamp/swamp crater filled lake.

In most cases, hiking Mount Gahinga takes about six hours—to and from. As you go up Mount Gahinga, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the park and Kisoro Town, as well as breathtaking views of the far-lava-dammed lakes in Kisoro District like Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe.

Note that hiking Mount Gahinga is the simplest mountain hiking adventure in this park. Guided nature hikes along the Gahinga trail start around 7 am through the recently reclaimed farmland.

2. Hiking Mount Sabinyo 

The indigenous Kinyarwanda phrase Sabyinyo means “old man’s teeth,” and the mountain’s name comes from that origin. Mt. Sabyinyo is the oldest mountain in the Virunga Mountain range, with an elevation of over 3,669 meters above sea level.

Typically, the hiking adventure to the highest summit of Sabinyo volcano begins at 7 am at Ntebeko Park headquarters with a briefing. The senior guide will share with you the park facts, the history of the park, as well as the guidelines to follow while hiking.

Among the volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mt. Sabinyo hikes offer the most challenging hiking experience. This mountain holds three peaks and visitors have to climb ladders to reach the summit. The most challenging ladders are at the last summit, 3669 m above sea level.

When you successfully reach Sabinyo’s 3rd peak, you’ll have a golden opportunity to be at the Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo border. This area holds giant lobelia and unique subalpine plants, making it an ideal place for photography.

Sabinyo volcano hike takes over 6-8 hours to and from but it’s worth undertaking. On this memorable hike, travelers will enjoy glorious views of Lake Mutanda, Mulehe Lake, Kisoro Town, Bunagana Town, as well as the gorgeous Sagitwe Caldera.

While in the montane forest zone, you are likely to spot wonderful wildlife species, including forest buffalos, golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, and even many colorful bird species, for example, the Rwenzori Turaco. This hike is done using the Sabinyo Gorge Trail.

Mt. Sabinyo borders Uganda’s Mgahinga Park and Virunga National Park of the Congo.

3. Hiking Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura, 4,127 m above sea level, is the tallest volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Though it’s the highest among the three volcanoes in Mgahinga Park, it is easier to hike Mount Muhabura than Mt. Sabinyo. While hiking Mount Muhabura, travelers only climb ladders as they approach its summit, and this hike usually takes eight hours to and from the peak.

Just like other Mgahinga National Park volcano hiking expeditions, Mount Gahinga included, this thrill also starts at 7 am.

When visitors are climbing Mount Muhabura, they will enjoy impressive views of the entire park, the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and various Virunga mountains.

Kisoro Town and scenic lava-dammed lakes (Mulehe and Mutanda) are visible as well.

The summit of Mount Muhabura features a crater lake and its peak is shared between Uganda’s Mgahinga Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Expect to encounter amazing jungle elephant footprints that cross along the hiking trail, mostly in the lower zones before bamboo forests.

Cost for Hiking Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The cost of climbing volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is charged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Your nationality determines how much you are to pay!

• Non-Foreign Residents: $100
• Foreign Residents: $80
• The East African Citizens: 50,000 UGX.

Mgahinga Park volcano hiking fees include the park entrance fees.

Best Time to Hike Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Just like other Uganda safari activities, volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. However, if time allows, you should hike the volcanoes in Mgahinga Park during the dry season: June to September & December to February.

Normally, the Virunga ranges in Mgahinga receive heavy rainfall in wet months (March-May) and this puts the hiking trails in poor conditions (slippery and muddy) but remains passable.

In the dry season, rainfall in Mgahinga NP is minimal; therefore, the hiking trails are fairly dry and wonderful to climb.

Travelers should note that other tourist activities in this park, such as mountain gorilla trekking, nature walks, birding, and golden monkey trekking, are also best done in the dry months.

Travel Tips When Climbing Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park

For a successful hiking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors hiking Mgahinga Park volcanoes should know these expert tips. These must be followed on any volcano you are hiking in Mgahinga Park, including Mount Gahinga.

Tips to follow while hiking volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;

1. Come with a light-day pack bag
2. Hikers must follow the rules of the ranger guide
3. Never run while climbing. Just keep your comfortable hiking pace. A very high pace will exhaust you easily!
4. Pack some energy-giving snacks with you.
5. Drinking water is vital also for visitors hiking Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It keeps you hydrated for instance, during the Mount Gahinga hike.
6. Wear light comfortable hiking boots.
7. Never leave the hiking trail.
8. Come with a rain jacket with you because the summits of Virunga volcanoes are prone to rainfall showers.
9. Expect to encounter slippery and muddy points along the hiking trail for instance, while climbing Mount Gahinga.
10. It’s wise to do some physical exercise before your hiking adventure
11. In case you encounter a game animal along the hiking trail, don’t shout and keep a safe distance always
12. Always pay attention to the hiking guide during the briefing time. It helps you to listen to all the guidelines aired out!
13. From experience, we suggest you track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga before going for volcano climbing. Gorilla trekking is easier than mountain hiking. This helps you to reserve some energy for this lovely adventure.

Packing List for a Uganda Hiking Safari in Mgahinga National Park

Regardless of the volcano you are going to climb in Mgahinga Park, whether Mount Mgahinga is the shortest volcano, you must have some items for a successful mountain hiking experience. These can also help during mountain gorilla trekking expeditions.

The summary of the Mgahinga park mountain hiking Safari Pack list is given below:

1. Waterproof rain jacket
2. Garden gloves
3. Light hiking boots
4. Warm jumper—the summits of Virunga ranges are usually cold
5. Bottled water: 1 litter can be enough
6. Safari day pack bag
7. Energy-giving snacks
8. Camera for photography
9. Binoculars to view amazing distant features
10. Sunhat
11. Long-sleeve shirts & trousers

Mgahinga National Park Accommodation During Your Mountain Hiking Adventure

Visitors hiking volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have various accommodation facilities during their stay. Most of them are built, offering excellent views of this charming gorilla park. All are ideal places to stay during gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Park.

The best accommodation in Mgahinga park for you includes;

1. Mount Gahinga Lodge: Mount Gahinga Lodge is a comfortable luxury facility near Mgahinga park offices
2. Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
3. Mutanda Lake Resort
4. Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
5. Travelers Rest Hotel
6. Lake Chahafi Resort
7. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

Other Activities in Mgahinga National Park to Do on Top of Mountain Hiking Expeditions

Travelers interested in volcano hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should also supplement other activities in this park for a notable safari adventure.

These activities include;

• Tracking endangered Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Park
• Golden monkey trekking
• Bird watching
• Explore the Batwa cave Trail
• Taking guided nature walks

How to Get to Mgahinga National Park in South Western Uganda?

Mgahinga Gorilla Park can easily be accessed by plane or in a safari vehicle.

1. By road transport, it means it takes around 9–10 hours to drive from Kampala to Mgahinga Park headquarters via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro Highway. Normally, it’s a whole-day drive with numerous stopovers.

Travelers can also access Mgahinga Park from Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport. Tourists from Rwanda only take 3-4 hours to reach the park via the Cyanika border in Kisoro District.

1. Using air transport means it’s also possible to fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip using a domestic chartered flight. Then, from the airport, you’ll connect to the park in a vehicle.

FAQs About Mountain Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1. Is It Hard to Hike Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park?

The fact is, any mountain hiking adventure requires someone with a minimal body fitness level. On all Mgahinga Park mountain hiking expeditions, for example, climbing Mount Gahinga, you’ll go through different vegetation zones such as thick bamboo forests, montane forests, and challenging hilly terrain.

Sometimes, you might find muddy and slippery points along the hiking trail. Therefore, you should be prepared! Put on jungle boots and try to lift your body fitness level before this wonderful adventure.

If you don’t sort yourself well, you might give up before reaching the summit, especially during the Mt. Nyiragongo hike. Climbing Mount Gahinga is open even for travelers with no hiking experience.

2. Is It Safe to Climb Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

Mountain climbing in Mgahinga Park is truly safe! As you hike any volcano, for instance, while climbing Mount Gahinga, you’ll be in the company of park rangers up to the summit. Also, before the hike starts, you’ll be given hiking guidelines to follow for safety.

For an unforgettable safari experience, visitors coming for mountain hiking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should also do other activities in Mgahinga Park, for example, tracking mountain gorillas, bird watching, or golden monkey trekking.

Batwa cultural expeditions are also rewarding! Among the three volcanoes in Mgahinga Park—Mt. Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura—Mount Gahinga is open to even unskilled climbers.

Contact us with any inquiries about mountain hiking tours in Uganda. It’s possible to supplement these adventures on all Uganda wildlife safaris!