Joseph and Godfrey took my friend from Mexico and I on a visit to the Batwa tribe, which tourists rarely encounter. We were deeply touched by their plight and the challenges they face and also overwhelmed by their gift of friendship in singing and dancing for us.
Sabyinyo Volcano Hike in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Hike Mount Sabyinyo Volcano
Explore Uganda's Smallest Park
Discover the Virunga Mountains
The Sabyinyo volcano hiking adventure takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro, Uganda. Mount Sabyinyo is one of the eight volcanoes that comprise the Virunga ranges of East and Central Africa. Mount Sabyinyo hike is one of the highly-rated tourist activities after mountain gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The other two volcanoes on the Uganda side of the Virunga massif are Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga.
Tour Highlights
Explore the significance of adventure tourism on the lives of the local communities of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Step into the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo at the third peak of Mt. Sabyinyo
Discover the fauna and flora of Mount Sabyinyo volcano range
Learn about the rest of the volcanoes that form the Virunga mountains of East and Central Africa
An opportunity to support hiking adventure activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Get a complete perspective of the area and its history
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Adults (10-80): $120
Departure Time
7:00 am
Meeting Point
- We offer pick-up from your guesthouse or lodge in Kisoro town
- Alternatively, you can meet us at our office: Bamboo Ecotours Kisoro Field Office: Kabale-Kisoro Road, 181 Kisoro, Uganda
Availability
Monday to Sunday, year-round
Duration
7-8 hours
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Group size
1 to 5 persons
Included
- Admission fee
- Activity fee
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Transport
What to Bring
- Raincoat
- Comfortable hiking shoes
Participation Requirements
Age limit: all participants must be aged between 10 and 80 years old
What You’ll Do
Hiking the Sabyinyo Volcano is done in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has three of the eight mountains that form the Mufumbiro ranges. The highest among the three is Mount Muhavura (4,127m), followed by Mout Sabyinyo (3,645) and Mount Gahinga standing at only 3,474m above sea level.
Booking for the Sabyinyo hiking trek can be done one day before the hike through Bamboo Ecotours or the Uganda Wildlife Office in Kisoro town. Booking the hiking trek can also be arranged at the places of accommodation in Kisoro town, Lake Mutanda, and even at Bwindi National Park.
Mount Sabyinyo:
Mount Sabyinyo or older man’s teeth in the local Rufumbira dialect, is one of the revered volcanoes in the chain of eight mountains that form the Virunga ranges of Central and Eastern Africa. The third peak of this famous volcano adjoins the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sabyinyo volcano hike takes about 7 and 10 hrs from the hiking trailhead to summit this extinct volcano and back to the trailhead. Because of its rugged nature, there are several wooden ladders along the hiking trail.
If not interested in hiking Mount Sabyinyo, visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can reserve hiking permits for Mount Muhabura or Mount Gahinga.
Mount Muhabura:
Mt. Muhabura, also known as “the guide,” is the tallest of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the third tallest of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga ranges. Mount Muhavura is popularly known for the crater on the top of the mountain. Hikers can climb the volcano all year round.
Mount Gahinga:
Mt. Gahinga (a small pile of stones) is a favorite to many hikers, perhaps due to its low altitude. Hiking Mt. Gahinga takes you through the lush vegetation cover of Mgahinga National Park. The 5-7 hour hike goes through several vegetation zones, including the bamboo cover. Upon reaching the top, the fresh air and the breeze from the giant lobelia in the creator swamp are so fulfilling.
See What Our Previous Guests Have Said...
The highlight for us was the interaction with the locals – with incredibly friendly and hospitable family at the coffee plantation and meeting the Batwas who were really enjoying the moments they could show us how they had lived not so long ago.
