Hiking Mount Sabinyo in Uganda
Hiking Mount Sabinyo in Uganda : Mount Sabinyo is one of most visited an extinct volcano found within the Virunga ranges and other mountains within the Virunga ranges includes Mount Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno, Gahinga, Muhabura and Nyamuragira.
Despite the fact, Mount Sabinyo is separated from its closest neighbor Muhabura by a crater lake which is 20 meters in Diameters. Take note, the word Sabinyo means ‘’Old man’s tooth’’ all because its jagged summit which looks like worn out teeth when compared to more leveled summits of neighboring mountains.
Fact About Mount Sabinyo – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mount Sabinyo is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park raising over 12,037 feet high with a summit that acts as a boundary /border for three countries Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mountain slopes are shelter to the endangered mountain gorillas and other animals such as elephants, buffaloes and various forest antelopes. More so, Mount Sabinyo offers one of the most challenging hikes among the Virunga Ranges of mountains. This mountain has rugged slopes and craters on the sides which have created many ridges.
Currently, hiking mount Sabinyo can only be done from Uganda, because a route to other two countries Congo and Rwanda has not been created into the sharp ridges. However, there are plans by the government of Rwanda to curve away out through the craters and ridges so that visitors can start the adventure from Rwanda.
Hiking Mount Sabinyo from the Uganda Side;
Well, in Uganda –Mount Sabinyo lies in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is found in southwestern region of Uganda approximately 8 to 9 hours’ drive and by domestic flight takes 1hour landing to Kisoro Airstrip and then be transferred by our safari driver to the park. Or, you can decide to start your driving journey from Kigali in Rwanda to access Mgahinga National Park takes 4 hours. Interestingly, climbing Mount Sabyinyo is one of the magical climbing adventure in Uganda. Despite the sharp ridges and crater lakes before the last peak, the Uganda Wildlife Authority managed to solve the problem by building handmade ladders.
Before you embark to the hike, one needs to register at the park head office, sign into the guest book and clear all payments. The hiking experience begins with briefing –the guide and rangers will let you know what to expect, the history of the mountain and what to carry along. If you don’t make it to the summit by 3pm, you’re advised to descend back because it would be too late to complete the activity on time.
All hikers are given a walking stick to help you in challenging area as you hike. Porters are available for hire for those who have heavy equipment like cameras, mineral water bottles. You will be accompanied by at least three locals together with an armed ranger who is always part of the team to scare away large mammals like elephants that graze on the slopes of the mountains. Hiking takes you through a flat area with a thick vegetation zones from the first 2390 to 2800 meters. This area consists mainly bamboo forest which are habitat of golden monkeys. Besides the monkeys, you may encounter other species like mountain gorillas, elephants and buffaloes around this area. After the first zone, you will be able to view sub-alpine kind of vegetation with fewer trees but home to the unique Rwenzori Turaco which is only found within the Albertine rift region. By the time you complete this zone, you have already seen the summit ahead.
What you expect to see at the summit of Mount Sabinyo;
Climbing to the summit of Mount Sabinyo gets you into three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Congo’’ at the same time while having some of the best views you will ever have- weather permitting. Then, from the summit you can be able to see the beautiful Lake Kivu in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You can as well view Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, the Rwenzori ranges of mountains in Uganda, over six mountains of the Virunga region and countless other features.
Congo looks relatively deserted while Rwanda is more thickly populated. Note; descending is easier but also challenging. All you have is to deal with the ladders but you need to do it with care especially if the weather is bad.
What is the cost of Hiking tour – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Hiking mount Sabinyo costs USD85 per person, including the ranger fees. Permits can b sold from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kisoro or through your tour operator. Your advised to book your permit in advance.
Packing list for climbing Mount Sabyinyo –Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
They include; warm clothes like warm stocking and hand gloves for the cold summit.
Hiking boots
Carry packed lunch or snacks with enough mineral water bottle.
A camera and binoculars – a good camera is good to carry for taking great photo of the mountain while at the summit.
First Aid kit and toiletries – first aid kit helps in times when get miner scratches or pains in the knee joints. Try to visit the toilet before heading on the hike, so always move with toilet paper in case of any emergencies.
Other activities to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks besides ‘’Hiking Mount Sabinyo’’ they include; Golden monkey tracking, Gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, Birding, Batwa culture tour among others.
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