Hiking Mountain Muhabura
Hiking Mountain Muhabura: Mountain climbing is one of the most exciting activities in Uganda, and most people enjoy doing it in all parts of the country and in various places when they have the chance. Mountain Muhabura is the most difficult and frequently hiked mountain in Uganda.
On the boundary between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda is a dead volcano known as “Muhavura.” Stated differently, a portion of the volcano is located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and another in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. At 4,127 meters above sea level, the mountain is the third-highest summit in the Virunga mountain range. Mikeno is the next tallest, behind Mount Karisimbi.
But of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains, Muhabura is the steepest. Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo are both extremely near to Mount Muhabura. In the indigenous tongue, muhabura translates to “the guide.”
This moniker was most likely created since it served as a guide for tourists who were traveling far away. Because Mount Muhabura is the hardest peak to walk out of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Ranges, you will learn how difficult it is and how healthy you are when you are climbing the mountain.
Although it isn’t the highest, it is quite steep, and one must finish the trip in a single day. Mount Muhabura is quite difficult. It won’t be easy for even the most experienced hikers. It’s critical to understand your own limitations if you want to successfully ascend to the summit. Follow your own pace.
Don’t rush or expend a lot of energy right away. Be sure to stay hydrated. If you are in agony or want to give up, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking view below and remind yourself of what you will see when you reach the summit.
One must be mentally prepared and perhaps a little stubborn in order to reach the summit and descend on time. It is possible to hike Mount Muhabura from both Rwanda and Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s resident guides will meet you if you are ascending Mount Muhabura from the Ugandan side and take you to the Ntebeko Visitors Center.
It takes five to seven hours to climb Mount Muhabura, with the climb beginning at around seven in the morning. All hikers will receive a briefing from the Rangers prior to starting the head trail. This briefing contains the mountain’s formation and history, as well as all the key points of the trek.
Hikers will receive guidance from the Rangers on how to cope with any injuries or signs of altitude sickness as well as how to mentally prepare for the exercise. The Rangers and Guides will also make sure that all hikers have the appropriate attire, hiking boots, walking sticks, drinking water, and a packed lunch during the briefing. It is necessary to organize all equipment and supplies before starting the head trail.
With volcanic ash and other associated materials on the slopes and at the base, Mount Muhavura has a cone-like form. The collection of bushes and thickets on the mountainside is supported by volcanic ash. Another notable feature that divides Mount Muhabura from Mount Gahinga is the Kabiranyuma river/swamp.
Particularly from the Ugandan side, Mountain Muhabura provides chances to see uncommon bird and mammal species, including buffaloes, elephants, and mountain gorillas. Because of their innate aggression, buffaloes might pose a threat to hikers; nevertheless, armed rangers are constantly available to frighten them away. The page about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may be of interest to you.
After a strenuous trek, those who reach the summit are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding farmland, lakes, and other volcanoes in the Virunga ranges, including Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo.
You get the impression that you are totally cut off from reality at the summit. Primates, birds, and even large forest creatures like buffaloes and elephants can be seen. At the top is a crater lake with stunningly clean waters.
Although it is normally fairly cold, most hikers are discouraged from swimming in the lake. The stunning twin lakes of Ruhundo and Burera are visible from Rwanda, while Lake Bunyonyi is visible from Uganda. Unfortunately, during various months of the year, mist and cloud cover may make it difficult to see the far-off volcanoes.
The best way to climb Mount Muhabura is to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Mgahinga. Aside from gorilla trekking, other options include taking a stroll in Uganda’s stunning Lake Mutanda, tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda or Uganda, or visiting the Batwa pygmies in Uganda. The Iby’iwacu cultural village is the greatest destination in Rwanda for a cultural visit.
Directions to Mount Muhabura
It’s easy to drive from Rwanda or Uganda to Mount Muhabura. It takes eight hours to drive from Kampala, Uganda, to Kisoro via Kabale (510 kilometers). You can go to the Mgahinga National Park headquarters via taxi or local motorcycle after you are in Kisoro.
Please make sure you save the names and phone numbers of the divers/riders if you are using public transportation or a motorcycle taxi (boda boda) so you can call them to come get you when you have finished ascending the mountain. Particularly in the evening, there aren’t many cars or motorcycles traveling between Kisoro town and the Mgahinga National Park headquarters.
Self-driving people should have a great sense of direction. As you pass by tiny villages or trading centers, keep an eye out for signs directing you to the park. Make sure the rental automobile has GPS installed.
List of items needed to climb Mount Muhabura
Hikers should pack light snacks, drinking water, a walking stick, hiking boots, warm stockings, hand gloves, rain jackets, sunscreen, and bug repellents for the best experience. For a trek up Mount Muhabura, especially in the rainy season, good hiking shoes are essential.
In addition to the things mentioned above, remember to bring a decent camera, binoculars, and fully charged batteries. To see the far-off volcanoes and other sights more clearly, you will need binoculars. Having a nice camera makes it easier to take beautiful pictures to share with your loved ones.
