Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a big-time bucket-list item for many adventurous hikers during Uganda safaris. If you are a huge fan of iconic and adventurous day climbing excursions, then you’d better start dreaming or thinking about climbing the Virunga Volcanoes. If you are now convinced that volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is what you want, you’ve come to the right place. We believe our article has all the necessary information you require when it comes to climbing the Ugandan side of the Virunga Volcanoes. Expect a step-by-step explanation on what to expect during the climbing adventures, the best time to go, hiking fees, and how to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mount Muhabura Climbing

Towering at 4127 meters above sea level, Mount Muhabura is the highest peak in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and part of its slopes are protected by Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is so far the steepest and most difficult-to-climb of the three Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, its round trip lasting 8 hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required to conquer this Volcano, and while at the peak, climbers are treated to views of Lake Edward, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.

Mount Sabyinyo Climbing

Towering at 3669 meters above sea level, Mount Sabyinyo is the second-highest peak in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 14-kilometer-long round-trip climb from the base to the peak can be completed in 8 hours and goes through a dense forest covered by mostly African-montane vegetation.

Mount Sabyinyo is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and while at the peak, you can step on the intersection point of the three countries. This gives a feeling of being in “three countries at the same time”.

The Mount Sabyinyo Climbing adventure provides more than a climbing experience, but also beautiful scenery, sights, and sounds of birds like the Rwenzori Turaco and primates, especially golden monkeys.

Mount Gahinga climbing tour

At 3474 meters above sea level, Mount Gahinga is another must-climb volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The round-trip climbing adventure lasts 6 hours and provides chances of seeing golden monkeys while traversing the thick bamboo forest.

This climbing adventure, like all other activities, starts with reporting at the visitor center for briefing and registration. The Trail passes through the recently reclaimed farm land before winding up to the edge of the virgin forest. The scenery here is both awe-inspiring and intriguing, with lots of Giant bamboo, jungle elephant footprints, and earthworms along the trail.

How much  is  Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga

Volcano climbing permits for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost $100 per person for foreign non-residents, $80 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 50,000 for East African Community Citizens. These costs include park entry fees.

Best time for volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The best conditions for volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are from June to September, then from December to February, as this is officially the dry season. Temperatures in the dry season can soar over 30 degrees, creating drier and more comfortable forest trails.

However, if you cannot climb the Virunga Volcanoes during the dry season, there are some perks to having a crack between March and May, then in October/November. The downside is that there is a greater chance of rain, and your pre-planned climbing adventure might be delayed. However, you will reap the benefits of cheaper local accommodation as well as less traffic along the forest trails.

How to book for volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

It goes without saying that a credible Tour Operator like Maranatha Tours is easier when it comes to booking for your volcano climbing adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is the case when it comes to paperwork and logistics (such as accommodation and ground transportation to the National Park gate).

However, if you are happy to do the groundwork yourself, then you will need to know how to book your accommodation, transportation, and acquire a climbing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

What to wear for Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned volcano climber, it is important to note that not having the best gear for your adventure can make things unnecessarily more difficult. By “best gear”, we don’t mean the fancy things, but those that can allow you to explore the terrain, weather, and technical level for the Volcano that you are attempting to climb.

For your volcano climbing adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will need a good pair of hiking boots with enough ankle support. The climbing trails can be very slippery, especially during the wet season, hence it is best to have proper shoes with a good grip.

While this National Park experiences a typical tropical climate, you will be up high, and it can get very cold very fast up there. For this reason, you will need layers (a warm sweater and a windbreaker) for warmth and comfort.

A waterproof backpack is handy for storing the items needed (permit, water bottle, snacks, camera, and binoculars) during the Volcano climbing experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Additionally, you will need comfortable and lightweight t-shirts, hiking pants in neutral colors, thick cotton socks, a waterproof pair of gardening gloves with a good grip, a small travel towel, sun protection (sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen), a reusable water bottle, a rain jacket/or poncho, a basic first aid kit (with bandages, antiseptic cream for injuries, muscle spray for muscle pain, medication for altitude sickness, and others), and hiking sticks (provided at the starting/briefing point.

Best ways to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Car

Driving is the most scenic and flexible way to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While the Entebbe/Kampala- Mgahinga is the commonest route, it is long (8-9 hours). A Fantastic alternative is the Kigali-Mgahinga National Park route via Cyanika border point, which offers a quicker approach (in 4-5 hours).

Choosing Kigali as your starting point is perfect for travelers who have been in Rwanda for a safari and wish to add Volcano climbing in Mgahinga to your safari.

By Plane

If flying, Kisoro Airstrip is the closest airstrip and is only one hour’s drive from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.