Mountain Muhavura Volcano in Uganda
Mountain Muhavura Volcano is one of the Virunga Mountains and is located along the border between Rwanda and Uganda. The mountain volcano elevated to 4,127 metres (13,540 ft) hence the highest of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park. The Mountain Volcano is a portion of the Albertine Rift in the Western Branch of the great East African Rift Valley. It comprises of a candid Lake at the top. The term Muhabura means “the Guide” in the local dialect and this Mountain Volcano is viewed in different regions of Uganda and Rwanda.
One part of the Volcano is found in Uganda whereas the other in Rwanda hence can be hiked/ climbed in both countries. Elevating at 4,127 meters above sea level the Mountain Volcano is the 3rd highest in the 8 Virunga Volcanoes after Mount Karisimbi Volcano and Mount Mikeno Volcano.
Exceptional Features of Mount Muhabura Volcano
Mount Muhavura Volcano includes a cone like Shape with Volcanic Ash which supports the group of thickets, shrub along the slopes of the Mountain Volcano. There is Kabiranyuma river/swamp that can be viewed and this separates Mount Muhabura from Mount Gahinga in Uganda.
While at Mount Muhabura Volcano, expect to watch numerous unique species of Birds, Mammals, Buffalo, Elephants as well as the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural vegetation habitat.
What you need to Know About Hiking Mount Muhabura Volcano
Mount Muhabura Volcano is quite difficult to hike but with determination to reach the top, you can make it. Hiking this Mountain Volcano takes you One Day hence all hikers are required to get ready mentally for this remarkable strenuous hike to the top.
The Hiking procedure is done in both Uganda and Rwanda where you are met and instructed by skilled park ranger guides at the Ntebeko Visitor’s Center (Uganda) and Kinigi Visitor’s Center (Rwanda).
When finished with briefing and payments, you continue with the guide/ Rangers up the Mountain Volcano. The Hike begins at around 7:00 am taking you a period of 5 to 7 hours to finish. The Rangers inform you briefly about the hike then with the comfortable hiking boots, packed lunch, walking sticks drinking water. You need to be physically fit for the hike.
When you hike the Mountain Volcano there are two stops before the summit and one is at 3,117 meters above sea level and the second at 3,860 meters above sea level and after here the hike becomes more challenging hence hikers need more determination as the Mountain gets colder hence suffering altitude sickness is possible and when you reach the top watch the crater Lake as well as other Virunga Mountain Volcanoes at a distance.
After your adventure at the top, you descend down which is also challenging to the starting point where you will leave from to go home or the Airport.
Cost of Hiking Mount Muhabura in Uganda
Hiking Mount Muhavura Volcano in Uganda costs US $75 per person interested in hiking the Mountain Volcano in Uganda. The cost does not include; transportation, accommodation and hiring porters.
How to Get to Mount Muhabura in Uganda
Mount Muhabura can be accessed by use of both Road and Air.
By Road
Mount Muhavura can be accessed by road where you transfer from the Entebbe International Airport following the Western part of Uganda via Masaka-Mbarara highway to Kisoso Town then Mgahinga National Park where you hike Mount Muhavura.
By Air
Mount Muhavura can be accessed by use of Air Transport as you fly in a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or the Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip where you leave fro to Mgahinga National Park t hike Mount Muhavura Volcano.
What to Pack for Mount Muhavura Volcano
- Hiking/ Trekking Boots
- Long sleeved T-shirts
- Long Pants not jeans
- Sweaters
- Hat/Cap
- Gardening Gloves
- Bottled water/ snacks
- Rain Jacket
- Warm stockings
- Binoculars/ A Good Camera
- Insect repellents and sunscreen