Muhabura Mountain, also known as Muhavura, is one of the 8 Virunga volcanoes located in the Great Lakes region, astride the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. The larger part of this extinct volcano lies in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district, with a smaller part in Bulera district, Rwanda. Mount Muhabura stands at an elevation of 4,127m above sea level, making it the 3rd highest of all the eight volcanoes in the Virunga region and the highest among the other two volcanoes it neighbors, namely Sabyinyo and Gahinga.
The name Muhabura in the local Kinyarwanda dialect means “Guide,” connected to the historical use of the mountain to aid mobility with its augite rocks that can be seen from distant areas. In Rwanda, the mountain covers parts of Volcanoes National Park, while in Uganda, it overlooks Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These two protected areas are major hubs for the endangered mountain gorillas.
Mount Muhabura not only boasts its towering height but also numerous amazing features that differentiate it from other Virunga volcanoes. Its smoky slopes offer picturesque views every photographer longs to capture. Mount Muhabura’s epic beauty goes beyond visual imagination; it must be experienced firsthand.
Hiking Mount Muhabura
This extinct volcano provides an array of adventurous experiences, with the major one being a hike to its towering peak. Muhabura provides the best hiking experience in Uganda and one of the most adored in East Africa and worldwide. A hike to Muhabura’s summit begins as early as 7:30 am from Mgahinga National Park headquarters, Ntebeko, after a simple briefing.
The climb lasts about eight hours to reach the peak of this mountain, where you are eventually rewarded with scenic views of the entire Virunga Massif and conservation area, along with vivid views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori ranges.
Muhabura’s summit presents admirable views of all the other seven volcanoes, as well as Rwanda’s most adored twin lakes – Bulera and Ruhondo. Close to Muhabura’s peak, dry vegetation characterizes the area, unlike other ranges in the Virunga region where giant heather commonly thrives on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park.
On the way up, you walk through boggy and slippery trails as it often rains unexpectedly. As you approach the peak, you encounter small crater ponds and pockets of swamps in the saddles of the volcanoes that retain water year-round. The mountain’s wide expansive slopes are marked with thickets and thick shrubs, broad-spanned plants that resemble Yucca.
The slopes of Mt. Muhabura are quite steep and may require average physical fitness. Hiking typically takes 8 hours – a full day – and it is highly recommended that climbers hire porters (priced at $10-$15 on average) to help carry heavy luggage (bags and hiking materials) and offer assistance when the hike gets tough.
Hikers are required to carry strong hiking shoes, rain jackets/coats, head caps, packed lunch/snacks and drinks, and a stick (provided by the park). The trails are usually foggy in the mountains, muddy, and slippery, as this area receives rainfall at any time of day.
Hiking Muhabura Mountain can sometimes be strenuous, especially during rainy seasons, but the joy of conquering the top and the unequaled views of the surroundings make all the hard work worthwhile.
It feels great walking through the beautiful varying terrains that often resemble a desert; viewing the open slopes, you see a beautiful cover of thick shrubs and evergreen plants.
