Mount Sabyinyo sits at the tri-border point of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, and offers one of the most rewarding volcano hikes in East Africa. This extinct volcano rises to 3,645 meters (11,959 feet), making it the second tallest of the three volcanoes bordering Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. A hiking permit costs $80 per person, and a 3-day Mount Sabyinyo safari is a popular way to fit the climb into a broader trip.
About Mount Sabyinyo
Sabyinyo means “the old man’s teeth” in the local language, a reference to the volcano’s jagged, irregular peaks. It’s one of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, and sits alongside three national parks that form the wider Virunga Conservation Area: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
The mountain has three distinct peaks, each a different level of difficulty, and wooden ladders have been built along the steepest sections to make the climb more manageable.
What to Expect on the Hike
Hiking Mount Sabyinyo takes about 10 to 12 hours round trip, depending on your pace and fitness. The day starts at 7:30am at the base of the mountain with a short briefing from your guide, before setting off with climbing gear, water, and snacks.
The climb begins with a moderately steep stretch through swampy ground and rainforest up to the first peak, a good spot for a short break and photos. From there, the trail follows a narrow ridge along Sabyinyo’s jagged teeth, a steeper section supported by wooden ladders. The final push to the highest peak brings you to the tri-border point, where you can stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo at the same time.
From the summit, on a clear day, you can see Lake Kivu in Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the rest of the Virunga volcanoes, along with the terraced farmland and settlements surrounding the conservation area below.
Cost and What’s Included
The hiking permit costs $80 per person and can be purchased on arrival. This covers a mountain guide, but not climbing gear, food, or a porter. Porters can be hired on the day for $10 to $15 per person if you’d like extra help on the trail.
Getting to Mount Sabyinyo
From Kampala, it’s an 8-hour drive via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kisoro, with the mountain sitting 14km from Kisoro town. From Kigali, the route is much shorter, about 2 hours via the Cyanika border. You can also fly from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 30-minute drive to the base of the mountain.
Book Your Mount Sabyinyo Hike
Whether you’re combining it with gorilla trekking or hiking it on its own, Mount Sabyinyo is one of the more accessible and rewarding volcano climbs in the Virunga region. Book your Mount Sabyinyo hiking safari with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the route and logistics around it.
