VIRUNGA MOUNTAINS
Mount Sabinyo
The Virunga Mountains are home to the extinct volcano Mount Sabinyo. The Virunga ranges also include Mount Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Mikeno, Nyiragongo, Gahinga, and Nyamuragira. A 20-meter-diameter crater lake separates Mount Sabinyo from Muhabura, its closest neighbor. In the local language, Sabinyo means "Old man's tooth." This is because, in contrast to the flat tops of neighboring mountains, its ragged peak resembles worn-out teeth.
Standing at 12,037 feet, Mount Sabinyo forms the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The mountain slopes are home to endangered mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, and various forest antelopes. One of the most challenging walks in the Virunga Mountains is Mount Sabinyo. Because of its craters on the flanks and uneven slopes, it has several ridges. One of Uganda's most breathtaking mountain ranges is this one.
Because there is presently no route across the rugged peaks on the Congo and Rwanda sides, Mount Sabinyo can only be climbed from Uganda. To allow visitors to start their journey in Rwanda, the Rwandan government plans to clear a route through the hills and craters. A walking staff is given to each hiker; cherish it. People who have heavy equipment, like cameras, may hire porters. In addition to the certified guide, there is usually an armed ranger on duty to frighten away large species like elephants that feed on the mountainside.
After the briefing, you will first traverse a flat terrain that includes a variety of wetlands. You start climbing to an area with thick plant zones over the following 2390 to 2800 meters. Golden monkeys love this area, which is primarily bamboo.
In addition to monkeys, this region may be home to buffaloes, elephants, and mountain gorillas. The sub-alpine habitat that follows the first zone has fewer trees but is home to the endangered Rwenzori Turaco. Popular among birders, the Rwenzori Turaco is a beautiful bird. Only the Albertine Rift Zone is home to it. You ought to be able to see the summit up ahead by the time you complete this zone.
If the weather permits, Sabinyo is the only mountain in Uganda that offers you the opportunity to see Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda all at once while taking in some of the most breathtaking vistas you'll ever see. The peak offers views of the stunning Lake Kivu in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Rwenzori Mountain ranges in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, more than six mountains in the Virunga area, and many more sites are also visible.
In between the verdant plantations and forests are human communities. Rwanda seems to be more densely inhabited than Congo, which seems to be deserted. Descending is more challenging but also simpler. Again, you have to deal with ladders, and you have to do it carefully, particularly in bad weather. very carefully, particularly in bad weather.
Ugandan mountains known as the Gahinga
The Virunga Mountain ranges, which are located in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are home to eight volcanoes, including Mount Gahinga. This 3,474-meter-tall extinct volcano is situated between Rwanda and Uganda. The mountain is situated in the Kisoro District of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Mount Gahinga is situated between Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhabura. Of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park, it is the smallest. A little pile of stones surrounding the mountain is referred to as "Gahinga" in the local languages. There is a 180-meter-wide crater on the mountain.
Bamboo and sub-alpine vegetation dominate the majority of the mountain slopes. The bamboo in this area of the mountain offers a food source for primates, including baboons, mountain gorillas, golden and blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys.
Hiking Uganda's Mountain Gahinga and Mountain Mgahinga
Compared to Mount Sabinyo or Muhabura, Mount Gahinga is a more moderate walk. However, one needs to be mentally and physically prepared to complete the hike. It takes six hours to complete, depending on the hiker's level of fitness and perseverance. To hike, you must have a hiking permit issued by the park administration. On the day of the trek, permits can be acquired for $75. Reservations are not required in advance. At the park headquarters, a park ranger will brief visitors before the trek to Mount Gahinga starts at 7:00 a.m.
The Rangers tell tourists about the history of the mountain and its setting within the Virunga volcanoes. The nature of the trip and the best ways to prepare for it will be explained to hikers. There are several locations along the mountain where hikers may relax, eat, snap pictures, and take in the beautiful surroundings. Everyone receives a free hiking stick after the briefing, and those who want to hire porters can do so.
You pass through a thick bamboo forest close to the mountain's base during the initial part of the trip. This section is rather easy because the ground is level. You will also probably come across gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates here. Buffaloes may be fatal to hikers and are common on mountain slopes. This is one of the reasons armed rangers typically accompany hikers. After the bamboo groves, the mountain gets steeper until it reaches the top. Many bat-infested volcanic caves and other volcanic features on the mountain slopes would have been traversed by the time one reaches the summit.
The unusual peak of Mountain Gahinga sets it apart from the summits of Sabinyo and Muhabura. At the summit is a sizable shallow crater wetland that is home to uncommon sub-alpine flora such as Senecio, Lobelia bloom, and Alchemilla.
Amazing views of the other far-off volcanoes in the Rwenzori and Virunga ranges may be seen from the summit. You could be tempted to ascend to the heights of Mount Mahabura and Sabinyo in the days ahead. Get as many pictures of your groups and far-off sights as you can. Climbing is far more difficult than descending. To prevent slipping or falling, caution is necessary, particularly when descending ladders.
Ugandan mountains known as the Gahinga
The extinct volcano known as Mountain Muhabura, or simply "Muhavura," is situated on the border between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. To put it another way, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park has one portion of the volcano, while Uganda's Mgahinga National Park contains the other. At 4,127 meters above sea level, the peak has the third-highest summit in the Virunga Mountain range. Mount Karisimbi is the next highest, after Mikeno. The sharpest of the eight Virunga Volcanoes, however, is Muhabura. Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo are both close to Mount Muhabura.
Muhabura translates to "the guide" in the local language. This name was probably created as a reference for passengers who were traveling far away. The slopes and base of Mount Muhavura, which resembles a cone, are coated in volcanic ash and other related debris. The plants and thickets that develop on the mountain slopes are supported by volcanic ash. The Kabiranyuma river/swamp is another prominent feature that separates Gahinga and Mountain Muhabura.
Especially from the Ugandan side, Mountain Muhabura offers a chance to witness uncommon bird and animal species such buffaloes, elephants, and mountain gorillas. Hikers may be in risk from buffaloes because to their innate hostility, but armed rangers are constantly available to frighten them away.
Mount Muhavura Hiking in Uganda
Of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Ranges, Mount Muhabura is the most difficult to scale. It's not the highest, but it's very steep, and you have to do the trek in a single day (before the sun sets). It takes mental preparation and maybe a little stubbornness to make it to the top and back safely.
It is feasible to hike Mount Muhabura in Rwanda and Uganda. Guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will meet you if you climb Mount Muhabura from the Ugandan side and take you to the Ntebeko Visitors Center. You will have to pay for the hike at the Kinigi Visitors Center if you are trekking from Rwanda. Your party will be assigned a guide and ranger who will lead you all the way up the mountain once you pay at the office. If you are carrying heavy equipment or bags, porters can be hired at the foot of the mountain.
Slow hikers and seasoned/experienced hikers are the two categories into which hikers are usually separated in big groups. You should just quit up and descend with the people that finished on time if it is too late and you are not near the peak.
It takes five to seven hours to climb Mount Muhabura, starting at around seven in the morning. Before starting the main walk, all hikers will get a briefing from the Rangers. This briefing goes over all the important aspects of the journey, such as the structure and history of the mountain. In addition to offering advice on how to handle any injuries or signs of altitude sickness, the Rangers will help hikers mentally prepare for the activity.
The Rangers and Guides will also make sure that every hiker has the required gear during the briefing, which includes drinking water, hiking boots, walking sticks, a packed lunch, and proper clothes. All equipment and supplies need to be arranged before heading to the head path.
After the standard briefing, park officials, the hiker's own driver, or a guide/driver from their tour organization drive or bring them to the beginning location of the trek.
The steepness of Mount Muhavura makes hiking there challenging. One has to be physically fit to complete the hike. Climbing Mount Muhabura in Uganda costs $75 per person. Porters, accommodation, and transportation are not included in this cost. It is necessary to pay the porters individually. In Rwanda and Uganda, climbing permits for Mount Muhavura may be acquired the same day as the walk.
Hikers must make two crucial stops in Uganda before ascending Mount Muhabura. The elevations of the first and second stops are around 3,117 and 3,860 meters above sea level, respectively. Many hikers fail to reach the first hut, or rest break. All they do is take a nap, eat lunch, decide that enough is enough, and then start over. Actually, only around 50% of people make it to the top most of the time. The hike to the second shelter (halt) is more difficult for those who continue.
After the second half, the trek gets more challenging. However, since the summit is so near, there is no turning back now. More endurance, dedication, and a certain level of fitness are required to continue from here. The top is often covered in mist and it becomes colder. Some persons may experience ankle issues or altitude sickness at this point.
After such a challenging hike, those who make it to the summit are rewarded with breathtaking views, lakes, beautiful farmland, and other volcanoes in the Virunga range, including Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo. You feel as though you are completely detached from reality at the summit. Primates, birds, and even big forest animals like buffaloes and elephants can be seen. A crater lake with stunningly clear waters may also be found on the mountain. Although the lake is suitable for swimming, the cold water deters most hikers.
The Rwandan side offers views of the charming twin lakes Ruhundo and Burera, while the Ugandan side offers views of Lake Bunyonyi. Unfortunately, during several months of the year, mist and cloud cover can make it difficult to see distant volcanoes. The trekkers won't have much time on the mountain if they ascend slowly. To prevent running into buffalo or other forest creatures or having to descend in the dark, the Rangers will advise you to leave the summit early.
Before descending, a group photo with all participants is necessary. The mountain's descent is challenging. Some people really find it to be as challenging as climbing up.
When your body is worn out from the climb, you meet this second portion, which is extremely slippery on the way down. The legs and body joints would be uncomfortable at this point, and descending puts further strain on them. Additionally, you will still need to walk past human settlements and gardens after arriving at the foot of the mountain before you can meet your driver or guide or head back to the office.
Ugandan mountains, including the Gahinga
At an astounding 2,750 meters, Mountain Morungole, which is situated on the southeast border of Kidepo Valley National Park, dominates some of Karamoja's most isolated regions. The rocks might fall over Kaabong at any moment, according to the locals. The Ik, the smallest tribe in Uganda, live atop this mountain. For the people who dwell on its slopes, it also has great spiritual significance, and visitors are not allowed to reach the sacred top.
However, the cultural experience of walking among the Ik people and the expansive views of the Eastern Rift Valley and Karamoja plains will make the climb to other heights worthwhile for hikers. When the surrounding areas were declared a national park, the Ik were forced to migrate to the slopes of Mountain Morungole. In the heights of their holy mountain, they have managed to hold onto their unique and proud culture.
It takes around two to three hours to trek up Mountain Morungole, and one and a half hours to descend. Although this trek is ostensibly easy, be prepared for some quite steep and wooded hills. Hiring a local guide or guides is highly recommended for this trek. Numerous Ik homesteads are traversed via the Mountain Morungole path. Misunderstandings can be avoided with the aid of an Ik or Karamojong guide.