Mount Sabyinyo gets its name from a local Kinyarwanda which means “old man’s tooth”. This is because the shape of the mountain is like a worn-out tooth in a gum line and it’s located on the border of three countries – Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s among the eight Volcanoes in the heart of Virunga massif. Mount. Sabyinyo stands at an elevation of 3,645 meters above sea level. It’s a dormant volcano providing a chance to climb to its summit and the oldest mountain out of all eight Virunga Mountain ranges, located in the east African rift valley.
Mount. Sabyinyo is strategically located in the northeast of Lake Kivu Rwanda side and south-west of Lake Bunyonyi on the side of Uganda. This means that on the hike, the summit offers best scenery of both lakes. Hiking this great mountain is only done from the Uganda side near Mgahinga national park. Hiking to the summit takes about 8 hours and you will stand in three countries at the same time and this is truly a worthwhile experience.
Sabyinyo mountain has only 3 different peaks and conquering all the peaks depends on someone’s ability and physical fitness. The trail is amazing with its rugged nature, ladders are used at the start and more attractions can be seen while on the hike such as different bird species, and primates, if you are lucky enough you may meet the endangered mountain gorillas since these are the same trails used while on gorilla trekking.
Hiking Mount. Sabyinyo.
Like any other park activity, the briefing will begin at the park headquarters and you will be instructed about the rules and regulations to follow while on the hiking experience, walking sticks will be offered to you and potters are always there to help you to carry your luggage at an extra price. The assigned and knowledgeable park guide will take you through the experience and this will create great memories on a Uganda Safari.
Apart from hiking, there are other activities that one can take part in while on the visit to Mgahinga national park. This is the smallest national park in the pearl of Africa with unique wildlife and among others are the endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys.
Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking is one of the other activities one can take part in after or before hiking Mount. Sabyinyo. This experience involves visitors spending an hour with the gorillas and the whole experience lasts for 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. No one can predict their location since they depend on nature.
Meet mountain gorillas as they breastfeed, search for food, play and much more. These are gentle giants that are not harmful to people unless they are disturbed. You are offered a certificate after trekking at the park offices which will Climax the end of the experience.
Golden monkey trekking.
Just like gorilla trekking, you are offered an hour while in the presence of these rare primates. Golden monkeys enjoy flashlight cameras and can be found in groups of up to 40 members. The Golden monkeys are great and very playful making tourists enjoy their behavior. There is no limit number for trekking the golden monkeys which is like gorilla trekking that is specific to 8 people.
Bird watching.
Bird watching is where you will spot different bird species like Rwenzori turaco, double-toothed barbet, cape Robin-chat, pin-tailed whydah, black kite and much more. All birders are advised to have an East African bird book for reference, a pair of binoculars, cameras and a telescope if possible. Birding in Mgahinga national park takes place in the morning and late evening.
Batwa cultural trail.
On this experience, a local Twa guide takes tourists into the forest in the company of a park ranger well-armed to trace the footsteps of ancient Batwa pygmies. Explore their caves, plants that are used as local medicines, hunting techniques and much more.
The Batwa people were originally inhabiting the Mgahinga forest and they were later evicted after the conservation policy. They now live at the edges of the forest but this trail will expose to you the great African culture.
If would you like to visit Mgahinga national park and take part in hiking Mount Sabyinyo, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
