This mountain is also called Muhavura and gets its name from a local Kinyarwanda word that means “the guide”. This name came as a result of guiding the early travellers and explorers way back in the 16th century. Mount. Muhabura is one of eight Volcanoes mountains in the Virunga massif which is located on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You need to know that Mount Muhabura is shared between Rwanda in Volcanoes national park and Uganda in Mgahinga national park. It is also the third tallest mountain among the Virunga mountains after Mt Karisimbi which is the tallest followed by Mt Mikeno.
Mount. Muhabura stands at 4,127 meters above sea level and this makes it the second tallest mountain in Rwanda but also considered to be the steepest of all the eight Virunga Volcano mountains. It’s a dormant mountain hence offering a great chance for hiking while on your safari to either Uganda or Rwanda. Its home to different attractions such as the rare mountain gorillas, crater lakes, different bird species, the vegetation cover and many more others. It is very close to Mt Sabyinyo and Mt Gahinga.
This mountain is comprised of a conic shape with volcanic ash and other materials both on Slopes and the foothills. Hiking is the main touristic activity carried out on this mountain and the park guide ranger offers the best guiding services under high protection from any wild animal attack. You need to note that among the eight Volcano mountains (Mt Gahinga, Mt Nyiragongo, Mt Nyamuragira, Mt Bisoke, Mt Karisimbi, Mt Mikeno, Mt Sabyinyo and Mt Muhabura), Mt Muhabura is very difficult to hike and you need a whole day to take this hike before the sunset.
You can take a hike from either Uganda or Rwanda depending on your safari arrangement. In case you take a hike from Rwanda, the park guide is found at Kinigi visitor centre and while on your Uganda Safari, you can begin the hike from Ntebeko visitors centre in Mgahinga national park.
You are advised to hire some potters to assist you to carry luggage since hiking is very hectic. The briefing will first commence and the guided ranger will emphasize having some materials that will enable you to trek smoothly these are hiking boots, the right clothing, drinking water, packed lunch and much more.
Since hiking is hectic, most hikers reach the first stopover and end up resting as they take their lunch which concludes the experience as they descend back to the start where you will meet the safari company driver. Those that make it to the summit enjoy beautiful scenery covered with different mountains, such as Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Bisoke, Karisimbi and Nyiragongo. Those that hike from the Rwanda side will have a great view of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo and while in Uganda, lake Bunyonyi can be seen.
How to reach Mount Muhabura?
Mount Muhabura is located in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this means that you can access this mountain from any of the above countries. For the case of Uganda, fly to Entebbe Airport and then the driver-guide picks you up and takes an 8 hours’ drive journey to Mgahinga national park. Visitors can also book a flight from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip which can take about 1 to 2 hours.
While in Rwanda, the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes national park takes about 3 to 4 hours. Travelers interested in visiting and taking part in hiking should book in advance for better planning and join the rest of the team.
