Mountain Muhabura is an extinct inactive volcano also known as Mountain Muhavura situated right at the border of Uganda and Rwanda, one part lies in Uganda’s smallest park of Mgahinga and the other in Rwanda’s popular home for mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park.
Hiking Muhabura one of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga region is a thrilling activity, the other mountains include Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno.
The volcano earns pride in being the 3rd highest mountain among the eight volcanoes in the Virunga ranges. Muhavura stands at about 4,127 meters above the sea level and is very famous for its cone-like shape and volcanic ash. While on the Ugandan side, the volcanoes offer its visitors stunning wildlife views.
HIKING EXPERIENCE AT MUHAVURA.
Both hikers on the Rwandan and Ugandan side can hike the mountain and reach the summit. However, hiking Mountain Muhabura requires visitors to be in their best health both mentally and physically.
Among all the eight volcanoes in the Virunga ranges, Mountain Muhavura is the most complicated volcano to hike and visitors are limited to ascend and descend in only one full day.
Seems like a lot of time but the steep nature of the Muhavura slows down the hiking experience though highly rewarding. Stopovers are been planted for hikers for example Kinigi Visitors Center on the Rwandan side and Ntebeko Visitors Center on the Ugandan side. A large number of hikers come eager to climb the mountain up to the highest peak but a few of them make it to the summit.
Hikers are advised to be aware of the altitude sickness since for Muhabura the higher you go, the cooler it becomes.
Hiking mountain Muhabura is challenging enough in fact, hikers are normally divided into two groups that include experienced hikers and slow hikers. Visitors are advised to descend if it gets late before they can reach the summit. Also, hikers with loaded luggage are advised to hire local porters for assistance and smooth running of the tiring activity.
The hiking activity kicks off as early as 7:00 am in the wee hours of the morning after the briefing where rangers are allocated on which hiking group to lead and share the informative history of the mountain and other key features.
Both ascending and descending Muhavura take about 6 to 7 hours. Before diving into this once-in-a-lifetime activity, rangers ensure that all hikers have everything required for the hike including drinking water, food and genuine hiking shoes to avoid slowing down.
Reaching the summit of mountain Muhabura means that visitors shall be rewarded with stunning views of other volcanoes in the region alongside comely lakes for example lake Bunyonyi and impressive game parks in the neighborhood.
Hikers reaching the peak can spot wildlife mammals especially herds of forest elephants and buffaloes. There is also a beautiful crater lake at the top of the mountain where visitors can enjoy swimming activities and fully have the best out of this hike.
HOW MUCH IS IT TO CLIMB MOUNTAIN MUHABURA.
The cost charges of being part of the hiking experience at Muhabura are very affordable for the hikers at about $75 USD per person. Porters must be paid separately and the charges don’t include transportation and accommodation.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE MOUNTAIN MUHABURA.
Considering the coldness, mist and sloppy nature of Mount Muhabura, the best time to hike mountain Muhavura is the dry season of the year. Undoubtedly, the drier months of June to September are the best time to hike this volcano.
The mountain is absolutely cold and the experienced hikers face complications too hence cannot be done in the wet rainy season. The hiking trails are dry, not muddy and not slippery during the dry period.
Enjoy other mountain climbing safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda.
