3 Day Hiking Mount Sabinyo Uganda

3 Day Hiking Mount Sabinyo Uganda | Mount Sabyinyo Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda  | Hike Sabyinyo Volcano Uganda | 3 Days Hiking Mount Sabinyo 3,645 Meters | Trekking Mount Sabyinyo 11,959 Feet |  Mount Sabinyo Climbing Kisoro District Uganda | Mount Sabyinyo Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Uganda Hiking & Trekking Tours | 3 Days 2 Nights Kigali Safaris

A short and rewarding 3-day Hiking Trek up Mount Sabinyo in Mgahinga National park in Kisoro, Uganda. Hike to the summit of Mount Sabinyo at 3645 m (11959 ft) towering over three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo), and enjoy spectacular views you will ever have – weather permitting.

From the summit, you can see the beautiful Lake Kivu in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You can also see Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, the Rwenzori ranges of mountains in Uganda, over six mountains of the Virunga region, and countless other features.

Day 1 of our Mount Sabinyo hiking tour begins in Kampala. Hikers could also be picked from the towns of Kisoro or Kabale in the Western Region of Uganda. The journey goes through the towns of Masaka, Mbarara to Kisoro taking 8 hours to reach Mgahinga National Park. Overnight accommodation is either at Kisoro town or in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. 

On day two we head to register at the park office and sign the guest book. Hiking Mount Sabinyo begins with the briefing. The Guide and Rangers will let you know what to expect, the history of the mountain, and what to carry along. If you don’t make it to the summit by 1500 hours, you are advised to descend back because it would be too late to complete the activity on time.

After completing the briefing, you will start by being passing through a flat area with several swamps. You then start to ascend to an area with thick vegetation zones for the first 2390 to 2800 meters. This area consists of mainly bamboo and is a favorite habitat of golden monkeys. Apart from the monkeys, you may encounter mountain gorillas, elephants, and buffaloes around this area.

After the first zone, you will encounter sub-alpine kind of vegetation with fewer trees but home to the rare Rwenzori Turaco. The Rwenzori Turaco is a beautiful bird and a favorite of birders. It is only found within the Albertine rift region. By the time you complete this zone, you can already see the summit ahead.

The beauty about climbing to the summit of Mount Sabinyo is that you get to be in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo) at the same time while having some of the best views you will ever have – weather permitting. From the summit, you can see the beautiful Lake Kivu in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

You can also see Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, the Rwenzori ranges of mountains in Uganda, over six mountains of the Virunga region, and countless other features. Patches of human settlements can also be seen amidst beautiful green plantations and forests.

Congo looks relatively deserted while Rwanda is more densely populated. Mt. Sabinyo is a one-day hike and the round trek is 8 hours, 4 hours to the summit, and 4 hours back, however depending on the pace, weather, etc.

Descending is easier but also challenging. You have to deal with the ladders again and need to do it with care especially if the weather was bad. Return back to the lodge for overnight.

On day three, after breakfast at the lodge, we transfer to Kampala or Entebbe where our 3 Day hiking Mount Sabinyo Uganda ends.

Day 1: Kampala – Drive to Kisoro, Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Day 2: Full Day Mountain Sabinyo Hiking & Trekking
Day 3: Mgahinga Gorilla Park – Kisoro – Kampala

Day 1: Kampala – Drive to Kisoro, Mgahinga Gorilla Park

After breakfast, we depart by road to Kisoro to get ready for your next day’s Sabyinyo volcano mountain climbing. Mount Sabyinyo is located in Mgahinga Gorilla Park about located 145 km (3 to 4 Hours) drive (including border crossing time loss) from Kigali city.

Kisoro town is only 10 km from Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Guests can choose to stay at Kisoro town or in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Accommodation Options
Luxury Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon hill lodge
Mid-range Accommodation: Travelers’ Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mucha Hotel Kisoro
Budget Accommodation: Amajambere Iwacu camp, Miami Hotel Kisoro, Miami Hotel Kisoro

Meal Plan: {Lunch & Dinner}

Day 2: Full Day Mountain Sabinyo Hiking & Trekking

0600 Hours: Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel/ residence, then depart for  Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a 40 minutes drive from Kisoro.

0730 Hours: All hiking activities begin very early in the morning after reporting at the park office for a short briefing by the ranger guide about the dos and don’ts while climbing. Walking sticks are provided for free in case you need one. Porters are readily available at the park headquarters. Carry packed lunch and at least 2 liters of drinking water.

After the guide will follow you to the starting point to begin the hiking activity, the hiking activity is a one day hike and the trek is 8 hours, the trek takes about 4 hours to reach the summit and 4 hours back, however, it depends on the pace, physical fitness, and the weather.

Climbing Mount Sabinyo Volcano is done in the southwestern region of Uganda and this consists of climbing 3 peaks. The first Sabyinyo peak is at 3423 meters, the second at 3537 meters and the last one at 3669 meters.

The first part of the journey is probably the least entertaining – walk along the plain overgrown with shrubs and small trees, where villagers previously worked on the land before they were expelled after the establishment of the park.

During the hike, you are likely to see Golden monkeys, buffalo, elephants, and gorillas but are rarely seen on the trail. Various species of birds can also be seen during the hike such as the Rwenzori turaco, a stunning bird that is endemic to the Albertine rift region.

The local volcanic soil is fertile, so virtually everything except for the park is cultivated. You will then walk in bamboo forests before you come to the lichen forest after two hours, which is already far more interesting.

The top of Mt Sabinyo is a very pleasant place and enjoys nice weather. You can sit here and admire the views of all three countries around. Mt. Sabinyo is a one-day hike and the round trek is 8 hours, 4 hours to the summit, and 4 hours back, however depending on the pace, weather, etc.

Return to the lodge for overnight.

Accommodation Options
Luxury Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon hill lodge
Mid-range Accommodation: Travelers’ Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mucha Hotel Kisoro
Budget Accommodation: Amajambere Iwacu camp, Miami Hotel Kisoro, Miami Hotel Kisoro

Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 3: Mgahinga Gorilla Park – Kisoro – Kigali

After your breakfast, embark on your return journey back to Kampala.

Meal Plan: {Breakfast & Lunch}

3 Day Hiking Mount Sabyinyo Uganda Prices Include:

Bottle Water + Permit/ Park Entrance fees + 4 x 4 Safari Jeep transportation + Services of a knowledgeable English speaking Guide + Accommodation & Meals as indicated on the itinerary & Game Ranger, Mountain climbing guide + security guard

Notes

* Mt. Sabyinyo Volcano is locally known as “An Old man’s Tooth” because of its genetical look and formation
* Items to bring for the hike: Long-sleeved shirt/ trouser, walking sticks, raincoat, hiking boots, sunscreen/ Insect repellent, head caps, packed lunch & snacks on the hiking day, camera with battery, binoculars, bottled water, and garden gloves for cold weather at the summit

3 Day Hiking Mount Sabyinyo Uganda Prices Exclude:

* Laundry Services
* International Flights
* Rwanda/ Uganda Visa
* Porters fees while trekking
* All expenses of personal nature
* Insurance & personal shopping bills
* Gratuity to the local guides, Game Ranger, Porters