Mount Muhabura, also known as Muhavura Mountain, is an extinct volcano located on the border of Rwanda and Uganda. It is one of the famous Virunga ranges that stretch across three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. These mountains are home to the remaining population of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Mount Muhabura View from Lake Mutanda, Kisoro
Mount Muhabura is the third-highest of the eight volcanoes, with an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level. The name “Muhabura,” or “Muhavura,” comes from a local Kinyarwanda word meaning “the Sentinel” in Rwanda and “the Guide” in Uganda.
Mount Muhabura is one of the steepest and most challenging Virunga volcanoes to climb. The mountain features a beautiful crater at the summit, about 400 meters wide, providing spectacular views of the twin lakes Ruhondo and Burera.
There are three resting points while climbing Mount Muhabura:
- First point: At 3,116 meters above sea level.
- Second point: At 3,855 meters above sea level.
- Final point: The summit at 4,127 meters above sea level.
The vegetation at the top of Mount Muhabura is drier compared to the rest of the park.
Hiking Muhabura Mountain
Mount Muhabura features a small crater at the top, offering amazing views of Rwanda’s twin lakes, farmlands, and other Virunga volcanoes. You can climb Mount Muhabura from either the Ugandan or Rwandan side.
- In Uganda, the hike is guided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority at the Ntebeko Visitors Center.
- In Rwanda, visitors start at the Kinigi Visitors Center.
Ranger guides are available in both countries to assist climbers, and porters can be hired at an affordable cost to carry luggage. The mountain has steep terrain and typically takes about 8 hours for a round trip, including ascending and descending. Climbers should bring packed lunch and plenty of drinking water.
The best time to climb Mount Muhabura is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February, when trails are in good condition and rainfall is minimal. Climbing Mount Muhabura is challenging, so it is important to carry proper hiking gear.
Activities Near Mount Muhabura
Below are some of the tourist activities near Mount Muhabura.
- Gorilla Trekking: The bamboo vegetation on the slopes of Mount Muhabura is home to mountain gorillas. In Rwanda: Trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park for $1,500. In Uganda: Trek the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park for $800. It’s important to acquire permits in advance, especially during the dry season when demand is high.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Golden monkeys are abundant on Mount Muhabura, with their population in Mgahinga National Park estimated between 3,000 and 4,000. Groups of golden monkeys can include up to 80 individuals. Unlike gorillas, they are comfortable with camera flashlights.
- Bird Watching: Mount Muhabura is home to many bird species, some endemic to the Albertine Rift. Bird species include: Ruwenzori Turaco, Chaplin’s Flycatcher, Grauer’s Warbler, Speckled Mousebird, Alpine Whydah, Kivu Ground Thrush and the African Fish Eagle.
Preparation for the Hike
Tourists climbing Mount Muhabura should bring: Packed lunch, Drinking water, Waterproof hiking boots, Warm clothing, Raincoats, Garden gloves, Energy snacks, Insect repellents and a Sunscreen.
Porters are available at the park headquarters in both Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park, and their charges typically do not exceed $25.
Climbing Costs
The cost of climbing Mount Muhabura is $80 per person. The activity is suitable for physically fit tourists and typically takes 5-6 hours, depending on the climber’s speed.
The hike starts with a briefing at the park headquarters at 7:00 am.
Getting There
Mount Muhabura can be accessed: From Uganda via a 10-hour drive from Kampala and from Rwanda via a 3-4 hour drive from Kigali. The easiest route is to fly into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park. For a more adventurous experience, visitors can hike from the Ugandan side.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September and December to February), when trails are not muddy and slippery.
Accommodation – Where to Stay
Tourists visiting Mount Muhabura can stay at: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, or Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Best View Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge. Accommodation choice will depend on the visitor’s budget and preferences.
Other notable volcanoes in the Virunga range include: Mount Bisoke, Mount Mikeno, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Sabyinyo.
