Mount Sabyinyo, also known as Sabino, is located at the border of Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. The word “Sabyinyo” comes from a local word meaning “Iryinyo,” which translates to “tooth,” as the summit of this mountain resembles worn-out teeth in a gum line.
Mount Sabyinyo offers panoramic views of three countries from its summit. However, the mountain can only be climbed from the Ugandan side, at Mgahinga National Park, as the Rwandan and Congolese sides are too steep with sharp ridges.
Mount Sabyinyo stands at an elevation of 3,645 meters above sea level and requires tourists to be physically fit to climb. The mountain features Hagenia Hypericum forest, lobelia bush, alpine meadows, and bamboo forests.
Other Virunga Mountains include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Mikeno, and Mount Nyamuragira.
History of The Mount Sabyinyo Volcano
Mgahinga National Park was established in 1991 to protect endangered mountain gorillas. Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest of the Virunga massif volcanoes, formed during the early Pleistocene Epoch, which began about 2.6 million years ago and lasted until 11,700 years ago.
Climbing Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo can be climbed in one day, with about 4 hours of hiking to the summit and 4 hours descending. The duration depends on the speed and fitness of the group.
The mountain can be reached by road from Kampala with a 9-hour drive. Alternatively, you can fly into Rwanda and then travel by car to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Tourists are advised to bring heavy clothing, raincoats, socks, garden gloves, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Mount Sabyinyo has three peaks, and hiking starts with a briefing at the Mgahinga National Park office.
Porters can be hired at $15-$25 per person to help carry luggage.
The best time to hike Mount Sabyinyo is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September. Although it can be climbed in the rainy season, the rocks become slippery, muddy, and the weather unfavorable.
Hiking costs $85 per person, which includes the ranger guide fee but excludes porter fees.
Entry Fee
Mgahinga National Park does not charge an entry fee for hiking Mount Sabyinyo. The cost is $85 for foreign non-residents and foreign residents, while East African citizens pay 50,000 Ugandan shillings.
This fee includes the hiking permit.
For gorilla trekking at Mgahinga National Park, the cost is $800 per person for foreign non-residents and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.
Golden monkey trekking costs $100 for foreign non-residents and 40,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.
Hiking Permit Fees
A hiking permit costs $85 for foreign non-residents and 50,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens. The fee includes the park entry and ranger guide costs.
Permits can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro or Kampala or through a trusted tour operator. Booking can be done 1-2 days before the hike or earlier.
The hike takes about 8 hours round trip and includes 4 hours to the summit and 4 hours descending.
Mount Sabyinyo can only be climbed from the Ugandan side due to its rugged terrain, with sharp ridges and craters on the Rwandan and Congolese sides.
Ladders have been installed on the Ugandan side to assist trekkers.
The climb begins with a morning briefing at the park headquarters. Walking sticks and porters can be hired at an affordable price.
The hike passes through bamboo vegetation (2,400–2,800 meters), home to golden monkeys. Hagenia Hypericum vegetation starts from 2,800 meters to over 3,200 meters in the sub-alpine zone.
The summit of Mount Sabyinyo is the meeting point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering amazing views.
Other Activities Around Mount Sabyinyo
- Golden Monkey Trekking: While hiking, tourists can also trek golden monkeys for $50 per person, with no limits on group size. Golden monkey habituation costs $100 per person. Tracking these unique creatures takes about 3 hours and starts at 7:30 am. Mgahinga National Park is home to about 3,000-4,000 golden monkeys.
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s top tourist activities. It is available in Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Tourists can trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park, which has 9 members, including 4 silverbacks. After locating the gorillas, tourists have one hour to observe them.
- Bird Watching: Mgahinga National Park has over 115 bird species. Some birds to spot include Whydah, speckled mousebirds, Ruwenzori Turaco, olive pigeons, paradise flycatchers, and Archers robin chat.
- Visit Garama Caves: The Garama Caves, 3 kilometers from Ntebeko, were a sacred place for the Batwa people, who used them as council chambers.
- Batwa Trail: The Batwa people, known as the “People of the Forest,” lived in the Mgahinga and Bwindi forests for over 500,000 years. A guided trail offers insight into their unique culture and ancient stories about the forest.
Mount Sabyinyo Location
Mount Sabyinyo is located in East Africa near the Albertine Rift in the Virunga Mountains. It is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Uganda, it is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; in Rwanda, it is in Volcanoes National Park; and in Congo, it is in Virunga National Park.
The mountain is accessible from Kampala by an 8-9 hour drive to Kisoro, followed by a 14-kilometer drive to the park.
Chartered flights are also available from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip.
Best Time to Climb Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February.
During this time, trails are not muddy or slippery, and the skies are clear, offering beautiful views.
Accommodation – Where to Stay
There are no accommodations on Mount Sabyinyo, but you can stay near Mgahinga National Park or in Kisoro Town.
Options include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Travelers Rest Hotel, Amajambere Iwachu Community Camp, Kisoro Tourists Hotel, Mgahinga Rest Camp, and Mutanda Lake Resort.
