Muhabura Mountain is an extinct volcano found within the Virunga mountain ranges in Kisoro District (Uganda) lying in the border between Rwanda and Uganda. It’s the third (3rd) highest mountain out of the eight major =mountains in the Virunga mountain ranges reaching up to 4,127m (13,540 feet). Muhabura is shared by two countries with some part in the volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the other part is found in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
Mount Muhabura’s beauty goes beyond the visual one; it also covers the adventurous activities that are engaged in once there. It provides the best hiking experience in Uganda and one of the most loved in East Africa and of Africa at large. It takes around eight hours for hikers to reach the top of this mountain, having walked through the beautiful terrains which are varied. Once at the top, you are rewarded with scenic views of the Virunga volcanic massif, and clear sights of Lake Edward, Bwindi impenetrable forest and the peaks of the Rwenzoris.
Muhabura’s open slopes are covered with thick shrubs and thickets which are broad spanned plants looking like Yucca. Walk through muddy and slippery grounds as it rains on and off, and as you get to the summit, you meet small crater ponds. You also encounter swamps in the saddles of the volcanoes that retain water all year throughout. Truthfully, the beauty of mount Muhavura is a worthwhile visit.
Standing tall with its high summit in the volcanoes national park, Mt Muhabura is one of the most easterly volcanoes marking the boarder of Rwanda and Uganda in the Virunga ranges. You can enjoy the admirable views over the other five volcanoes and also the twin lakes. Near the summit, there is a small crater lake which is still in its original state hiding in a slight hollow like shape, and the vegetation is always drier than all other regions in the Virunga national park, with a fantastic view of the giant heather that are seen thriving on the slopes of volcanoes national park.
The slopes of Mt Muhabura are very step and climbing it requires average physical strength. The name Muhabura in the local dialect (Kinyarwanda) literally means “Guide” connected to the historical use of mountain to aid mobility with its rock containing crystals of augite that can be seen from many parts of the country. Hiking this mountain typically takes a full day, and the trek commences early morning 7:00am from the base of the mountain. It is highly recommended that the climbers should get the porters (hike assistants) to help them carry their luggage (bags and hiking materials) during the process.
Hiking this mountain is so adventurous and the place is worthwhile visiting to admire such amazing hike on this mountain. It feels great walking through the beautiful varying terrains that often looks like a desert, viewing at the open slopes; you see a beautiful cover of thick shrubs and thickets of evergreen plants.
Hiking this mountain requires a walking stick, hiking shoes; head caps, packed lunch and drinks and a rain jacket, the trails that lead to see all the three peaks are usually foggy in the mountains, muddy and slippery since this area receives rainfall anytime of the day.
Although hiking this mountain is physically demanding because of its steep slopes, it gives a clear view of Uganda, DR. Congo and Rwanda at the same time.