Mount Muhabura Hike | Virunga Volcano Trekking Guide

Mount Muhavura, also known as Mount Muhabura, is one of the eight Virunga volcanoes located between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the third-highest volcano in the range, standing at 4,127 meters above sea level.

The Virunga Mountains are a chain of eight volcanic mountains stretching across Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. These volcanoes are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of Eastern gorillas found in these national parks. They are closely related to humans, sharing about 98% of human DNA. Just like humans have unique fingerprints, each gorilla has a unique nose print that helps researchers identify them.

The Virunga mountain range includes Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. All the volcanoes are shared between two countries, except Mount Sabyinyo, which is shared by three.

Mount Muhabura can be seen from many parts of both Uganda and Rwanda because of its steep, high slopes. The name Muhavura comes from the Kinyarwanda word meaning “guide,” as the mountain was once used by travelers for navigation.

At the summit, the volcanic cone is capped by a small, clear lake. The mountain is covered with alpine vegetation, and along the trail, you may see different bird species, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and occasionally gorillas. From the top, hikers are rewarded with wide views of five Virunga volcanoes, the Great Rift Valley, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

The hike to Mount Muhabura begins early in the morning at around 7:00 am, and a round trip takes about 8 hours. Campers can spend the night at the ranger post at the base of the mountain and start the climb the next day. Visitors must bring their own camping gear.

Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Trekking

While hiking Mount Muhabura, you can add gorilla trekking or golden monkey trekking to your trip. Gorilla trekking may take anywhere between 30 minutes and several hours, while golden monkey trekking usually takes less than three hours. Other activities available in the area include cultural tours, guided nature walks, and birdwatching.

What to Bring

When planning to hike Mount Muhabura, you need to be physically fit and well-prepared. Carry good hiking boots, garden gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothes, raincoats, drinking water, and energy snacks.

Best Time to Climb Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is from June to August and December to February, when the weather is dry, the trails are easier to hike, and the views are clear.