Hiking is a big attraction; the Mgahinga Park has 3 dormant volcanoes believed to have formed in the mid Pleistocene era about 1.8 million years ago and form part of the Virunga chain of 8 volcanoes. Depending on visitor’s fitness levels, an experience Uganda Wildlife Authority guide helps you to choose and make the most of your time.
Mt. Muhabura is the tallest at (4,127) meters above sea level with 36 meters wide Crater Lake on its summit. Muhabura means guide as referred to by the BaTwa and Bafumbira people. It’s the tallest and difficult to hike taking a full day including steep climbing ladders. Though, it’s a great location to enjoy spectacular scenic views of all the Virunga chain of 8 volcanoes as well as snow capped peaks of Mt. Rwenzori.
Mt. Gahinga (3,473) meters above sea level is the lowest and easy to hike about 6-8 hour loop trail leads to a 180 meters wide swamp that covered up the Crater Lake on top. According to the local legend, Gahinga means a pile of volcanic stones that surround the local farmlands on its lower slopes, hence the name of the park, Mgahinga.
Mt. Gahinga is mostly loved not for less strenuous hikes, but for the 2 km stretch of bamboo zone and a trail ladder access to the middle of the beautiful swamp where lucky visitors encounter serval cats hunting black fronted duikers. Golden monkeys and blue monkeys can also be spotted.
Mt. Sabinyo has a toothed summit a reason why it’s referred to as an old man’s teeth by the locals. Visitors hike past several deep gorges and ravines before standing in a great location where the three countries Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo borders meet.
Visitors require no special equipment to hike any of the volcanoes and usually done during day.