A hike at Mount. Sabinyo is a wonderfully thrilling tour experience in the Albertine Rift region and generally done in southwestern Uganda. Mount. Sabinyo is situated at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the Virunga Mountains and shared by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. Mount. Sabinyo is a volcano situated west of Lake Bunyonyi and northeast of Lake Kivu with its highest point at about 3,669 meters above sea level.
Hiking Mount Sabinyo requires being in good physical shape since this is an adrenaline-inducing adventure. Similarly, confirm that you do not have any chronic health condition as well as the fear of heights. The hike generally commences at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You should arrive there before 08:00 for briefing conducted by ranger guides about the hiking rules. They will lead you in an adventure that generally takes 8 hours, with 5 hours ascending to the summit and 3 hours descending.
Best time to go for a hike at Mount Sabinyo
A hike on Mount Sabinyo can be done throughout the year but, a more comfortable experience is better done during the dry months. The months of January, February, June, July, August and December receive minimal amounts of rainfall hence offer uninterrupted hiking adventures at Mount Sabinyo. The weather is also warm and dry which is significant for an outdoor activity like mountain hiking. This is also important to ensure that the hiking trails and access roads are drier and more passable compared to the more muddy and slippery trails and access roads in the wet season.
Traveling for a hike at Mount Sabinyo
To reach Mount Sabinyo from Kampala or Entebbe, you can either opt for road or air transportation. The road distance from Kampala/Entebbe south-westwards is estimated at 530 kilometers, making this scenic road adventure to take 10.5 to 11 hours. You could use air transport from Entebbe International Airport to the nearest airstrip in Kisoro. A scheduled flight by AeroLink takes about 1.5 hours and upon your arrival in Kisoro Airstrip, a guide from Monteero Safaris will meet and transport you by road to your destination at Mgahinga. This takes about 1 hour and covers a distance of almost 16 kilometers via Kabale and Kisoro.
Other activities to engage in while on a hike at Mount Sabinyo
Besides hiking Mount. Sabinyo, visitors can take pleasure in a variety of memorable tour experiences, such as,
Gorilla tracking tour, which a visitor can enjoy as they are guided into the dense forest to locate the Nyakagezi gorilla family for 3 to 5 hours. This is one of the most known tour attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that starts at Ntebeko Visitor Center at around 08:00 everyday. You must have a gorilla permit to track the endangered mountain gorillas and be in their presence for an hour.
Golden monkey tracking, is another exciting tour activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that offers an opportunity for visitors to track and spend an hour in the presence of the endangered primates. Experienced trackers and game rangers accompany visitors into the bamboo forest to locate the golden monkeys. If you wish to spend more time with these adorable creatures, you can go for the habituation experience which allows a full day in their presence.
Birdwatching tours, where birders should elevate their expectations of encountering more than 115 species of birds recorded in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This Important Bird Area houses numerous bird species including Albertine endemics. Some of these birds can be spotted at the Sabinyo Gorge. Examples include the handsome francolin, Rwenzori turaco, double collared sunbird, waxbills, speckled mousebird Rwenzori batis and paradise flycatcher.
The Batwa trail, which offers visitors a unique chance to be guided by the Batwa Pygmies into the forest to witness their former home. This tour experience also provides insight into the Batwa culture, lifestyle and experiences as hunter-gatherers and warriors. The trail also leads to the Garama cave, which was once the home of the Batwa king. You also have an exciting moment of being entertained through music, dance and drama presented by the Batwa themselves.
What to pack for a hike at Mount Sabinyo
While planning to travel to Uganda for a hike at Mount Sabinyo, pack the following items for a rewarding and safe tour experience,
A pair of strong hiking boots
Gaiters
Layered clothing
Water repellent jacket
Warm sweater
Pair of socks or stockings
Camera and extra batteries
A pair of binoculars
Sun protection items including sunglasses, suncream and a hat or cap
Refillable water bottle with drinking water
Snack box with light snacks or picnic lunch
Insect repellent
First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers etc.
Garden gloves
Hiking poles
Travel documents
Backpack to hold most of the essential items