Exploring Mount Sabyinyo
Exploring Mount Sabyinyo : Mount Sabyinyo is another extinct volcano in Rwanda which stands at an elevation of 3,669 meters above the sea-level. It is known as the oldest in the Virunga ranges and stands between three countries to create marking for borders between Rwanda, democratic republic of Congo and Uganda. Mount Sabyinyo volcano is also connects the three national parks of the rain forest established by the three countries having a one similar and popular attraction that is , “mountain gorillas” and the parks includes volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga national park in Uganda. The mountain has got three peaks the name is driven from local Kinyarwanda word to mean “old man’s teeth”. The name is called so because the mountain summit looks like a worn-out teeth in a gum like.
The mountain is strategically located in the northeast of lake Kivu in Rwanda and west of lake Bunyonyi in Uganda makes it one of the best hike in the Virunga ranges offering awe-inspiring views in addition of being located in the adjoining national parks of the three countries.
Exploring mount Sabyinyo takes a traveler 7 to 8 days depending on the route and speed which is approximately 3,9669meters above the sea level but experience of being at the summit of three countries is worthy encountering and adventurous,
On Uganda side the hike is also tough but there are sections that have been offered with handmade ladders to help a climber or hiker, walking sticks are also always offered to assist a hiker on climbing but you will be rewarded with captivating forest patch of Hagenia Hypericum at 2800 to 3200 meters then sub alpine zone above 3200 meters.
Activities to do besides hiking at mount Sabyinyo
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most famous activity in mount Sabyinyo, due to the fact that Mount Sabyinyo volcano is also links the three national parks of the rain forest established by the three countries having a one similar and popular attraction that’s the mountain Gorillas, travelers can trek mountain gorillas and once found the trekker are given one hour in the presence of this fascinating and captivating apes to interact with them, observe hoe they carry their day to day activities like grooming each other, playing and many more. Photography is key and it is during the one hour, that you get time to capture images of these amazing primates in the wild
Golden monkey trekking
Just like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys can also be found in only the Virunga ranges in the World and Mgahinga national park boasts with the highest concentration of this amazing outstanding monkeys well known for their love of cameras and playful characters. This apes exploration introduces you deep in to Bamboo forest to search for a troop of already habituated golden monkey. The golden monkeys are often seen playing and jumping from tree to tree, when taking pictures, you must position yourself to capture the best images of this marvelous apes.
Birding
An estimated bird population of about 180 bird species live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and majority of these are Albertine rift and forest birds. they include grey crowned cranes, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori double collared sunbirds, Kivu ground thrush, Double-toothed barbet, grey capped warblers, Yellow-vented bulbul, speckled mousebird, fire finch, stone chat,
White-tailed blue flycatchers, dusky turtle dove, montane double collared sunbird, Blagden’s bush shrike, Alpine chat, black kite, handsome francolins, crowned hornbill, Chubb’s cisticola, yellow-throated longclaw, yellow-crowned canary, scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, grassland pipit, cinnamon chested bee-eaters and more.
What to carry on Sabyinyo volcano exploration?
The essentials to consider on your hiking adventure in Mgahinga National Park particular at mount Sabyinyo include rain jacket, long pants, hiking boots, sunscreen, trousers, waterproof daypack, camping gear/equipment, camera, long sleeved shirt, first aid kit, bottled drinking water, a sweater, insect repellent and on actual hiking day, carry the walking stick.
Hiking fees for mount Sabyinyo hike
Hiking through mount Sabyinyo begins at 8:00 am and you are required to pay for a permit. Each Sabyinyo volcano hiking cost 85US$ per person. This includes Guide or Ranger fees and park entrance. Permits can be got from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kisoro or we at Achieve Global Safaris can arrange for you including the accommodation facilities. . You can book the hike a day or two before but it is always better to book in advance . Hikes to the top of this magical volcano begin at Ntebeko offices of Mgahinga Park, Southwestern Uganda. An experienced guide will be allocated to lead your hiking group to the top of the Sabyinyo volcano.
Where to stay
There are many lodging choices in and around Mgahinga national park in Uganda. They include Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mgahinga rest camp, Gahinga lodge among others.
Hotels near Rushaga sector of Bwindi national park gorilla trekking, there are many accommodations visitors can book for overnight stay and connect to Mgahinga national park for hiking. This lodges includes Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Nshongi camp among others.
Getting to Mount Sabyinyo
by road: travelers can travel for about 8-10 hours from Kampala or Entebbe through Masaka-Mbarara to Kisoro where you can drive a short distance to Mgahinga National Park to hike through Mount Sabyinyo. From Kigali, visitors who prefer hiking Sabyinyo volcano can cross through Chanika border to Kisoro and then connect to Mgahinga National Park. Connecting from Kigali to Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda takes approximately 4-5 hours’ drive
By air; fly in tours can be arranged or planned for by a ground flight with us at Achieve Global Safari and the flights set off at Entebbe international airport or at Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro for your fascinating adventure hiking safari
Finally, Mount Sabyinyo offers one of the most challenging hiking adventures but it rewards climbers and hikers with life changing experiences. While on gorilla safari in Rwanda, never miss to climb to summits of this stunning volcano experience. Book Rwanda hiking safaris with us at Kibale National Park and enjoy the best of your travel adventure.
