Mountain Sabinyo Volcano

Mountain Sabinyo Volcano is an extinct Volcano located in East Africa in the Virunga Mountains North East of Lake Kivu one of Africa’s largest lakes and West of the stunning Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda.

The Mountain Volcano elevates about 3,669 metres (12,037 ft) spanning the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Uganda as well as in the various safari destinations in these three countries i.e Mgahinga National park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.

Also referred to as the “Old Man’s Teeth” and prominently known for inhabiting the rare species of Mountain Gorillas.

Mountain Sabinyo VolcanoIt is among the eight Virunga Volcanoes offering remarkable views at the other Virunga Volcanoes.

Hiking/ Climbing Experience of Mountain Sabinyo Volcano

Hiking Adventures along Mountain Sabinyo Volcano can be done only in Uganda not the other two countries i.e Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Mountain Volcano can be hiked in one day for 8 hours i.e 4 Hours to hike to the top and 4 hours to descend the Mountain Volcano.

The whole process begins from starts at the park offices where you will be met and briefed by the Park Ranger Guides where you will be provided with walking/ hiking sticks as well as porters who can be hired to help you on your hiking experience.

You will transfer through vegetation from the bamboo zone between 2400 – 2800m watching Golden Monkeys playing within the tree branches as well as other wildlife animals i.e Buffaloes and Elephants. You will spot the stunning forest patch of Hagenia Hypericum lying between 2800 – 3200m and the Rwenzori Blue Turaco which is endemic to this region.

When you reach the summit, you will explore all the three summits where you will have an opportunity to view all the three countries.

Attractions in Mountain Sabinyo

Flora and fauna

Mgahinga’s slopes are covered with a series of distinct altitudinal bands of vegetation with 39 species of mammal and 79 birds. Larger mammals include elephant, leopard, buffalo and bush pig but these are rarely seen.

Mgahinga’s most famous resident is the mountain gorilla. Less famous but equally rare and deserving of protection is the golden monkey which is found only in the Virungas and in one other forest in Rwanda. Notable bird species include the Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black kite and crowned crane.

Local people

Kisoro District is heavily populated with 331 people/ km2 with two main ethnic groups. The most numerous are the Bafumbira who are primarily farmers.

Vegetation at Mount Sabinyo VolcanoThe Batwa, who once practiced a subsistence hunter-gather life in the forest, form a minority group.

Ntebeko Visitor Centre

Park activities are arranged from the Visitor Centre at Ntebeko. A viewing platform, 800m uphill from the Visitor Centre, provides good views of the park and the surrounding areas where by a guide is not necessary and access is free.

Packing List for the Mountain Sabinyo Volcano HikeHiking Gear to Mountain Sabinyo Volcano

  • Hiking/ Trekking Boots
  • Stocking Hat/ Cap for Warmth
  • Rain Jacket
  • Woolen Gardening Gloves
  • Long Sleeved Shirt/ T-shirt
  • Long Pants not jeans
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Camera

Hiking Tours to Mountain Sabinyo Volcano

We have numerous Safari Tours to the prominent Mountain Sabinyo Volcano and these include the 3 Days Mount Sabinyo Hiking Tour, 5 Days Gorilla & Mount Sabinyo Hike, 6 Days Mount Sabinyo & Gorilla Tour.

The peaks

Mgahinga has three volcanic peaks, Muhubura(4127m), Sabyinyo (3669m) and Mgahinga (3474m). These can all be climbed. Though no specialist equipment is required, a reasonable level of fitness is necessary if you intend to enjoy the experience.

The names of the three peaks come to life in translation. Muhabura means ‘the guide’ and its towering cone is a prominent landmark. During the 19th Century its crater still glowed to provide a natural lighthouse for travelers.