3 days Mount Sabinyo hike
3 days Mount Sabinyo hike adventure takes you to the hills of south-western Uganda, in the Virunga region for a memorable hiking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mount Sabinyo stands at 3,669 meters above the sea level and it’s the most challenging among all Virunga Volcanoes. In line with this mountain, there are two other mountains including Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhabura.
Welcome to Uganda and transfer to the Hotel
On arrive at the airport, you will by picked up transfer to your hotel for check in, have lunch and relax. You may go for a city tour of Entebbe town in case you arrive early and visit some places like Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Entebbe Zoo, sandy beaches for relaxation among many others
Accommodation: Via Via Hotel Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner.
Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro District
Very early in the morning, you will have breakfast and begin your drive to the South western part of Uganda, to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The driving time from Kampala to Mgahinga is roughly 12 hours with stopovers at the equator and lunch enroute. As well, you will go through various towns like Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and finally in Kisoro district far south western of Uganda. On arrival in Kisoro, you will drive to your hotel where you will spend your night as you have dinner and prepare for the next day adventure.
Briefly:
Mountain Sabinyo is part of a collection of 8 volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains in the Virunga region, lining along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Uganda, Mountain Sabinyo is one of the 3 Virunga volcanoes that make up the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The are 2 are Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. However, Mount Sabinyo has sharp ridges which makes hiking on it very challenging, but of course fun and rewarding. The only hiking trail on this mountain is on the Ugandan side when you enter Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mountain Sabinyo is uniquely shared by the 3 countries because it is located at the center of the volcano chain, hence offering incredible views of the mountains. At it’s peak, you get stand on the boarder point of these 3 countries hence giving hikers a rare chance to step in all the countries.
On the other hand, driving from Kigali to Mgahinga takes roughly 3 hours via kyanika border.
Accommodation: Traveler’s Rest Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Day adventure of Mount Sabinyo Hike
Today you will wake up very early in the morning, have breakfast and drive straight with your packed lunch, and transfer to the starting point of Mount Sabinyo hike. You will have a briefing from the park authorities/ guides about the rules and safety guidelines of hiking. At exactly 8:00am, you will start the hike to the base of the mountain with a lead guide. Ensure to carry enough drinking water to keep you hydrated and your packed lunch.
Hiking to the peak takes roughly 5 hours depending on the speed of the slowest person in the group. The summit of the volcano has a crater lake best for photography. Also, the summit of Mount Sabinyo offers you great views of other Virunga Volcanoes, Mgahinga park and local communities.
Things to see during your hike.
Besides hiking, Mount Sabinyo is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is the only place in the World where you can see the Mountain Gorillas and Golden monkeys in the same location. You can also book a Gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Also you can book for Golden monkey trekking here.
both these activities start very early in the morning as you have a briefing from the park head quarters, then head out with ranger guides. It’s an amazing experience that brings you closer to the Beasts of the East.
After this amazing adventure, you will descend to the starting point with endless memories. You will get back to the vehicles and drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight as you rest from that long hike.
Accommodation: Traveler’s Rest Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner. (packed lunch)
Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala/ Entebbe
On your last day, you’ll have breakfast and after embark on your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. The drive distance is about 12 hours to Kampala, and if you have a flight that same day, we recommend a late-night flight.
Alternatively, you can have a 3 hours drive to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda since it’s a shorter journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.