Volcano climbing is one popular adventure lie by travelers on Uganda safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The small forest Park is home to three of the 8 volcanos that make up a chain of 8 mountains in the Virunga Conservation Area. Volcanic mountains are among the top attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the entire Virunga Massif. Superfine safaris gives you a detailed guide to climbing volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
In addition to volcanic mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas habituated into the Nyakagyezi family, which makes it one of the four gorilla trekking destinations in the whole country. The park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, and it’s the only place in Uganda where these playful creatures are seen. For birders, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters over 250 bird species, 17 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
The popular activities done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Mountain gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking, Batwa cultural trail, Bird watching, nature walking, and volcano climbing, among others. A combination of one or more activities offers you the best of Uganda tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National park
Guide to Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
For determined adventure seekers, here is a detailed guide for volcano climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As said earlier, Mgahinga Park is located in the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes that straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Mount Gahinga
Standing at 3,474 meters above sea level, Mount Gahinga is the shortest Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which provides a less demanding but rewarding hiking experience to adventure seekers. The hiking time up and down the hill is roughly 6 hours, which makes it an easy-to-trek volcano compared to the sister Volcanoes. The lower slopes of Mount Ghainga are covered by bamboo forests, which shelter various wild animals and birds. The summit of the Volcano is comprised of swamp, which shelters various bird species. Physically challenged travelers with a desire to hike can choose Mount Gahinga for a less challenging mountain hiking experience.
Mount Sabyinyo
Named after the” old man’s tooth” due to its jagged peaks, Mount Sabyinyo is the second highest Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, standing at 3,669 meters above sea level. Mount Sabyinyo offers quite a challenging hiking experience to travelers, lasting for roughly 8 hours up and downhill. The Mount Sabyinyo is shared by borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This means that the volcano can be hiked from any of the three countries.
However, the summit is located in Uganda, and the reason why is registered in Mgahinga Park. The peak of the volcano offers travelers scenic views of the Virunga Massif, local communities, and other attractions in the three countries. The slopes of the Volcano offer travelers unique photo opportunities
Mount Muhabura
Standing at 4,127 meters above sea level, Mount Muhabura is the tallest Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The summit of Mount Muhabura features a crater lake. You will enjoy the stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Gorilla National Parks, and local communities. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Mount Muhabura This is the most strenuous of the hikes but provides the best views.
Other Volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area
Mount Karisimbi
Located in the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Karisimbi is the highest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area standing at 4507 meters above sea level. The Volcano is one of the most hiked volcanoes, the favorite for most adventure seekers. Our customized 2 days Mount Karisimbi Volcano is the bet package to conquer this iconic Volcano. The slopes of Mount Karisimbi shelters Karisimbi Gorilla family and oher wildlife there
Mount Bisoke
Also located in Volcanoes National park on the borders of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Bisoke is yet another popular volcano, the most hiked by day trekkers on Rwanda tours. The Volcano stands at 3711 meters above sea level and is one of the easy to hike Volcanoes
Mount Nyuragongo
The active stravolcano is located in Virunga National park whose summit shelters the world’s largest lava lake with boiling lava. The 3 Days Mount Nyiragongo Volcano is a suitable package to hike this active volcano. Spend a night on the slopes of the Volcano giving you chance to peep into the boiling lava lake that glows in the night. The volcano stansda at 3470 meters above sea level overlooking Virunga National park
Mount Nyamuragira
This is the most active Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area which last erupted in 2021. The Volcano stands at 3058 meters above sea level and is closed for hiking to ensure safety of travelers. The slopes of the Volcano are covered by forests which shelters various birds and wild animals.
Mount Mikeno
Mount Mikeno stands at 4437 meters above the sea level and its one of the less popular Volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. The Volcano is the second highest Volcano after Mount Karisimbi and the 13th Volcano in the whole world.
Best time for Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The dry seasons (December to March and June to September) are the most favorable for climbing, offering drier and less slippery trails. The rainy seasons (late March to May and October to November) can make hiking difficult and potentially dangerous.
Packing List for Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
For travelers planning a hiking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the below packing list for hiking is a not miss if you want to have a less stressful hiking adventure
Sturdy hiking boots
Waterproof rain gear
Layers of warm clothing
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat)
Adequate water and energy-boosting snacks
A comprehensive first-aid kit
Camera to capture the stunning scenery
Hiking poles can be very useful.
Booking a hiking Tour to Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Booking Mgahinga Volcano climbing safaris can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for tourism in Uganda. Alternatively Superfine Safaris is your reliable travel company to book a hiking tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Contact us today, for a customized Uganda hiking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
