Hiking & Nature Walks in Mgahinga

5 Day, 4 Nights | Mountain Climbing & Nature Hikes

Overview

The 5 Day Hiking & Nature Walks in Mgahinga trip is well planned for nature lovers that would like to take it deeper into the African mountain rainforest of Mgahina. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda is only 33 sq km in size, located in the far southwestern corner bordering Rwanda to the south and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Each of these countries protects its own share of the Virungas. This Park was gazette in 1991 and it covers the northern slopes of the three Virunga Volcanoes namely; Mt. Gahinga (3474m high), Mt. Muhavura (4,127m) and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645m). The three parks together form the ‘Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) totaling to 434-sq. km of which Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the Virunga conservation Area.

The hike takes you through very thick forests; you will go through the very deep and thick Sabinyo Gorge which is a really great bird watching spot. A visit to this gorge gives you a perfect birding opportunities thus a chance to find the popular Rwenzori Turaco bird. This walk will also take you through the Rugezi Swamp which is also a great fantastic bird watching spot.

The route along the Congo border goes through different vegetation zones and at one point you will be able to clearly see the calderas on top of Gisozi hill, you will also have a nice view of Kisoro as well as the Bunagana towns. You will be amazed by how beautiful Lake Mutanda appears.

Highlights

Hiking Mt. Gahinga (3474m high),
Hiking Mt. Muhavura (4,127m)
Hiking Mt. Sabinyo (3,645m)

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala — Mgahinga National Park

After an early breakfast, a driver guide will pick you from your hotel within Kampala and drive you to the southwestern side of Uganda. Along the way, you will see homesteads, serene vegetation types, Tea plantations, Banana plantations, Ankole long horned cattle among others. A stop at the equator for Photograph.

Continue to Mbarara town for lunch at Agip Motel. Proceed to Kisolo district where Mgahinga National park is located, which is the smallest among Uganda’s parks. The park is located in mountainous areas and it’s connected to Virunga mountain ranges thus making it a significant park for visiting.

Check in to Nkuringo Safari Lodge (Dinner)

Day 2: Hike Mt. Sabinyo

After your breakfast with packed lunch, drive to the starting point for briefing before you start hiking Mt. sabinyo which is about 3,645m high up in the sky. This hike takes almost 8 hours if you are to enjoy this amazing hiking experience. During this hike, you will get the chance to enjoy a triple experience since you will be in Uganda, Dr. Congo and Rwanda at the same time because this mountain is shared by the 3 countries. From the mountain top, you will have an amazing view of the mountain slopes. Later in the day, you will slope down and drive back to your lodge.

Overnight at Nkuringo Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Hike Mt. Gahinga

After an early breakfast with packed lunch, your driver will take you to the starting point for briefing. Along the way look out for wildlife like buffaloes, Elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, black fronted duikers among others. Start the journey with your ranger to the top of Mt. Gahinga which is about 3474m high. You will go through a gorge which is a bird spotting area as well as the thick forest as you look out for early morning birds like the Rwenzori Turaco, the Cape Robin-chat, Bronze Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and Black-headed Waxbill among others. You will see the very flourishing swamp which was originally a crater lake but when the papyrus started growing in there, it spread so fast thus making it a swampy area. After nature walks and scenic viewing, you will come down and drive back to your lodge.

Overnight at Nkuringo Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Mt. Muhavura Hiking experience

After an early breakfast with packed lunch, you will head out for yet another hike. On this day, you will go hike the highest of these mountains which is Muhavura Mountain rising up to 4127metres. This height will give you more exposure in terms of scenery especially when you are at the top compared to the other two. On this day, you will depart from the Mt. Muhavura base in the morning and then start hiking to the peak of this volcano. While at the top, you will get a clear view of Mt. Rwenzori’s peak and Lake Albert and part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. In the evening come down and drive back to your lodge.

Overnight at Nkuringo Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Mgahinga — Kampala

After an early breakfast, drive back to Kampala. Another opportunity yet to see homesteads, tea plantations, Banana Plantations, Ankole long horned cattle among others. A stopover in Mbarara town for Lunch at Agip motel. Proceed to Mpambire craft Centre to buy yourself souvenir that you can carry home. The guide/ driver will drop you at the airport if you have a flight to catch on that very day otherwise, he will drop you at the hotel of your choice in Kampala.

End of Adventurous Safari