Muhabura Volcanic Hike

Muhabura Volcanic Hike is angelically done in both Rwanda and Uganda, the mountain is one of the highest peaks of the Virunga volcanic region straddling along borders, on the Rwandan side mountain Muhabura is situated within the Volcanoes National Park the conservation area is Africa’s oldest national park it is a known home to mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys in the northern part of Rwanda but also featuring 5 volcanic mountains Muhabura being one of them the mountain is the second highest in Rwanda after Mountain Karisimbi raising 4,127meters above sea level, climbing the mountain is a walk of the adventurous people as hiking through to the summit is the hardest climb compared to any other mountain within the conservation area.

The name ‘Muhabura” is obtained from a Kinyarwanda word meaning the scout while on the Ugandan side in Rukiga, the word means the guide, it is because of the heights of the mountain that they believed to lead through the park and is commonly used for navigating in the park, along the slopes of the mountain is growing beautiful vegetation in different altitudinal zones, in the bamboo forest it is possible to view wildlife, for example, golden monkeys, buffaloes, to mention a few, although these can be seen they are super rare to find within the conservation area.

Muhabura volcanic hike is a one-day hike to the summit it takes place beginning at the park headquarters with a briefing from the park rangers, they will check if hikers have all the equipment to begin their day off including warm clothes, waterproof hiking boots, rain gears,drinking water for the hike, navigating tools like books and compasses, first aid kits, porters in case of heavy backpackers and camera equipment the porters are always experienced and have hiked the mountain more than once, the speed of the hike usually depends on that of the last person on the group passing through the well-distributed trail of the forest. Visitors can be for the hike through the Rwanda Development Board or at the park site in Kiningi visitor center. Climbing the mountain starts at 7:00 am East African time taking up to 7 hours to reach the summit.  Descending the mountain is equally difficult due to its steep slope.

The Mountain Muhabura Volcanic hike is best done during the dry season between June-September, and December -January, the trails are much drier in this time compared to the wet season and hence can be easily accessed although there can be little rain even during this time. Other park activities of Volcanoes National Park include Gorilla trekking, it is the most sought of when it comes to visiting the national park, it takes place beginning at the park headquarters in Karisimbi in search of the gentle giants, golden monkey tracking, cultural experiences at the foothills of the mountain.

Volcanoes National Park is strategically placed 2 hours drive from Kigali International Airport or a 30-minute helicopter transfer from the Kigali International Airport, the scenic flight over the home of mountain gorillas is such an amazing experience.