The Mgahinga mountain national park is located in the South western corner of Uganda and it is commonly known for its mountain gorilla safaris but also Mountain climbing Adventure as a solo activity can be done. 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 as 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.
Mountain hiking can be coupled with activities like the golden monkey trek. You have to hike along those gentle although at some point the slopes are really steep but you need just about two-hours or so to find the golden monkeys. You will also go through former farmland right before you get to the bamboo forests and if it is a very clear day, you will be able to clearly see the Virunga Volcano range.
The mountain hike experience in this park can take you about 5 days since you have 3 mountains to hike and at the end of the trip, you will have hiked all these mountains namely, Gahinga. Sabyinyo and Muhab(v)ura. You can always follow such an itinerary if you are interested in this adventure.
Day 1: You drive to Kisoro/ Mgahinga National Park
On this very first day, you will leave Kampala and drive to Kisoro where Mt. Mgahinga national park is located. This park is the smallest in size covered to rest of Uganda’s national parks and it covers just about 33.7km. This park is located in a mountainous areas therefore it is largely covered by mountains thus the reason it is such a significant park but it’s particularly because of its connection to the Virunga mountain ranges. You will have lunch en route somewhere at the place of your choice and then proceed to Kisoro. As you drive through that hilly area, enjoy the beautiful scenery of western Uganda. When you arrive in the evening, you will check in at the hotel of your choosing, then have dinner and rest as you wait for tomorrow’s adventure. This hotel may be either Mount Gahinga lodge or even at Nkuringo safari lodge or any other depending on your budget.
Day 2: Hike Mt. Sabinyo
You start the day with breakfast at the lodge and then drive to the starting point for briefing before you start hiking Mt. sabinyo which is about 3669m 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 Uganda, Dr. Congo and Rwanda at the same 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 lope down and spend the night at.
Day 3: You will hike Mt. Gahinga
Mt. Gahinga is about 3474m high and you will spend most of the morning hiking this mountain which means you need to wake up early, have your breakfast and pack your lunch just before you start on your hiking adventure. Your guide will take you to the starting point for briefing and you together with your ranger as well as the porter if you need one will start the journey. As you stretch those muscles of yours for almost 6 hours, you will be amazed by what you will find in the jungle. You will have to go through thick forests and in no time you will be at the Gahinga peak. 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 the reason up to until today it’s only a swamp. After nature walks and scenic viewing, you will descend and head back to the lodge for your dinner and rest. This lodge will be the one you spent the previous night.
Day 4: Enjoy the Mt. Muhavura hike experience
After having breakfast, you will head out for yet another hike. On this day, you will go hike the highest of these mountains which is Muhabura 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 after having your breakfast and then start hiking to the peak of this volcano. While at the top, enjoy the scenery at the top of this Muhabura Mountain. You will get a clear view of Mt. Rwenzori’s peak and L. Albert, parts of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Later in the evening, you will descend and spend the night and also have dinner at the same hotel you spent the previous hotels.
Day 5: Drive back to Kampala
When you wake up, you will have your breakfast and then get started on your journey back to Kampala because this will be the last day of your safari. You will have a lunch break and you can always stop over at different craft shops, craft centers like at Mpambire and there you can find some sort of 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.
for more information about mountain hiking adventure sin Uganda, please visit http://www.adventureugandasafari.com/
