Discover the thrill of hiking three stunning Virunga volcanoes in Uganda’s breathtaking Mgahinga National Park.
Discover the thrill of hiking three stunning Virunga volcanoes — Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhabura — in Uganda’s breathtaking Mgahinga National Park. This 6-day adventure offers challenging trails, spectacular views, and a unique rest day filled with cultural insights into the Batwa community. Perfect for adventurers ready to explore rugged landscapes and vibrant local traditions, you’ll be guided by expert rangers and stay in comfortable lodges. From bamboo forests to volcanic craters and panoramic summits, this journey combines physical challenge with immersive cultural experiences in one of Uganda’s most scenic regions.
Arrive in Kisoro, either by road from Kampala or Entebbe (approximately 9–10 hours) or by domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or hotel. In the afternoon, meet with your local guide for a detailed briefing about the hikes, gear requirements, and safety protocols. If time allows, take a light walk around Kisoro town or enjoy views over Lake Mutanda to help your body adjust to the altitude. Dinner and overnight stay in Kisoro.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ntebeko Visitor Center, the trailhead for Mount Gahinga. The hike begins around 8:00 AM and lasts approximately 6–7 hours round trip, passing through bamboo forests and lush montane vegetation. The summit features a swamp-filled crater and panoramic views of nearby volcanoes. This is considered the easiest of the three hikes and is a good warm-up. Return to Kisoro in the afternoon for dinner and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After another early breakfast, head back to Ntebeko for the Mount Sabinyo hike. This is a challenging full-day trek (8–10 hours) involving steep ascents, rugged terrain, and several wooden ladders to navigate narrow ridgelines. The highlight is reaching the summit where Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC converge — a rare opportunity to stand in three countries at once. Descend and return to your lodge for a well-earned dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Take a full day to rest and recover from the first two hikes. In the morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a cultural experience — visit the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers of the region, and learn about their traditional ways of life, music, and herbal medicine. Alternatively, relax by Lake Mutanda, enjoy a canoe ride, or visit local markets. This day allows your body to recharge before taking on the final and most demanding peak. Overnight in Kisoro.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for the toughest challenge: Mount Muhabura, the tallest of the three. After breakfast, transfer to the trailhead at Muhabura base camp. The trail is steep and can be taxing, with an ascent through open grassland and volcanic rock. The round trip takes 8–9 hours, culminating in a crater lake at the summit and sweeping views of the entire Virunga range. Return to Kisoro in the evening for your final overnight stay, celebrating the successful conquest of all three peaks.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, or transfer to Kisoro Airstrip if you’re flying out. Alternatively, spend a few extra hours enjoying the tranquil environment around Lake Mutanda before departure. End of the tour.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
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