The Virungas are a range of volcanic mountains shared between Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo. They are located in the western arm of the rift valley near the borders of the three countries and the name Virunga came from a local Rwandese word ‘ibirunga’ meaning volcanoes. The Virunga volcanic ranges are made up of 8 mountains standing several meters above sea level. They include mount Nyiragongo, mount Nyamuragira, mount Sabyinyo, mount Muhabura, mount Gahinga, mount Karisimbi, mount Bisoke and mount Mikeno.

These mountains are covered by thick dense equatorial forests and are homes to a number of wildlife species that include forest elephants, buffaloes, snakes, butterflies, unique tree species, monkeys and human’s closest relatives the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Many tourists travel to the Virungas for major wildlife activities like gorilla tours, chimpanzee tracking, birding, snake tracking and yet they could simply visit the Virungas with a specific interest of hiking any of the mountains. The hike can also be included on any of Uganda safari itinerary and to do activity.

Hiking the Virungas is a very worth activity because it’s a combination of various tourism products in one. Tourists going for a hike of any of the mountains have many chances of viewing the major wildlife dwellers of the forest along the slopes because hiking trails cut across them. Different birds, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys can be sighted en route up hill. Lets look at the hiking experiences one can get from the most outstanding Virunga volcanic mountains in Uganda.

Mount Sabyinyo

Located on the Uganda side near the border with Rwanda, this dormant volcanic mountain offers great mountain-hiking experiences to any tourist on the quest. The mountain stands at an altitude of about 3,645 meters above sea level. For all adventure lovers, mount Sabyinyo can be a good choice for a hike as it offers various sightings of the various wild animals species in the forests along its slopes.
There are very good guides who can help direct all the interested tourists up to the top where once there you realize the true beauty of the pearl of Africa mainly because of the stunning panoramic views of the unique scenery in Uganda and a view of both Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo.

The mount Sabyinyo hike can be completed in about 8 hours up hill and largely depends on one’s physical energy and ability.

Mount Muhabura Hike

This is located in southwestern Uganda and shared between Uganda and Rwanda. At a height of 4,127, mount Muhabura is the 3rd tallest Virunga volcano that when at its peak a tourist can have clear views of lake Edward, Bwindi impenetrable forest and the Rwenzori ranges on the side of Uganda and a view of the major peaks in the Virungas.

Being the 3rd highest mountain in the Virunga volcanoes, hiking it is not just a piece of cake but also rather a challenging but very interesting tourism experience. All tourists interested in the mount Muhabura hike should be physically fit and not allergic to cold environments. The mountain is also surrounded by thick equatorial rain forests and rainfall is therefore very unpredictable here because it may occur at any time of the day.

Hiking starts very early in the morning at the foothills through the various trails up hill with a lot of sights and sounds from nature’s unique wildlife species. It also takes about 8-9 hours. For greater tourist experiences, tourists are advised to hike this breathtaking mountain during the months of December, January, May, June and September with minimal amounts of rainfall.

Mount Gahinga

It’s located in Mgahinga gorilla national park located in southwestern Uganda near the border with Rwanda. Its about 3,474 meters above sea level and its slopes are also covered with dense equatorial rainforests that are homes to one of Uganda’s mountain gorilla family – Nyakagezi.
The jungles of Gahinga also have many primates especially monkeys, chameleons and many Albertine bird species.

The hike lasts for about 6 hours depending on the physical abilities of the hikers.

For all the above mountains, porters for hire are always available at reasonable prices and can help tourists carry their bags and camping equipment’s uphill.

Tourists interested are recommended to bring appropriate foot wear like strong shoes or boots, a light rain coat and water proof pants, a walking stick, packed snacks, sweaters and drinking water.