Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Sabyinyo is another of the Virunga mountains located in all the three countries and these are Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. The Mount Gahinga is majorly visited in the Mgahinga Gorilla national park of Uganda and the Mgahinga gorilla national park is famous for being a home to one mountain gorilla family, a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world. The Mgahinga gorilla national park is also one the ideal mountaineering destinations as there are a number of volcanoes that one can visit here.

The Mgahinga gorilla national park is not only a volcano base or mountain gorilla home but also a birders heaven as it is also popular for the forest high altitude bird species. The Mount Sabyinyo is located on the intersection between these three neighboring countries Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.

Hiking Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Sabyinyo may be located and seen in three countries however the most popular hike is the hike from the Ugandan side. The Mount Sabyinyo is currently an inactive volcanic mountain and is the oldest of the Virunga mountains. The mount Sabyinyo is located north east of the famous Lake Kivu and in the west of the lake Bunyonyi both great lakes of the region giving off a beautiful view from the top.

The Mount Sabyinyo is also the only volcano that is located in two of the other mountain gorilla homes besides the Mgahinga gorilla national park, which are the Volcanoes national park of Rwanda and the Virunga national park of the DR Congo however this volcano can only be accessed from the Rwanda side by tourists.

The hike to Mount Sabyinyo takes guests to the peak which is elevated at a height of 3,669 meters above sea level estimated to 12,037 feet so be sure to be mentally ready for these heights. Guests with height sickness should reconsider this hike or carry their medicines on the hike. The Mount Sabyinyo has a physical appearance of a rugged dental of an old man thus the name “Sabyinyo” which refers to an old man’s teeth in the local dialect spoken in the area.

The first peak of the Mount Sabyinyo is at an elevation of 3,423 on the Ugandan side and you will pass by it and further your hike to the peak. This is a one day but full day and engaging activity. The Mount Sabyinyo slopes are famous for having the mountain gorillas however a hike up this volcano doesn’t not guarantee you to see these gentle giants. There is a lower part on the hike if you opted to take it on, you would have to pay for the mountain gorilla permit for the Ugandan side which costs 700 USD.

Getting to the top of Mount Sabyinyo no lie is a challenging one and you will need to be physically fit for this one. The hike to the top of the volcano usually lasts about 7 to about 10 hours up hill and back down hill and this is why this is a very early morning activity. The Mount Sabyinyo has 3 peaks with the summit which is at 3,699 meters and this summit is located in all the three countries, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo.

Once at the top of the Mount Sabyinyo, you are able to spot all the three countries at a distance making this hike even more rewarding. The trail up hill is 8 miles to and from climb and is mostly vertical. You should know this is a demanding hike and you will surely testify to this when you take it on.

There are porters ready to assist with your luggage and also be of moral support but you are still advised to pack light and only the necessary things as luggage may slow you down or tire you out. A hike permit to the summit of the Mount Sabyinyo costs 80 USD with park entry and this activity is usually flagged off by a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides by 8am. You are accompanied by an armed ranger guide who is trained incase of need to chase off animals along the way and ensure guest’s safety.

The hike up the Mount Sabyinyo is a great chance to take on birding as well and on a great hike, guests can spot the Rwenzori turaco, an endemic bird of the area. The thrill of being in the home of the mountain gorillas also adds to the beauty of this adventure. Enjoy the alpine forest on the mountain and also take on the tricky handmade wooden ladders whose stability gets you thrilled.

Are you interested in hiking a volcano, the Mount Sabyinyo is one of the most rewarding of the volcanoes? Get in touch and let us plan for this activity on your Uganda safari.

Mount Sabinyo is also among the 8 chain of volcanoes in the Virunga. It is located in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This mountain provides and exceptional hiking Rwandan experience. It is among the dormant volcanoes and poses no threat to travelers and the people around it.

Different from the other volcanoes, this volcano is at the meeting point of the three Virunga countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. When you hike to the top people always joke about being in three countries at the same time with one Visa, It’s a magnificent feeling and you need not to miss it.

This mountain is rugged and it has a lot of craters on the top which in turn form a lot of ridges. Despite the fact that it is shared among st the three countries, it can only be hiked from Rwanda and it is too steep that some areas have handmade ladders to help you.

Like all the other Virunga volcanoes apart from Karisimbi which happens to be the highest, can be hiked in one day and it will take you about 4 hour to reach the top depending on your energy levels and other factors like weather.

You will have chance to see the Rwenzori turaco which is an endemic of the area and when you get to the summit you will have reached the meeting point of the three Virunga Countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.