Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabinyo is situated within three countries in the Virunga ranges that is Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, the mountain has got three peaks the name Sabinyo is derived from a local Kinyarwanda word to mean “ old mans teeth”. The name is called so because the mountain summit looks like a worn out teeth in a gum line.
The mountains strategic location northeast of lake Kivu in Rwanda and west of lake Bunyonyi in Uganda makes it one of the best to hike in the Virunga ranges providing spectacular views in addition of being located in the adjoining national parks of the three countries.
Mount Sabinyo stands at an elevation of 3,645 meters above sea level, climbing mount Sabinyo takes about 8 hours round trip but the experience of being at the summit of three countries is worth encountering. In Uganda you can book with mount Mgahinga national park.
Mount Sabinyo offers a 360° experience of the Virunga ranges as it the axis of this magnificent mountain located in the western arm of the great east African rift valley which is one of the largest geographical features in the world.
Mount Sabinyo has got three peaks and conquering all the peaks will always depend on ones physical ability and fitness. The mountain can only be climbed from the Ugandan side due to the exceptional rugged nature of the terrain along the slopes with many craters of sharp ridges on the Congo and Rwanda side.
On the Ugandan side the climb is also tough but there are sections that have been provided with handmade ladders to help the trekkers, walking sticks are also always provided to assist tourists on climbing but you will be rewarded with a beautiful forest patch of Hagenia Hypericum at 2800-3200m then sub alpine zone above 3200m.
The trek kicks off at the parks headquarters with a briefing from the ranger guide,
There are porters always available for hire at an affordable fee to help you carry your lagage on the way
Mount Sabinyo also boasts with numerous activities that can be carried at its mountain slopes some of this can be seen below:
Golden monkey trekking
Just like mountain gorillas golden monkeys can also be found in only the Virunga ranges in the world and mount Mgahinga national park boasts with the highest concentration of this beautiful unique monkeys well known for their love of cameras and playful characters tourists can see groups of up to 40 members.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main tourists activity in mount Mgahinga national park, tourists can trek mountain gorillas and be given a period of one hour observation, you see gorillas go about their day to day activities like grooming each other, playing and so much more.
Wildlife viewing.
If tour lucky enough you will even come across some of the African wildlife along the trails to the peaks of mount Sabinyo, tourists can see animals such as elephants, buffalos, bush bucks and many more.
Birding
Uganda is a top tourists birding destination with over 1040 species of birds you will encounter birds such as the famous Ruwenzori Turaco, Ruwenzori double collared sun bird, grey crowned cranes, double toothed barbet and many more.
Tourists hiking mount Sabinyo should carry long sleeved clothes, water proof hiking boots, garden gloves, binoculars, packed lunch and snacks.
Tourists can get to Kisoro town in south western Uganda which 8 hours drive and then drive 14 kilometers to mount Mgahinga national park.
A permit for hiking mount Sabinyo costs $85.
