The Virunga Mountains are a chain of 8 volcanic mountains straddling across Virunga national park in democratic republic of Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. The volcanoes are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are a sub species of Eastern gorillas inhabiting the above national parks, they are human close relatives sharing about 98 percent DNA and just like humans have thumb prints unique to each individual, gorillas have their nose prints unique to each of them .
The Virunga range volcanoes include; mount Karasimbi, mount Bisoke, mount Nyirangongo, mount Nyamuragira, mount Sabinyo, mount Mikeno, mount Gahinga and mount Muhabura. All the volcanoes are shared between two countries except mount Sabinyo shared by 3 countries.
Mount Muhavura
Mount Muhavura also sometimes known as mount Muhabura is among the chain of 8 Virunga mountains straddling across Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. Mount Muhabura is the third highest of the volcanoes standing on an elevation of 4127 meters above sea level.
Mount Muhabura can be seen from many parts of Uganda as well as Rwanda because of its high slopes, the mountain derives its name from the local Kinyarwanda word Muhavura translated to mean “guide” this was so because of the historical use of the mountain to aid navigation.
The volcanic cone at the top is capped by a small beautiful lake. The mountain is characterized by alpine vegetation and you will spot various species of birds, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys and even gorillas if you’re lucky. The reward at the top with spectacular views of 5 of the Virunga volcanoes, the Great Rift Valley, Lake Edward and Mountains of the moon.
The climb to mount Muhabura starts very early morning at 7am and a round trip takes only 8 hours, those camping can sleep at the ranger post at the base of the volcano to start the trip the next day but you should come with your own camping gear.
Gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking
While hiking mount Muhabura, you can compliment your trip by trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in or golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking takes 30 minutes to several hours while golden monkey trekking cannot take over three hours. Other activities you can get involved in are cultural encounters, nature guided walks or birding.
What to bring
When planning to hike mount Muhabura, you don’t need to be only physically fit but carry hiking gear like good hiking boots, garden gloves, sun glasses, sun screen, warm clothes, rain coats, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks and so much more.
Best time to visit
Mount Muhabura can be visited all year round but the best time is from June to august and December to February when its dry and the hiking trails are in good condition plus the view is also excellent.
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