4-Day Virunga Hiking
Uganda
Overview
Mount Sabinyo – Mount Muhavura – Mount Gahinga
Explore the Virunga ranges on foot. Wild terrain, misty peaks, and unforgettable lake views await.
94% of travelers recommend this experience
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Important information
Inclusions
- Road transport for the entire duration of the trip.
- Meals as indicated in the safari program.
- An English-speaking driver/guide.
- One liter of bottled water per day.
- Accommodation as indicated in the safari program
- The activities indicated in the safari program.
Exclusions
- Visas/entry permits to Uganda if required.
- Accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe after the excursion.
- Personal insurance covers.
- Tips, drinks and souvenirs
- All items of a personal nature
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change
Itinerary
0
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kisoro via Masaka – Mbarara
Distance: ~470 km | Travel Time: ~9–10 hours
Route: Kampala – Kayabwe – Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale – Kisoro
Highlights:
Brief stop at Kayabwe (Equator line) for a photo and quick refreshments.
Drive through lush rolling hills and banana plantations.
Lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre (Mbarara)
A great spot to sample local dishes like eshabwe and millet bread.
Visit the mini-museum if time allows – it celebrates Ankole culture and history.
Evening Arrival in Kisoro:
Check-in and dinner at a cozy lodge nestled in the highlands of Kisoro.
Altitude: ~1,900m – start acclimatizing for the hikes.
Route: Kampala – Kayabwe – Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale – Kisoro
Highlights:
Brief stop at Kayabwe (Equator line) for a photo and quick refreshments.
Drive through lush rolling hills and banana plantations.
Lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre (Mbarara)
A great spot to sample local dishes like eshabwe and millet bread.
Visit the mini-museum if time allows – it celebrates Ankole culture and history.
Evening Arrival in Kisoro:
Check-in and dinner at a cozy lodge nestled in the highlands of Kisoro.
Altitude: ~1,900m – start acclimatizing for the hikes.
1
Day 2: Hike Day – Mount Muhavura / Gahinga / Sabinyo (choose one)
Early Breakfast
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Headquarters (~30 mins from Kisoro town) for registration and pre-hike briefing (start time: 7:00 AM).
Packed lunch provided.
🏔️ Hiking Options (Choose based on your group's energy & adventure level):
1. Mount Muhavura (4,127m) – "The Guide of the Mountains"
Elevation gain: ~1,700m
Duration: 8–10 hours (round trip)
Terrain: Steep, volcanic, rewarding
At the summit: Crater lake, panoramic views into Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda.
Wildlife: Duikers, golden monkeys, sunbirds, and alpine vegetation.
2. Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – "The Smallest but Beautifully Forested"
Elevation gain: ~1,100m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Moderate trail, bamboo forests
At the summit: Swamp-filled crater
Wildlife: Golden monkeys, bushbucks, forest elephants (rare), and colorful turacos.
3. Mount Sabinyo (3,669m) – "The Old Man's Teeth"
Elevation gain: ~1,300m
Duration: 7–8 hours
Terrain: Rugged, ladders and ridgelines
At the summit: Stand in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, DRC) at once!
Wildlife: Golden monkeys, duikers, lots of bird species (including the Rwenzori turaco).
Post-Hike Transfer to Mutanda Lake Resort
Dinner and Overnight at Mutanda Lake Resort
Overlooks stunning Lake Mutanda with the backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Headquarters (~30 mins from Kisoro town) for registration and pre-hike briefing (start time: 7:00 AM).
Packed lunch provided.
🏔️ Hiking Options (Choose based on your group's energy & adventure level):
1. Mount Muhavura (4,127m) – "The Guide of the Mountains"
Elevation gain: ~1,700m
Duration: 8–10 hours (round trip)
Terrain: Steep, volcanic, rewarding
At the summit: Crater lake, panoramic views into Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda.
Wildlife: Duikers, golden monkeys, sunbirds, and alpine vegetation.
2. Mount Gahinga (3,474m) – "The Smallest but Beautifully Forested"
Elevation gain: ~1,100m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Moderate trail, bamboo forests
At the summit: Swamp-filled crater
Wildlife: Golden monkeys, bushbucks, forest elephants (rare), and colorful turacos.
3. Mount Sabinyo (3,669m) – "The Old Man's Teeth"
Elevation gain: ~1,300m
Duration: 7–8 hours
Terrain: Rugged, ladders and ridgelines
At the summit: Stand in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, DRC) at once!
Wildlife: Golden monkeys, duikers, lots of bird species (including the Rwenzori turaco).
Post-Hike Transfer to Mutanda Lake Resort
Dinner and Overnight at Mutanda Lake Resort
Overlooks stunning Lake Mutanda with the backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes.
2
Day 3: Relaxation at Lake Mutanda
Slow morning after intense hiking
Optional boat ride on Lake Mutanda – glide over calm waters with views of the volcanoes.
Birdwatching around the lake or short walk through surrounding communities.
Lunch & Dinner at Mutanda Lake Resort
Fresh tilapia, garden vegetables, and mountain-view dining.
Optional boat ride on Lake Mutanda – glide over calm waters with views of the volcanoes.
Birdwatching around the lake or short walk through surrounding communities.
Lunch & Dinner at Mutanda Lake Resort
Fresh tilapia, garden vegetables, and mountain-view dining.
3
Day 4: Return Journey to Kampala
Breakfast and Early Departure
Stop for lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre (Mbarara) – recharge with hearty Ugandan cuisine.
Arrival in Kampala by evening (~6–7 PM depending on traffic).
Packing Tips:
Waterproof hiking boots & walking stick
Layers (weather is cool but variable)
Rain jacket, gloves, and hat
Headlamp for early starts or late finishes
Refillable water bottle & energy snacks
Stop for lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre (Mbarara) – recharge with hearty Ugandan cuisine.
Arrival in Kampala by evening (~6–7 PM depending on traffic).
Packing Tips:
Waterproof hiking boots & walking stick
Layers (weather is cool but variable)
Rain jacket, gloves, and hat
Headlamp for early starts or late finishes
Refillable water bottle & energy snacks
Your Travel Journey Starts Here
Sign up and we`'ll send the best deals to you