8 Day Volcano and Hiking Experience

Embark on an active adventure in Mgahinga National Park and Echuya Forest. This 8-day itinerary includes Volcano Hiking in  Mt. Sabinyo and Mt. Muhavura, Golden Monkey Hiking, and a Community Interaction with the Batwa in Echuya Forest.

Tour Highlights

Today depart Kampala and head for Kisoro with lunch en route arriving in the evening. Accommodation and Meals at Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Day 3: Hiking Mountain Sabinyo (3669 meters)

After breakfast drive 13km to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with a packed lunch and water, embark on a hiking expedition to one of the most challenging volcanoes in the park.  The trail takes about 8 hours passing through lush forests and bamboo zones before reaching the rugged volcanic terrain near the summit.

The peak of Sabinyo offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including other volcanoes like Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. On a clear day, you can also see stunning vistas of the Virunga Massif and even the nearby Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Accommodation and Meals at Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Day 4: Batwa Community Visit – Echuya Forest and Relaxation

After breakfast, you will head out for a nature walk in Echuya Forest Reserve where you get to learn about the Batwa’s history and the flora and fauna of Echuya. The hike has 2 options the longer trail 2 hours and the shorter trail 45 minutes.

A walk through the picturesque Rwamahano Batwa settlement, and have an interactive chat with the community. The community visit includes a traditional performance with bows and arrows, dancing, and singing.

Later return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. Accommodation and Meals at Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Day 5: Hike to Mountain Muhavura (4127 meters)

Today set off for the most challenging hike – Mt. Muhavura (also known as Mount Muhabura). The mountain stands at an elevation of 4,127 meters (13,540 feet).

The hike typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and the pace of the group. The trail can be steep and challenging at times, but it offers stunning views throughout the ascent.

You will have a snack at the first rest stop before proceeding ahead to the sub-alpine zone. Then, the real hiking starts, with tougher footing and wooden ladders to scale more vertical cliffs.

Upon reaching the summit of Muhavura, you’ll be rewarded with a small crater, and panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, including the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Bunyonyi, and the neighboring countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Later descend back to the base and head back to Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trail and Relaxation.

After breakfast, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during golden monkey trekking.

Start trekking in the forest in search of the golden monkeys which takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food.

Spend an hour with the golden monkeys and then trek back to the starting point where you meet up with your driver guide and drive to the lodge.  Accommodation and Meals at Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Day 7: Transfer to Kampala – Entebbe

On this day, you will set off after breakfast back to Kampala, with lunch en route arriving in the evening for relaxation.  Accommodation and Dinner at the Papyrus Guest House.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home.