9-Day Volcano Primate Trekking

Duration: 9 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

> Conquer the heights of majestic Virunga Volcanoes.
> An unforgettable encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
> Meet, explore and learn from the local communities
> Support sustainable tourism initiatives

The Virunga Mountains, which are a chain of volcanoes along the northern border of Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Most of them are dormant, except Mount Nyiragongo 3,462 meters (11,358 ft) and Mount Nyamuragira 3,063 meters (10,049 ft), both in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recent eruptions occurred in 2006 and in January, 2010. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano at 4,507 meters (14,787 ft). The oldest mountain is Mount Sabinyo, which rises 3,634 meters (11,923 ft.) above sea level.

Nkuringo Walking Safaris arranges day treks to the peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes along the border of Uganda. These include Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga and Mt. Sabinyo.activity. All treks are led by a National Parks Ranger and one of our Nkuringo Walking Safaris guides.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Entebbe & Mabamba Swamps

Arrival in Entebbe as per your international flights and transfer to Papyrus Guest House. Optional Extra: In the afternoon (departure from the hotel must be max. at 14.30/15.00 hours) departure by car and local canoe to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places for spotting the rare shoebill storks. Of course, some fortune is needed but rarely does one leave the swamp without seeing one! Many other water birds have chosen this area as their home so birding is always very interesting. Enjoy a relaxing sundowner on Lake Victoria and then return to the Guest House.

Papyrus Guest House

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Papyrus Guest House
Day
2

Travel to Mgahinga National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast and travel to Western Uganda across the beautiful landscape of central Uganda: rolling hills, cultivated terraces, tropical rainforest and towards the end the majestic chain of the Virunga Volcanoes. Stop-over en-route at the equator, at Mbarara (for lunch) and at Igongo Cultural Center. The drive takes about 8-10 hours.

Travellers Rest

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Travellers Rest
Day
3

Mount Sabinyo/ Mt Gahinga/ Mt Muhavura Climb

Sabinyo with its five jagged peaks is the oldest of the volcanoes here. With two distinct vegetation zones (Forest and Alpine) it's an exhilarating one day trek with some very steep inclines aided by the assistance of eucalyptus ladders to reach Sabinyo peak. From the summit, amazing views can be enjoyed of this volcanic chain of mountains that stretch into Rwanda. Including Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Mikeno, and the often snow-covered Mt. Visoke. Mt. Sabinyo, at 3,669m, takes about eight hours to cover the 14km round trip, following a steep ridge up to the peak this trek will be conducted in the company of your Nkuringo Walking Safari guide. Physical fitness is a necessity for this climb. OR Mt. Gahinga at 3400m is a perfectly formed volcano. On the lower reaches of the volcano, the route passes through formerly cultivated land, reclaimed and reincorporated back into the National Park as late as 1986. A vast area of enormous bamboo forest creates an elaborate labyrinth of passages to wander through where the trail is picked up that leads to the Gahinga summit. Many bird species can be observed here with sunbirds being the most obvious. This trek is usually completed in six hours up and down so it offers excellent acclimatization to the altitude. Physical fitness is a necessity for this climb. OR Mt. Muhavura and its enormous conical shape looms high into the darkness. Good weather is critical to reach the peak of Muhavura. This is the youngest volcano in the chain its status is noted as still being dormant. The surrounding countryside shows evidence of volcanic activity everywhere with giant volcanic vents very obvious after the land has been cleared of vegetation for agriculture. Muhavura peak will drain the last bit of energy out of you as you fight for air in the rarefied atmosphere but you will be rewarded with stunning views through the cloud and mist as it rolls in and out. The Crater Lake is only a mere 20m in diameter and the area of the summit not much bigger than a golf course. This is a 1200m ascend in 7 hours, very steep with a few switchbacks in the trail to give your legs the relief they are screaming for. Physical fitness is a necessity for this climb. The descend will be hot, due to the warmth of the tropical climate normally associated with these equatorial regions and the lush vegetation of the lower slopes.

Travellers Rest

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Travellers Rest
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Included

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Permits

    The cost of permits to enter the national park during your trek is included in the price.

  • Activities

    All activities as mentioned in the itinerary are included in the price.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

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Contact our Trekking Expert
Jan Bakker
Jan Bakker
This trek is operated by
Nkuringo Walking Safari's

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