Volcano climbing in Mgahinga National Park
Volcanic climbing in Mgahinga National Park is an exciting endeavor most adventure-seeking travelers to Uganda indulge in when in the South. The activity unveils the breathtaking views of the entire magnificent Virunga conservation area. The Virunga massif is comprised of eight stunning volcanoes that are covered with large vegetation which tourists enjoy marveling at.
Mgahinga National Park alone spans three volcanoes that is to say Mount Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. The climbing experience of the volcanoes is surely out of this world and always leaves visitors extremely exhilarated.
Mgahinga National Park as the host of Volcano climbing.
Mgahinga National Park lies in the southwest of Uganda in the Kisoro district. It covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers comprising 3 volcanoes of the 8 that make Virunga Ranges (Muhabura the highest that stands at 4127m ASL, Sabyinyo with 3 peaks and shared amongst Uganda, Rwanda and DRC, this stands at 3669m, Gahinga which is the shortest of the three standing at 3474m). Mgahinga boasts of its sensational biodiversity especially the evergreen tropical rainforests on its mountain slopes that host several animals and rare plant species.
The animals endemic to Mgahinga include the primates, especially the golden monkeys, blue monkeys, lhoests, Black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and the most notable mountain gorillas. These can be watched as travelers undertake their volcano climbing endeavors since they are part of the hidden treasures to be uncovered whilst climbing.
The volcano climbing experience in Mgahinga National Park.
The volcano climbing adventure allows explorers to climb up one of the three volcanoes of the park. The visitor selects from Mount Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo. The volcano climbing activity starts with choosing what mountain to climb, visitors then go ahead and book the slot with the authorities through a registered operator for $80 for the foreign non-residents, $70.00 for the foreign residents, and Uganda shillings 50,000 for the East African citizens.
All these fees include park entrance, porters who help support the guests at times when they are helpless along the hike, cooks, guides, and the excluded tent for some rest after a long climb.
The attempts start in the morning with a briefing with the Park Rangers who help tell the travelers about the dos and don’ts when on the climb. The climb usually takes 6 to 8 hours depending on the physical fitness of the travelers and the climbing speed.
The hike to the summit takes guests through various large vegetation zones especially bamboo forests where you get the opportunity to see several wildlife species. While at the summit, you are graced with the breathtaking views of the crater lakes beneath and the sub-Alpine plants alongside clear views of other volcanoes. This is not only a physically challenging moment but also an opportunity for sightseeing and photography.
Best time to climb Volcanoes in Mgahinga.
Volcanoes in Mgahinga can be climbed at any time of the year since the park is usually open all year round. The dry months of the year, however, come off as the best seasons since they are characterized by steady grounds to help the visitors climb up the summit with limited hindrances. The dry months refer to the periods from May to early September and December to February.
How to get there.
Visitors with the desire to undertake volcano climbing in Mgahinga National Park can opt to fly to the park from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip in the South from where they can be picked by a professional tourist guide to make their way to the park.
Visitors can also drive from Kampala to the park through the Kampala – Mbarara – Kisoro road Which takes about 10 to 11 hours.
What to carry when going for volcano climbing.
Visitors embarking on the exciting volcanic climbing activity are advised to take their comfort on the hike as a necessity.
They are advised to dress appropriately in comfortable clothing. Travelers should endeavor to always carry a hat with them to protect them from the scorching sun’s rays, hiking boots to enable them to maneuver through the thick mountainous terrain with no hardships, and shirts, shorts, trousers, and sunglasses are equally important.
A camera to help that traveler capture the exciting life moments.
A tourist day chaser bag is equally important when embarking on this climb. It helps carry personal necessities, especially drinking water, snacks, personal medicine, and other equipment.