Mount Sabyinyo is a dormant volcano found at the meeting point of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. It rises to 3,669 meters above sea level.
Mount Sabyinyo is believed to be the oldest of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. It has a long and rich history. Guided tours are a good way to learn about its past.
Mount Sabyinyo lies at the border of Uganda and Rwanda. It is west of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda and northeast of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. The mountain is shared by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.
In this review, I share some of the best Mount Sabyinyo hiking companies, recommend packages you can book, and give important information about the mountain.
Best Mount Sabyinyo Climbing Companies & Tour Operators
Here is a recommended list of Mount Sabyinyo climbing companies.
Many luxury tourists think they can hike the Sabyinyo volcano and stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. While this is possible, the hike is done on the Ugandan side in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while the lodge is located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This means there is a border crossing involved.
If you can pay the Silverback Lodge rates and do not mind crossing borders, it is a good place to stay after the hike. You can book directly through the lodge website or through recommended tour operators.
The name “Sabyinyo” comes from the local Kinyarwanda word “Iryinyo,” which means “tooth.” The mountain was given this name because its jagged summit looks like teeth in a worn-out gum.
Mount Sabyinyo is part of the Virunga Mountains shared by Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Its slopes are home to endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, 39 species of mammals, and 79 species of birds.
Mount Sabyinyo is separated by a lake with a diameter of 20 meters. The other Virunga Mountains include Muhabura, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno, Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, and Gahinga.
Sabyinyo Entry Fees
- Hiking Mount Sabyinyo: USD 80 for foreign non-residents, USD 70 for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for Ugandan citizens.
- Mgahinga platform view: USD 10 for foreign non-residents and residents, 10,000 UGX for Ugandans.
- Gorilla trekking: USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.
- Golden monkey trekking: USD 60 for foreign non-residents and residents, 40,000 UGX for Ugandans.
- Children’s activities (scouts, painting, artwork): USD 10 for foreign children, 20,000 UGX for East African children.
- Batwa trail experience: USD 80 for foreign non-residents and residents, 50,000 UGX for Ugandans.
- Gorge walk: USD 30 for foreign non-residents, USD 15 for foreign residents, 15,000 UGX for East African citizens.
- Guided short nature walks for children: USD 5 for foreign children, 10,000 UGX for Ugandan children.
Best time to visit Sabyinyo Volcano Mountain
Mount Sabyinyo can be visited all year round, but the best time for hiking is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. During these months, the roads leading to the park are in good condition and the trekking trails are less muddy and slippery.
This is also the best time for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga.
Bird watching around Mount Sabyinyo is better in the wet season. The months of March, April, May, October, and November are good for birding in Uganda.
The wet season also comes with many discounts, which is good for budget travelers since most hotels reduce their prices. The only challenge is that trekking becomes harder when it rains heavily. You may feel cold and the trek can take longer because you must move carefully.
Where to sleep
There are many accommodation options in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park before or during your mountain trekking adventure.
Some of them include 3 Way Gorilla Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Island Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, and Muhabura Motel.
There is also a campsite where you can pay USD 6 per night or choose a dormitory at an affordable price.
Hiking permit fees
Mount Sabyinyo can only be climbed from the Ugandan side. The Congo and Rwandan sides are too rugged with craters and sharp ridges. On the Ugandan side, wooden ladders are set up at steep points to help climbers.
The hike takes one day. It usually takes about 4 hours to climb up and 4 hours to come down. The time can be shorter or longer depending on the group’s pace and the weather. Fast groups can take as little as 3 hours.
The hike starts early morning at the Mgahinga park headquarters with a briefing by park rangers. Walking sticks are given for free, and porters can carry your luggage for a small fee.
When preparing for the climb, bring waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellent, warm clothes, long-sleeved shirts, raincoats, jackets, enough drinking water, and energy snacks.
Mount Sabyinyo can only be booked with Ugandan tour companies or Rwandan operators who also work in Uganda.
Other things to do other than Climbing Mount Sabyinyo
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
Gorilla trekking is one of the main activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A group of eight people above 15 years is allowed to trek a gorilla family.
Children aged 10 to 14 years may be allowed if parents sign an indemnity form taking responsibility in case of any problems.
Combining gorilla trekking with Mount Sabyinyo hiking gives you a richer safari experience in Uganda.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga
Golden monkeys are found only in the Virunga Conservation Region. Mgahinga is home to over 4,000 golden monkeys. They are playful and interesting to watch compared to other primates.
Adding golden monkey trekking to your Mount Sabyinyo hike is an experience worth trying.
Birding in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to Mount Sabyinyo, has more than 179 bird species, making it a good bird-watching place.
Some birds you may see include the double-toothed barbet, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, handsome francolin, montane sooty boubou, olive woodpecker, bronze sunbird, regal sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, blue-headed waxbill, Rwenzori nightjar, yellow-vented bulbul, and blue-headed coucal.
Many of these birds can be spotted while hiking Sabyinyo, even if you are not on a special birding tour.
Cultural encounters in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was once home to the Batwa people until 1991 when it became a national park. The Batwa depended on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter. They were later compensated after being evicted.
You can visit the Batwa to learn about their traditions, listen to forest stories, and see how they lived. You can also support them by buying handmade crafts, learning basket weaving, cooking a local meal, or enjoying traditional dance and music.
10 facts about Mount Sabyinyo
- Mount Sabyinyo is the hardest to climb among the Virunga Mountains.
- Its summit is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
- It is believed to be the oldest of the Virunga Mountains.
- It can only be climbed from Uganda.
- It has some of the roughest terrain of all Virunga volcanoes.
- Hiking it is for the brave.
- The mountain is shaped like old man’s teeth.
- It is one of the tallest Virunga Volcanoes.
- It is a special landmark in the region.
- The success rate of reaching the summit is over 60%.
Wrapping it up
Be careful when choosing a tour operator for your Mount Sabyinyo hike. The trek is very tiring, so you should rest well before and after. Avoid doing another hard activity shortly before or after the hike.
A good tour operator will guide you on the best plan for your trip. See my recommended tours and travel operators here.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
