Climb A Volcano
Guests at Orugano Bwindi Lodge enjoy easy access to the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering unforgettable hiking adventures and breathtaking panoramic views. The three dormant volcanoes — Mount Muhavura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mount Sabinyo (3,645 m) — each present a unique and rewarding challenge for climbers of varying experience levels.
Unlike the active peaks across the border in the DRC, these ancient giants rest peacefully, their forested slopes alive with rich biodiversity. Trek through lush vegetation that shelters the iconic mountain gorillas, the playful golden monkeys, and a remarkable variety of endemic bird species.
Each hike typically takes a full day, beginning at 7:00 a.m. from the park headquarters, followed by a short drive to the volcano’s base where your adventure begins. Whether you seek the thrill of conquering a summit or the serenity of nature’s grandeur, climbing the Virunga volcanoes promises an experience of a lifetime.
Mount Muhavura Hike
Fancy climbing a 4000-metre peak in a day? Mount Muhavura (translated The Guide, 4127m high) is the only 4000m+ mountain in Uganda you can do (somewhat) comfortably in a single day. Don’t be fooled, this is no doubt the hardest day hike in Uganda. The higher you go, the steeper it gets. And the thin air at high altitude near the summit will drain your energy levels.
But once you’ve reached the summit you can enjoy views across the other Virunga Volcanoes stretching towards the west, the green rolling hills of Rwanda in the south and the majestic Lake Mutanda in the north. For those who want to take it a little easier, Ugandan Wildlife Authority recently built a hut to spend the night around 3000 metres.
Mount Sabinyo Hike
The ascent of Mount Sabinyo (3669m) is not an easy one too. Three challenging peaks await you during the climb. The trail leads visitors along the east side of the first peak, after which you have the choice to stop or continue to the second.
The climb to the second peak involves a narrow ridge, but offers magnificent views of both Uganda and Rwanda. The real adventure begins during the climb to the third and highest peak. At the summit (3,669 meters) lies the tri-border point. You will be in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo simultaneously. A nice bonus to this trek is that there is also a good chance of seeing golden monkeys, among other animals, during the climb to the summit.
