The 3-Day Mount Sabinyo Hike – Stand in Three Countries at Once
Trip Duration: 3 Days and 2 Nights Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda Difficulty: Difficult (Steep ridges and wooden ladders) Max Altitude: 3,669 meters (12,037 ft) 2026 Permit Price: $100 USD (Included in package). This 3-day Mount Sabinyo hiking experience takes you to the far South Western part of Uganda, close
to the Uganda-Rwanda border, and Uganda-Congo border – Mgahinga national park is located in the Virunga Mountains, adjoining the Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga National Park covers three of the Virunga Mountains, including Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Gahinga, and these mountains can be climbed from Uganda. Mount Sabinyo is the oldest volcano with a summit of 3,669 meters, marking an intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo borders. The name “Sabinyo” means “an old man’s teeth,” and this was because its serrated summit resembles worn-out teeth in a gum line. At Whispers Safaris Uganda, we don’t just drop you at the gate. We prepare you for the mud, the altitude, and the adrenaline. Below is the most detailed guide and itinerary you will find for the 2026 season.
Why Hike Mount Sabinyo? (The Truth About the Experience)
You might be comparing this hike to Mount Muhabura or Mount Gahinga, but Sabinyo stands apart 
as the true king of the Virunga Volcanoes for several reasons. First, it offers the unique tri-border summit, making it the only place in the world where you can legally stand in three countries without needing a visa for each one. Second, the experience is defined by the famous handmade wooden ladders bolted into the volcanic rock. It feels like climbing a stairway to the sky, offering a sense of adventure you cannot find on a standard trail. Finally, despite the intimidating appearance of the ladders, you do not need technical climbing skills, ropes, or crampons. You simply need good fitness, a head for heights, and a pair of garden gloves.
Is It Safe? (Addressing the Fear of Heights)
Let’s be honest about the difficulty. If you have a severe phobia of heights, this hike will be very difficult for you because the ridges are sharp and the drops on either side are steep. However, if you are just nervous, you will likely be fine. The ladders are sturdy and maintained by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers who accompany you. You are never alone on the mountain. Rangers go in front of and behind the group, and if you freeze up on a ladder, they are trained to talk you through it step-by-step. The pace is never a race; the group moves at the speed of the slowest person to ensure everyone is safe
The Permit Price Update
As of the 2024–2026 tariff update, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set the hiking permit for Mount Sabinyo at $100 USD for Foreign Non-Residents. Foreign Residents residing in East Africa pay $80 USD, while East African Citizens pay 50,000 UGX. Please note that many outdated websites still list the price as $80, but we ensure your booking includes the correct 2026 fees, so there are no surprises when you arrive at the park gate.
Best Time to Go
You want dry wood on those ladders for the safest climb. The best months to book your trip are January, February, June, July, and August when the trails are driest. September and December are also workable, though you should expect some showers. We advise avoiding April, May, October, and November. During these months, the moss on the ladders gets slippery, and the mud in the bamboo zone becomes ankle-deep, making the hike significantly harder.
Highlights of the safari
- Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
- Day 2: Hike Mount Sabinyo
- Day 3: Return to Kampala
Detailed 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: The Journey to the Volcanoes
Today is about getting to the base of the Virungas. You have two primary choices for your pickup location.
Option A: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe. If you choose to start from Uganda’s capital, we 
will pick you up at 6:30 AM in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. The drive takes about 9 to 10 hours, but it is incredibly scenic. We cross the Equator at Kayabwe, which is a great spot for a photo with one foot in the North and one in the South to warm you up for your 3-country moment later. We stop for lunch at the Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara, where you can try local millet bread or stick to a hearty beef stew. The last hour of the drive takes us up the winding roads of Kigezi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” where you will see terrace farming that defies gravity.
Option B: Pickup from Kigali, Rwanda. If you fly into Rwanda, we can save you about 5 hours of driving. We pick you up at 9:00 AM and drive for 4 to 5 hours, crossing the border at Cyanika. This option gives you a mini-tour of the rolling hills of Rwanda before entering the rugged Ugandan southwest. Regardless of your choice, you arrive in Kisoro or Ntebeko in the evening, where the air is crisp and cool. You will check into your lodge and eat a carb-heavy dinner like pasta or rice to fuel up for tomorrow. For accommodation, we recommend Mount Gahinga Lodge for luxury, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge or Travelers Rest Hotel for mid-range comfort, or Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp for a budget-friendly option right at the gate.
Day 2: Conquering Mount Sabinyo
Wake up early because the mountain is waiting. You will have breakfast at 6:30 AM, ensuring you get your coffee fix before the short drive to the Ntebeko Park Headquarters. At 7:30 AM, the UWA head ranger will check your permit and conduct a safety briefing. You will be offered a hiking stick, and we 
strongly suggest you take it to help with balance in the mud.
The hike begins at 8:00 AM. The first hour takes you through the Bamboo Zone. The trail starts flat but quickly enters the dense forest, which is Golden Monkey territory. Keep an eye out for orange flashes in the trees and watch your step, as forest buffalo also roam here.
From hour one to hour three, you enter the Hagenia Forest and climb toward Peak 1. The trees here are covered in hanging moss, giving the forest a mystical appearance known as “Old Man’s Beard.” The incline gets steeper until you hit the first set of ladders. Upon reaching Peak 1 at 3,423 meters, you are officially on the ridge. Catch your breath and enjoy the incredible view of the crater lakes down below.
The next stage is the ridge walk to Peak 2, which takes another hour or so. The path narrows significantly as you walk along the spine of the volcano. To your left lies Rwanda, and to your right lies 
Uganda. Peak 2 sits at 3,537 meters and is quite narrow. Many hikers stop here if they are too tired, but you didn’t come this far to quit.
The final push to Peak 3 is the most intense. The path drops down steeply before rising again, presenting the steepest ladders of the day. These are bolted directly into the rock face. Focus on your hands and feet, and look up at the summit rather than down at the drop. When you reach Peak 3 at 3,669 meters, you have made it. A concrete marker indicates the borders. You can step left into Rwanda, right into the Congo, and back into Uganda. Take your photos, eat your packed lunch, and if the day is clear, look for the active fires of Mount Nyiragongo in the distance.
The descent takes about 3 to 4 hours and is often harder on the knees than the ascent. Use your walking stick for support. We aim to be back at the headquarters by late afternoon, after which you return to the lodge for a well-earned hot shower and dinner.
Day 3: Golden Monkeys or Departure
You have two choices for your final day.
Option 1: Departure After a relaxed breakfast, we start the drive back to Kampala or Kigali. We stop for lunch in Mbarara, aiming to drop you off by late afternoon or early evening, depending on your destination.
Option 2: Golden Monkey Tracking. Since you are already in Mgahinga, we highly recommend adding a Golden Monkey trek. These rare primates are only found in this massif. Unlike gorillas, they are fast and playful, often jumping over your head in the bamboo. The permit costs $60 USD per person. The trek starts at 8:00 AM and usually finishes by noon, after which we drive you back to Kampala or Kigali immediately.
The Packing List
Do not pack like a tourist; pack like a hiker. First and foremost, garden gloves are crucial. The ladders can be cold, wet, or splintery, and you might accidentally grab a stinging nettle. Simple, rubber-coated gloves from a hardware store will save your hands. You also need waterproof hiking boots because sneakers will not provide the ankle support or grip needed for the mud. Bring a rain poncho because it rains in the rainforest even during the dry season. Wear long trousers and tuck them into your socks to stop red ants from crawling up your legs. Finally, carry a packed lunch, at least 2 liters of water, and gaiters to cover your ankles and keep mud out of your boots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How fit do I need to be for Mount Sabinyo?
You need above-average fitness. If you can jog 5km without stopping or hike for 6 hours on hilly terrain, you should be fine. It is more about stamina and leg strength than speed.
Can I hike Sabinyo if I am afraid of heights?
If you have mild nervousness, yes. The guides help you. If you have paralyzing vertigo, no. The ladders on Peak 3 are very exposed and steep. Try Mount Gahinga instead, as it has no ladders.
What happens if I can’t reach the top?
There is no shame in stopping early. Many hikers stop at Peak 1 or Peak 2. You still get amazing views. You will simply turn around with a ranger and head back down safely.
How much is the porter fee?
We highly recommend hiring a porter. They carry your backpack and help pull you up the difficult sections. The cost is usually between $15 and $20 USD plus a tip. This supports the local community directly.
Is the $100 permit refundable?
No. The Uganda Wildlife Authority does not refund permits for bad weather or if you fail to finish the hike.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda or Congo at the summit?
No. The summit is a “no-man’s land” managed by the parks. As long as you descend back into Uganda, you do not need a visa for the other two countries.
Are there toilets on the mountain?
There are no built toilets on the trail. You must use “bush toilets.” The guides carry a machete to dig a hole for you if necessary, so it is best to go before you start.
If you are looking for a longer expedition or a different challenge, explore our full range of Uganda mountaineering safaris to find the perfect trek for your fitness level.
