1 Day Mount Sabinyo hike – Drop off Kigali  

A 1 Day Mount Sabinyo hike with drop-off in Kigali is a very long day trip requiring a night stay within Kisoro town. The hike itself can take 8 hours and the driving to Kigali takes about 4 hours. You will be picked up in Kigali or better still travel a day before from either Kampala and Kigali to have an early start transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda for the guided hike, and then drive to Kigali for a late drop-off at your hotel or the airport. The hike is steep and challenging, involving ladders at points, and requires proper hiking gear and good physical fitness.

Detailed program

Depending on your location in Kisoro, the driver will pick you up at drive to Mgahinga national park, report to the park headquarters for briefing from your ranger guides about the hike. You will hike Mount Sabinyo. The hikes are between 6-8 hours’ hike depending on your fitness. You will hike through the bamboo cover, if luck is on your side you may encounter the golden monkeys and the gorillas. Reaching the top is so fulfilling and interesting as you enjoy the cool air and the breeze from the giant lobelia.

You will then return at your starting point to meet your driver and embark on your drive to Kigali, which is about 3 hours’ drive. The driver will drop you off at a location you advise

What to expect

• Early start:You will need to be picked up to get to the park for the 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM briefing.
• The hike:The total hike is about 8 hours, with approximately 4 hours to the summit and 4 hours back down.
• The climb: It’s a difficult climb that requires good fitness and may involve using your hands to ascend. The park provides “stairs” on steep sections to assist.
• The summit: At the top, you will be standing at the border of all three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The descent:The descent is often harder than the ascent, especially if it rains.
• Late arrival back in Kigali: Due to the long drive, you will be dropped off in Kigali late in the evening.

What to bring

• Good hiking boots: Essential for the steep and often muddy terrain.
• Rain gear: Weather can change quickly.
• Warm layers: Long-sleeved tops, warm stockings, and hand gloves are recommended.
• Packed lunch and water: Bring plenty of water and food, as there are no facilities on the mountain.
• First aid kit: A basic first aid kit is a good idea for any hike.
• Trekking poles: Provided for free at the park office, these will be very helpful on the descent.

Important notes

• Difficulty:This is not an easy hike and is considered the most difficult of the Virunga volcanoes.
• Booking:You will need to book a tour with a local tour operator, as hiking is done with park rangers and porters from the park.
• Porters: You can hire a porter for a fee of around $15.
• Flexibility: The total time can vary depending on your pace and weather conditions.