1-Day Mount Sabinyo Hike
Standing in three countries at the same time is the main reason hikers choose Mount Sabinyo. This inactive volcano sits within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. The summit offers a rare chance to place one foot in Uganda, another in Rwanda, and a hand in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is an intense physical challenge that requires good fitness and a head for heights. You can start this hike from Kisoro town in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda. The trail pushes you through bamboo forests and rocky terrain before you reach the famous wooden ladders. Locals call this mountain “Old Man’s Teeth” because the jagged peak looks like a worn jawbone. This hike is not a simple walk. It tests your endurance but rewards you with views that few people ever see.
Safari Highlights
Stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC simultaneously at the 3,669-meter summit
Climb the famous handmade wooden ladders on steep ridges
Walk through dense bamboo forests where golden monkeys often feed
View the other Virunga volcanoes, like Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga
Earn a certificate of achievement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority
Is the Mount Sabinyo Hike Difficult?
The climb to the top of Mount Sabinyo is demanding. You start at an elevation of around 2,300 meters 
and ascend to 3,669 meters. The total distance is about 14 kilometers back and forth. Most hikers finish the round trip in 8 hours. The terrain changes quickly. You begin on flat ground but soon hit steep slopes. The most talked-about feature is the series of handmade wooden ladders. These ladders help you cross the steep ridges and vertical rock faces. They are sturdy but can feel scary if you are afraid of heights. You must grip the rungs tightly and focus on your footing. Rain makes the trail muddy and slippery. The ladders can also get slick. You need strong legs and good cardiovascular health to manage the thin air near the peak. It is harder than Mount Gahinga but shorter than Mount Muhabura. If you want a longer, multi-day experience in this park, check our 3-day Mount Sabinyo hike, which allows for more rest and acclimatization
Full Day Hike Itinerary
Your day begins early. You must report to the Ntebeko Park Headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing. The rangers check your permits and assess your gear. They tell you about the history of the volcano and safety rules. You can hire a porter here. A porter carries your backpack and helps pull you up the difficult, slippery sections. This support is very helpful on the steep ladders. The trek starts with a walk through a swampy area filled with tall grasses. You then enter the bamboo zone. This is where 
you might see golden monkeys or signs of forest buffalo. The path gets steeper after the bamboo. You will reach the first peak at 3,423 meters. Many hikers stop here if they feel too tired to continue. The view is good, but you are still only in Uganda.
The trail to the second peak involves walking along a narrow ridge. The drops on both sides are steep. You cross more ladders to reach the second summit. From here, you can see into Rwanda. The final push to the third peak is the hardest. You climb the longest and steepest ladders on the route. Your legs will burn, but the reward is the summit. You stand at the precise point where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo meet. You take photos and rest briefly before the descent. The way down follows the same path but can be harder on your knees. You usually return to the base by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Permits and Logistics
You need a hiking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to climb Mount Sabinyo. The cost is currently $85 for foreign non-residents, $70 for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African citizens. These fees include the park entrance and the ranger services. Booking in advance is smart during the dry months of June to August and December to February. You can pay for your permit at the Ntebeko visitor centre on the morning of the hike if you pay with a credit card or cash. However, securing it early ensures you do not miss out if the park is busy. If you start from Kigali, you must leave at 4:00 AM to reach the border and the park headquarters on time. Starting from Kisoro is easier as it is only a 45-minute drive to the trailhead.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort
Midrange: Travellers Rest Hotel, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel
What to Bring
Waterproof hiking boots with a good grip
Rain jacket or poncho
Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to protect against stinging nettles
Gardening gloves for gripping the ladders and vegetation
Packed lunch and at least 2 litres of water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and a hat
Walking stick (often provided at the start)
Inclusions
Mount Sabinyo hiking permit
Park entrance fees
Ranger fees
Round-trip transport from your hotel
Bottled water in the vehicle
English-speaking driver
Exclusions
Visa fees for Uganda or Rwanda
International flights
Porter fees (approx. $15-20)
Tips for rangers and staff
Personal travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
