Mountain Muhabura (Uganda), also known as Mount Muhavura (Rwanda), is a must-visit for hiking lovers.

Located at the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Muhabura is part of the Virunga volcanic mountains and is the third highest of the eight major mountains in the range, standing at an elevation of 4,127 metres above sea level.

Muhabura is a dormant volcano and one of the most hiked of the Virunga volcanoes, offering a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, according to Laban Niyongabo, a freelance tourist guide.

The mountain found in Kisoro district is characterised by a cone-like shape with volcanic ash and other related materials, and its summit contains a small crater lake.

Niyongabo says that the name Muhabura means “The Guide” in Kinyarwanda local language because it was used as a guide by distant travelers.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) notes that climbing permits are required, adding that the hike is physically demanding, taking a full day to complete, ending at the Crater Lake at the top.

“The trek begins at around 7:00 am from the park headquarters in Kinigi, and visitors can hike from either side of Rwanda or Uganda from the Mgahinga gorilla national park,” UWA states.

As one hikes up Mount Muhabura, according to UWA, they will meet forest elephants or even come across mountain gorillas on a lucky day, and they will also spot a number of birds. So carrying a pair of binoculars is recommended for any tourist.

Tourist experts like Niyongabo complain of tourist littering and slippery tracks when it rains.

Niyongabo, however, lauded UWA for the cabins and ladders put on the slopes that help when it rains, but called for more in order to make it a world-class hiking place.

He also called for more publicity, telling tourists that Uganda is safe and welcome all around the world.

While climbing Muhabura, one will be able to enjoy the charming views of the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda. There is some vegetation on the slopes of the mountain, and the hikers get to spot the difference in vegetation as they ascend uphill and back.

The Virunga Mountains are a chain of eight volcanic mountains spread out on the border line joining Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. These mountain ranges are located in the Albertine rift of the East African Rift, which is between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu.