The highest peak of Mount Muhavura: Mount Muhavura, which is also commonly referred to as Muhabura, is known to have derived its name from the Kinyarwanda language, which meant “the Guide”. This mountain is situated between the borders of Uganda and Rwanda and the geographical coordinates of this mountain are approximately 1.3833 degrees latitude and 29.6500 degrees longitude. More so, mount Muhavura’s proximity to the equator also contributes a lot to the diverse ecosystems due to its slopes, which range from the dense montane forests to the afro-alpine meadows hence displaying the richness of the region. In addition, the geological history of this mountain includes the geological marvel, which has given rise to numerous volcanic features such as; the Virunga Mountains and many others.
Mount Muhavura is an iconic volcanic mountain which is situated within the Southwestern region of Uganda in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park this national park is famously known as a haven for biodiversity and as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas where tourists can always choose to go while on their gorilla trekking safari in the country. Mount Muhavura rises at an impressive elevation of about 4,127 meters (13,540 feet) above the sea level and it is ranked as the third highest of the eight volcanoes found in the country.
Mount Muhavura is always defined and characterized by its conical shape, and volcanic material that includes; ash, lava, and other ejected debris that accumulate as time goes on. More so, this mountain is dominated and surrounded with an array of vegetation from the lower altitudes of the forests to the higher altitude heath and moorland hence creating a tapestry of beautiful views. Exploring Mount Muhavura and making efforts to reach the summit of this mountain grants individuals to capture panoramic views, which are awe-inspiring hence displaying the vast landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda.
Mount Muhavura is a perfect destination to visit while on your safari in the country due to the fact that it is famously known as a good hiking spot and hiking to this mountain happens to be easier compared to hiking to other mountains like; mount Rwenzori, mount Elgon among others. This activity always goes for about 8 hours covering a distance of about 12 kilometers to the mountains summit and moving down back to its base. More so, hiking is among the most exciting experiences one can have for a lifetime because while at the top of this mountain, tourists are blessed with great opportunities to capture classic views of many beautiful physical features within the surroundings such as; Lake Edward, the summits of the Rwenzori’s and they can overlook at Bwindi Impenetrable national park. More so, while hiking tourists also always get chances to sightsee other primate species along the slopes and some of these include; golden monkeys, endangered mountain gorillas, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, and black and white monkeys. however, there are also mammal species that can be easily spotted within the park such as; African elephants, hyenas, warthogs, and buffalos among others and bird lovers can also see a variety of bird species such as; bronze sunbirds, dusky turtles, doves, double collared sunbirds, olive woodpeckers, olive pigeons, Rwenzori Batis, the speckled mouse bird, paradise flycatcher, olive thrush, the speckled mouse bird, paradise flycatcher, regal sunbirds and many of these are easily spotted with the bamboo.
Hiking to Mount Muhavura usually begins at 7:00 am in the morning and individuals are always encouraged to arrive at the visitor’s center in Ntebeko where they are always briefed about the rules and regulations they are supposed to follow during the hiking. and individuals willing to participate in this activity are required to be physically fit and free from diseases like; heart attacks due to the fact that hiking always involves them going through longer trails which seem to be tiring. More so, tourists will be required to represent their hiking permit which is always charged at a fee of about 75 USD per person, hiking stick which are provided at the head office, and good hiking attire such as; light clothes, sunglasses, a cap, and good hiking boots. In addition, individuals will always be accompanied with a tour guide whose role is to lead them through different tails and a porter.
However, apart from hiking there are so many interesting activities that tourists can opt to engage into while in Mgahinga National Park and some of these include; bird watching, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, guided nature walks, caving, community visits and cultural encounters, the Batwa trail experience, wildlife viewing and many others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the highest peak of Mount Muhavura and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.