Skip to main content

Mount Sabinyo is an extinct volcano that intersects the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo. It is part of the Virunga mountain ranges and the 3 national parks that protect these mountains and their ecosystems.

In Uganda, Mount Sabinyo is part of Mgahinga National Park, in Rwanda, it is the park of Volcanoes National Park and in DRC it is part of Virunga National Park. As part of these national parks, Mount Sabinyo is thus home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Mount Sabinyo rises to a height of 3,645 metres above sea level and is one of the popular mountain climbing destinations in Southwestern Uganda.

At the peak, you can be able to stand in all the 3 countries and enjoy 360-degree views over the surrounding volcanos and landscape.

Activities

On your visit to Mount Sabinyo, you can enjoy any of the following activities.

  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Photography

When To Visit

Mount Sabinyo can be visited at all times of the year but the best time is during the dry season months between June and September, as well as December to February.

Visiting during the rainy season can make the hike quite challenging amidst the slippery trail and heavy downpour.

Related article: Best time to visit Uganda for safari

Getting There

Mount Sabinyo can be accessed from either of the 3 national parks it straddles. Currently, only Uganda has a trailhead that leads up to the peak of Mount Sabinyo.

The major stop for Sabinyo is thus, the nearby Kisoro Town. Kisoro is near the border with Rwanda and DRC and can be reached within 1 hour of crossing the border.

From Kampala, the drive to Kisoro takes around 8 hours, and there are domestic flights directly to Kisoro airstrip.

Where To Stay

While visiting Mount Sabinyo, you have many options of where to stay both within Mgahinga National Park and the nearby Kisoro town.