one day hike Adventure on mount Sabiyo
Uganda's most energy of adventure is witness when it
comes to wildlife safaris and
beautiful landscape offering a spectaculars sightseeing adventures in most
regions of the country. As Sir Winston Churchill described the country as
"the pearl of Africa" it
doesn't only stop there but more adventures have emerged in all the beautiful
hidden gems. As the water bodies are used for adventures like white water
rafting, bungee jumping, boat cruises, and fishing, swamp bird watching among
others while the Mountains come with adventures such as rock climbing, sight
viewing, and mountain climbing among others. But here comes a unique adventure
of mountain hiking in Uganda where
many travelers will not want to miss it out.
Uganda's landscape is awesome that a mountain hike
adventure is so rewarding to experience especially when on top Ugandan
mountains such as mountain Rwenzori,
mountain Elgon, mount Morungole in Karamoja and mountain Mgahinga which is part
of the Virunga ranges and most common hiked ranges are Mount Muhavura, mount
Sabiyo and mount Karisimbi.
Hiking the Virunga ranges will either take you to
hike mountain Muhavura which is the
highest range or Sabiyo which is 3669m above sea level. It is an awesome
experience for a beginner to hike mountain Sabiyo but the truth is, its not as
easy as one might think.
A hike on mountain
Sabiyo is a whole day hike as you walk under the thick forest of Mgahinga
gorilla national park. The hike on Mount Sabiyo is a complete physic challenge
to the body that always requires physical fitness before embarking on a hike on
Sabiyo. "Be fit you will definitely do it".
The hike on
Mount Sabiyo starts as early as 7am Africa time in the morning with
briefing at the Mgahinga national park headquarters by the guide. The ranger
guide briefs the hikers about the recommended dressing for the hike most
importantly is having a rain jacket because the weather in the forest is
unpredictable and also have hikers should have strong hiking shoe. It is advised
that all hikers carry their lunch in their back bags most recommended are
snacks which are easy to carry and not heavy. After the briefing by 8am you set
off for the hike. It’s always emphasized by the ranger guide that if you can't
reach the highest peak (the third peak) by 1pm it’s advised that you return
because it’s possible that night might catch you in the jungle. So it means
speed is also considered as you hike the Virunga ranges.
The most interesting about the hike on mount Sabiyo is that there are three
peaks on the mountain so a hiker can decide to either reach the highest peak or
stop at the first or the second peak but all are just awesome rewarding
experience.
The first peak is at 3423m above sea level but to
reach it, hikers walk through the bamboo forest, the swampy areas as you
encounter some of the trails that are normally used by the Batwa people and not forgetting the three huts that showcases a
traditional hut of the Batwa people. It’s on this first peak trail that one by
good luck can have a sight on a golden monkey. This is the most challenging
stage of the hike as physical fitness is required. When you reach the first
peak you will take a rest as you eat you snacks and have some enough drink then
proceed to the next peak.
The second peak is at 3537m above sea level. To
reach this peak it involves a moment of sloping and also climbing the locally
made ladders. This is the trail where the real function of the walking stick is
noted. This peak fairly gives a view of the surrounding areas of Uganda,
Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The third peak stands at height of 3669m above sea
which is the highest peak of mount Sabiyo. Reaching this summit means climbing
ladders throughout right from the second peak up to the third peak. The third
peak is a point where one can experience three countries in one location. This
is one spots where one can be in three different African countries without a
Visa I.e. Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This peak is also a rich point
for sight viewing of all the three countries cause it gives an opportunity for
one to see round the area to all the three countries.
A complete one day hike of mount Sabiyo is an experience that takes one to three countries in
one day and without a visa. It’s a point where no one will ever want to miss
visiting.