VOLCANIC ERUPTION

Experienced hikers can tackle one of the three peaks in the park in a day's trekking. Good physical condition and proper equipment including waterproof footwear, K-way and warm clothing are required. The ascent of the Gahinga should take no more than 6 to 7 hours from Ntebeko. It will allow the discovery of different birds in the bamboo groves and small antelopes on the summit in the marshy crater. A little more difficult, the access to Sabinyo (3 669 m) will take between 6 and 8 hours for 14 km. The summit is divided into three peaks. On the last one, you will find yourself simultaneously in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Finally, the biggest challenge is the ascent of Muhavura (4,127 m), whose starting point (Muhavura Trailhead) is 4 km east of Ntebeko. It is very advisable to camp there the day before the trek to start as early as possible. Allow a minimum of 9 hours return journey to cover the 12 km which will take you rather abruptly from an altitude of 1,700 m to 4,100 m (lack of oxygen can be felt). Along the way, you may be lucky enough to come across a superb small Johnston's Sunbird, a passerine endemic to the Afro-Alpine flora, while at the end of the trail a small crater awaits you (swimming is possible, but the water is frigid!) surrounded by giant lobelias and above all an extraordinary panorama of the Virunga, the Albertine Rift, Lake Edward, and even, on a very clear day, the Rwenzori massif.