SABYINYO HIKING TRAIL

Sabyinyo is the oldest volcano in the Virunga Range, straddling the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Its name, derived from the Kinyarwanda word iryinyo, means "tooth", more precisely "old man's tooth", in reference to its jagged summit, and unlike the conical summits of its neighbors. Located at 3,645 m above sea level, this volcano is known to harbor an exceptional biodiversity. Two trails (Rurambo and Sabyinyo) allow to reach its summits. The ascent of the volcano by the Sabyinyo trail is the easiest. The hike usually starts at 7am, from the Volcanoes National Park Visitor's Center, the meeting point with an accredited guide who accompanies the hikers. It takes an average of 6 hours of walking, including 4 hours of ascent on the way up and 2 hours of descent on the way back. On the heights of the ridge, there is a breathtaking view of the Gahinga and Muhabura mountains. While walking towards the summit, all along this trail, you will be able to hear the song of birds and observe different species, including the Rwenzori touraco, an atypical and multicolored bird, unique in its kind, of the family of musophagidae. The golden monkeys will also be part of the adventure. Elephants, buffaloes and guibs can also be seen or heard. At the top, an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding vegetation, rock formations, gigantic ravines and the countryside below rewards hikers for their efforts.