Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura is an extinct volcano in the Virunga range that rises to over 4,000 meters and holds a crater lake near its summit. Giant heather vegetation covers much of the mountain, creating distinct plant zones as altitude increases.

The volcano experienced its last eruption during the Holocene epoch, with a nearby parasitic crater showing evidence of more recent geological changes. These remnants now form part of the geological story of the Virunga range.

The mountain carries a name meaning 'The Guide' in the local language, reflecting how people across the region have long used it as a natural reference point. This role remains visible today through how communities and travelers view it as a prominent landmark in their surroundings.

Access to the mountain is through the national park system, with hikes beginning early in the morning and lasting the entire day. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions and varying plant zones as they climb higher.

From the summit, visitors stand at the exact border between Rwanda and Uganda while viewing two lakes and the entire Virunga mountain range. This vantage point allows people to see the whole chain from a location where two countries meet.

GPS coordinates: -1.38301,29.67791

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40