Mount Sabyinyo is part of the Virunga mountain ranges in the Volcanoes National Park. It neighbors the Muhabura mountain on the border with Uganda in Mgahinga National Park. Mountain Sabyinyo is located on the western arm of the Great Rift Valley. The name Sabyinyo is a Kinyarwanda word that means the old man’s tooth. Its appearance at the summit signifies the worn-out teeth of the old man. Mount Sabyinyo has a wide volcanic base stretching the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The mountain stretches for 3,654 meters above sea level through 3 national parks of Virunga, Volcanoes, and Mgahinga national parks. Mountain Sabyinyo harbors a wide range of animals including the endangered mountain gorillas, several mammals, other primates, and birds.
This mountain offers several things for tourists to take part in. From tracking the endangered mountain mountains and bird watching to hiking or guided nature walks. Designated trails on the mountain offer plenty of activities, each with the best adventures.
What are some of the attractions and activities on Mount. Sabyinyo?
Given the mountain’s position in the Virunga conservation area and its ecological system, the Mountain Sabyinyo offers several attractions.
Primates
There are different primate species in Mount Sabyinyo including the endangered mountain gorillas. Others are golden monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys etc. The endangered gorillas are the gentle giants that inhabit the highland areas of the mountain, especially the slopes. Spot these gorillas on a gorilla trek at the neighboring parks.
Golden monkeys are also present in Mount Sabyinyo. They are located on the mountain base in the bamboo plantations. These monkeys are fond of the bamboo shoots and hence spend most of their time. With golden fur on their cheeks, the elusive golden monkeys offer a special encounter.
Bird species
Mount Sabyinyo is a birders’ paradise because it hosts over 300 bird species. These birds live in this mountain’s different ecosystems, from the foothills to the steep slopes. They include 23 Albertine endemics, sighted as you hike through the trails. Some of these birds in Mount Sabyinyo include Alpine chat, dusky turtle dove, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, and montane double-collared sunbird. More bird species include yellow-throated longclaw, handsome francolins, white-tailed blue flycatchers, Chubb’s cisticola, Blagden’s bush shrike, and crowned hornbill. Even more birds include scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, grassland pipit, black kite to mention but a few.
Mammals
Mount Sabyinyo shelters several mammal species to spot while on a hike on the mountain. On top of having the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys as the highlights, Sabyinyo keeps other mammals. These include forest elephants, forest hogs, forest buffaloes, and several antelopes.
Guided nature walks or hikes.
Do guided nature walks, one of the major activities on this mountain. A hike to the summit of mountain Sabyinyo is tiresome but fun. Considered the most difficult mountain to climb of all the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga mountain ranges. Its steep terrain makes it hard even for the most experienced hikers. The hike offers the best views of the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings.
Have an encounter with different wildlife species such as the prestigious endangered mountain gorillas. Also, golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, forest elephants, giant bush hogs, and forest buffaloes to mention but a few. Hike only from the Ugandan side. Trails on the side of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not opened and developed yet.
Gorilla trekking
This is a major activity that attracts several visitors to the mountain Sabyinyo. The steep slopes of this mountain are home to the endangered mountain gorilla species. Trekking these endangered primates involves walking through the thickets and steep terrain to the habits of these giant primates. Come with a permit to track the gorillas. Acquire this from the Rwanda Development Board. We can help you with this.
Trekking the mountain gorilla begins with a pre-trekking briefing in the morning. This short briefing takes the visitors through the rules and regulations of trekking, and the expected code of conduct. Each visitor joins a group of 8, led by a guide ranger. This guide leads them to the specific family to trek. Locate the gorilla family, and watch it for an hour. They watch them as they go by with their daily chores. Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling moments for the visitors.
Golden monkey tracking
Just like trekking of their gigantic cousins the mountain gorillas, tracking golden monkeys is very similar. Visitors should bring a permit bought from the Rwanda Development Board. Before you track go through a short session. This prepares you for a successful golden monkey trek. In your group track golden monkeys on the steep slopes and thick vegetation of Mount Sabyinyo. Visitors get an hour to watch these golden-cheeked primates.
Adventure enthusiasts interested in both flora and fauna explore them at Mount Sabyinyo. Packages offered include primate tracking, nature walks, birding or just sightseeing. Mountain Sabyinyo is waiting for you to explore its natural wonders.
