Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Sabyinyo is one of the three Virunga volcanoes found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, together with Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. The mountain rises to about 3,669 metres and sits directly on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike Muhabura, which has a clear volcanic cone, Sabyinyo has been heavily eroded over time, leaving behind a strange and rugged mountain with three distinct summits. The name Sabyinyo is associated with the idea of "old man's teeth", which makes sense when you look at the jagged peaks of the mountain from a distance.

The Sabyinyo trail is not one I would describe as easy. In fact, from my experience, I would put Sabyinyo as the toughest of the three Ugandan Virungas. The climb is steep, demanding and becomes increasingly exposed as you get higher. The trail takes you through forest and bamboo before becoming more open and rocky. Then you reach the famous ladders and narrow ridges leading towards the summit. The final sections are where the mountain really starts testing you, especially the steep climb towards the third peak.

And this is where Sabyinyo becomes a little unusual. The mountain has three actual peaks, but after reaching the third peak, you have to return the same way you came. That means you climb Peak 3, then descend and climb Peak 2 again, before climbing Peak 1 again on your way back. So although there are only three peaks, you effectively climb five peaks during the experience. It is one of the strangest things about Sabyinyo, and definitely something you appreciate when your legs are already tired.

The reward is incredible. When you reach the third peak, you can stand with one foot in Uganda, another in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, depending on exactly where you are positioned on the summit ridge. It is one of the most unique border experiences you can have on a Ugandan mountain. On a clear day, you can also see several of the other Virunga volcanoes rising around the region. The final summit ridge is exposed and can be very steep, so you need to be comfortable with heights and follow your guide's instructions carefully.

Sabyinyo is also a mountain where you need to respect the wildlife. Buffaloes are known to move through the area, and both Sabyinyo and Gahinga can have buffalo encounters. This is another reason why you should never wander away from your guides. For me, Sabyinyo is the mountain that best proves that you don't need to be climbing above 4,000 metres to have a serious mountain adventure. It is steep, exposed, physically demanding and incredibly rewarding. And when you finally stand on that third peak, looking across three countries, you understand why Sabyinyo is one of Uganda's special mountains.