CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Hike Mount Sabyinyo: A Tri-Border Adventure in Uganda

Conquer Mount Sabyinyo: A Tri-Border Hiking Adventure with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours to Mount Sabyinyo, one of Uganda’s most iconic and dramatic peaks. Rising to 3,669 meters within the breathtaking Virunga Mountains, this extinct volcano marks a rare geographical tri-point—where Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo converge.

Why Hike Mount Sabyinyo?
Known as the “Old Man’s Teeth” for its jagged summit ridges, Mount Sabyinyo offers a unique and remote hiking experience. Unlike neighboring peaks, it is only accessible from the Ugandan side, making it ideal for adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path challenges and fewer crowds. With panoramic views, diverse ecosystems, and the rare chance to stand in three countries at once, this hike is unlike any other in East Africa.

The Hiking Experience

Trail Overview

  • Duration: Approximately 8 hours round trip (4 hours up, 4 hours down)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
  • Altitude: Summit at 3,669 meters
  • Start Point: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Ntebeko gate

The trail takes you through stunning landscapes—from lush bamboo forests teeming with golden monkeys, to sub-alpine zones where the rare Rwenzori turaco may be spotted. As you ascend, each step reveals more of the park’s pristine beauty.

Unique Features

One of the highlights of this adventure is navigating a series of wooden ladders built into steep ridges—essential for reaching Sabyinyo’s three peaks. The final summit places you at the confluence of three nations, offering a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity and a sense of true accomplishment.

Practical Information

Permits and Fees

  • Cost: $85 USD per person
  • Includes: Park entrance and professional ranger guide
  • Booking: Permits can be secured through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or directly arranged by Safari 2 Gorilla Tours
  • Tip: Book early, especially during peak seasons, as permits may be limited

Best Time to Hike

  • Dry Seasons:
    • December to February
    • June to September

These months offer the most favorable conditions—drier trails, clearer views, and safer ladder climbs. During rainy seasons, expect muddy paths and reduced visibility.

What to Bring

Clothing & Gear

  • Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
  • Rain jacket and layered clothing (weather can change quickly)
  • Gloves and a warm hat (it gets cold at the summit)
  • Walking stick (available for hire at park gate)

Essentials

  • Packed lunch and sufficient water
  • Camera and binoculars for scenic views and birdlife
  • First aid kit and personal toiletries

Getting There

Mount Sabyinyo lies in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, just 14 kilometers from Kisoro town.

  • From Kampala: 8–9 hours by road
  • From Kigali, Rwanda: 2–3 hours by road
  • By Air: Chartered flights available to Kisoro Airstrip for quicker access

Safari 2 Gorilla Tours can handle all logistics, including transport, accommodation, and meals.

Enhance Your Adventure

Make the most of your time in Uganda by combining your Sabyinyo hike with other enriching experiences:

  • Gorilla Trekking: Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Golden Monkey Tracking: Watch these agile primates in their natural bamboo habitat
  • Batwa Cultural Experiences: Engage with the ancient traditions of Uganda’s indigenous Batwa people
  • Bird Watching & Nature Walks: Explore the park’s rich biodiversity with expert guides

Book Your Sabyinyo Adventure

Are you ready to stand on the summit where three nations meet?

Contact Safari 2 Gorilla Tours today to plan your Mount Sabyinyo hiking expedition and discover the wild beauty of Uganda’s highlands.

Your next unforgettable adventure awaits.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Visit Gishora Drum Sanctuary with Safari 2 Tours

Discover the Rhythmic Heart of Burundi: Gishora Drum Sanctuary

If you’re planning an unforgettable journey through East Africa with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, don’t miss one of Burundi’s most captivating cultural gems — the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Located just a few kilometers from Gitega, this historic site offers a unique glimpse into Burundi’s royal past and the soul-stirring power of its sacred drums.

What is the Gishora Drum Sanctuary?

The Gishora Drum Sanctuary isn’t just a performance space — it’s a living museum, a spiritual center, and a proud symbol of Burundian heritage. Founded in the 19th century by King Mwezi Gisabo, the sanctuary preserves the ancient art of Royal Drumming, a tradition once reserved for the coronation of kings, royal ceremonies, and peacekeeping events.

Today, the Intore drummers, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, welcome visitors with performances that blend thunderous rhythm, energetic dance, and deep cultural meaning. Each beat tells a story, and each step resonates with centuries of history.

Why Visit Gishora with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours?

Safari 2 Gorilla Tours curates immersive cultural experiences that go beyond wildlife. A visit to Gishora is more than a stop — it’s a cultural awakening. Here’s why it belongs on your East African itinerary:

  • Authentic Connection: Experience drumming not as a show, but as a sacred rite shared with pride.
  • Community Engagement: Your visit supports local drummers and helps preserve this UNESCO-recognized heritage.
  • Tailored Adventures: Combine your visit with treks in Kibira National Park or Gorilla tracking in Rwanda or Uganda, with seamless transport and expert guides.

What to Expect During Your Visit

  • A warm welcome by the Abatimbo (Burundian drummers)
  • Insight into the historical significance of each drum and dance
  • Interactive sessions where you can try your hand at drumming
  • Guided tours of the sanctuary grounds, including the royal drum house

Best Time to Visit
Gishora is a year-round destination. However, cultural festivals and national holidays often feature enhanced performances, making June to September a prime window for unforgettable encounters.

Extend Your Cultural Journey

Pair your visit to Gishora with other Safari 2 Gorilla Tours experiences:

  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
  • Lake Tanganyika Beach Getaways

Book Your Gishora Experience Today

Ready to feel the heartbeat of Burundi? Let Safari 2 Gorilla Tours take you there. Our expertly guided tours ensure you experience Gishora not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest into Burundi’s living history.

Contact us to customize your East Africa itinerary and add the unforgettable rhythms of the Gishora Drum Sanctuary to your adventure.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Karuma Wildlife Reserve | The Gateway to Murchison Falls NP

Tucked away in northern Uganda, Karuma Wildlife Reserve is one of the country’s hidden safari gems. Located just off the Kampala–Gulu highway near the iconic Karuma Bridge, this protected area forms part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, offering a quieter but captivating wildlife experience before diving into the dramatic landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park.

Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife photographer, or adventurous traveler, Karuma makes the perfect starting point for a truly wild Ugandan journey.

Why Visit Karuma Wildlife Reserve?

Karuma Wildlife Reserve boasts open savannahs, riverine forests, and rolling hills dotted with wildlife. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari with fewer crowds and unspoiled nature.

Highlights of Karuma Wildlife Reserve:

  • Scenic Game Drives: Spot elephants, antelopes, baboons, and buffaloes roaming freely in their natural habitat.
  • Birdwatching Paradise: Look out for species like the grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, and kingfishers.
  • Karuma Falls: Witness the powerful rapids of the Nile crashing over rocks – a mesmerizing sight for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Extend Your Adventure: Murchison Falls National Park

Just a short drive from Karuma lies Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic national park. Named after the thunderous Murchison Falls where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge, this park offers unmatched diversity in both scenery and activities.

Top Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park

  1. Game Drives
    • Explore the northern plains for sightings of lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards, hyenas, and antelopes.
    • Best done early morning or late afternoon.
  2. Boat Safari on the Nile
    • Cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and countless bird species.
  3. Hike to the Top of the Falls
    • A thrilling trek offering panoramic views and up-close encounters with the roaring falls.
  4. Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
    • Walk through a tropical rainforest to observe wild chimpanzees and other primates in their natural setting.
  5. Bird Watching
    • Over 450 species, including the rare shoebill stork, saddle-billed stork, and goliath heron.
    • Birding hotspots include the delta area, riverbanks, and forest trails.
  6. Sport Fishing
    • Try your hand at catching giant Nile perch (some over 100 kg) and catfish in the Nile River. Catch-and-release policy applies.
  7. Nature Walks
    • Guided treks through Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests offer encounters with monkeys, butterflies, and medicinal plants.
  8. Cultural Visits
    • Interact with nearby local communities and enjoy traditional Acholi and Alur music, dance, and storytelling.

Travel Tips for Karuma & Murchison Falls

  • Best Time to Visit: December–February and June–September (dry seasons)
  • Getting There: 5–6 hour drive from Kampala; charter flights also available to Pakuba Airstrip.
  • Accommodation: From budget safari tents to luxury lodges inside the park and nearby.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Karuma Wildlife Reserve, followed by a journey into Murchison Falls National Park, offers the ultimate Ugandan safari experience. From thundering waterfalls and roaring wildlife to peaceful riverside cruises and chimpanzee encounters, this is East Africa at its wildest and most beautiful.

Ready to experience Uganda’s natural wonders firsthand?

Click here to book your Karuma and Murchison Falls safari today and step into a world of adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable memories!

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Explore Sipi Falls & More: The Ultimate Uganda Safari Extension

The Ultimate Uganda Safari Extension
While gorilla trekking through Uganda’s misty rainforests is an unforgettable highlight, the country has much more to offer beyond its mountain giants. One such hidden gem is Sipi Falls — a stunning trio of waterfalls nestled on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda. Combining Sipi Falls with other top destinations like Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Jinja, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes for a truly diverse and enriching Uganda safari experience.

Why Visit Sipi Falls?

Breathtaking Scenery

Sipi Falls features three cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush green hills, coffee farms, and quiet walking trails. Whether you’re hiking, taking in panoramic views, or just relaxing in the cool mountain air, the natural beauty here is unparalleled.

Cultural and Coffee Experiences
The area is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee. Guided coffee tours let you experience the full farm-to-cup process, often hosted by local farmers. You’ll also get a chance to engage with the Sabiny people and learn about their unique culture.

Adventure and Exploration
For active travelers, Sipi offers hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, and nature walks. It’s also the perfect launching point for further treks into Mount Elgon National Park, home to caves, waterfalls, and unique alpine vegetation.

Top Destinations to Combine with Sipi Falls

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Begin your journey with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, one of Africa’s most biologically diverse forests. Spending an hour face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas is a life-changing moment.

Queen Elizabeth National Park
After your jungle adventure, head north to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth for classic game drives, tree-climbing lions, and scenic boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel.

Jinja – Adventure on the Nile
En route to Sipi Falls, stop in Jinja for adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and Nile River cruises. It’s Uganda’s adventure capital and a fun contrast to the peaceful highlands of Sipi.

Mount Elgon National Park
For mountain lovers, a hike through Mount Elgon’s trails offers waterfalls, caves, and dramatic crater views. This less-traveled park is a great extension for serious trekkers or birdwatchers.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On your way back to Kampala, consider a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and wildlife ranch . Here, you can track rhinos on foot and complete your Big Five checklist.

Sample Itinerary: Uganda Safari with Sipi Falls Extension

  • Day 1–3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Day 4: Transfer to Jinja, with optional visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Day 5: Adventure activities in Jinja
  • Day 6–7: Travel to Sipi Falls, hike the falls, and enjoy a coffee tour
  • Day 8: Optional Mount Elgon hike or cultural tour
  • Day 9: Return to Kampala or Entebbe for your departure

When to Visit
The best time to visit Sipi Falls and Uganda’s national parks is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best hiking and safari conditions.

Why Sipi Falls is the Perfect Safari Add-On
Sipi Falls offers something most safari destinations don’t: peaceful seclusion, cultural depth, and striking natural beauty. After the thrill of trekking through the rainforest or spotting big game on a savannah, Sipi is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your journey.

Are you ready to experience the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and scenic tranquility?
Let Safari 2 Gorilla Tours help you craft a personalized Uganda safari that includes the magic of Sipi Falls and beyond. Whether you’re looking for mountain gorillas, waterfalls, wildlife, or culture — your dream safari starts here.

Contact our team today and start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Ugandan adventure!