What does it take to climb a mountain whose peaks look like jagged teeth and whose trails hide stories of history and nature? Recently, I found out on Mount Sabyinyo.
Mount Sabyinyo sits at the unique crossroads of Rwanda, Uganda, and the D.R.C. Its name comes from its tooth-like peaks and truly offers amazing views.
We kicked off our hike at 9:00 AM with a briefing from our guides. Giving us a rundown of the trail, what to expect, safety tips, and how to handle the slim possibility of spotting gorillas, buffaloes and elephants.
At the base, the landscape was open and clear, with fresh air and a wide trail leading towards the foothills. We moved steadily across the cultivated fields, slowly approaching the dense forest which marked the beginning of our climb.
As we climbed the mountain, the forest thickened, and the trail became steeper, muddier with slippery rocks winding through grass, shrubs, and various tree species. The ground was mostly covered in moss since it is always damp and shaded by the trees above. We had to focus and watch our steps on the slippery trail.
Higher up, the mist began to roll in, making everything feel mystical. At various points, the view behind us revealed a beautiful stretch of valleys and hills, a gentle reminder of how far we’d come.
We naturally split into smaller groups based on pace. We encouraged one another. The hike didn’t feel like a race, it felt more so a personal challenge, with community support.
We couldn’t reach the summit of Mt. Sabyinyo due to trail damage on the upper section; however, our hike led us to a powerful and unexpected destination: The Rwanda Armed forces 1995 outpost.
Tucked into the mountainside and partially reclaimed by nature, the stone structure still stands firm, a quiet but striking reminder of Rwanda’s history.
Our day’s activities ended at around 6:30 p.m., with a quick stop at the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund and overall drive took about 18 hours.
Even with muddy shoes and tired legs, the entire hike was breathtaking, quite literally. Mt. Sabyinyo was a reminder that nature tests you but always rewards you. Don’t miss the next adventure.