Mount Muhabura is an extinct volcano found in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Uganda and Rwanda. At 4,127 metres or 13,540 feet, Muhabura is the third highest of the eight major mountains of the mountain range, which is a portion of the Albertine Rift. This rift is the western branch of the East African Rift. Muhabura is half way in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Ugandain and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Muhabura is derived from the local Kinyarwanda word, Muhabura, ‘The Guide’ in the local language.
This extinct mountain is the sharpest of all the 8 Volcanoes, the second highest mountain in Rwanda. It is also the 3rd highest among the 8 Virunga Mountains after Mount Mikeno in the DR Congo. Mikeno is the second highest at 14,560 feet or 4,437 meters plus Mount Karisimbi, the highest 14,790 feet or 4,507 meters located within Rwanda and Congo. Muhabura is in the extreme east of all the volcanoes in the Virunga. It shares its boundaries between Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Muhabura is the second tallest in Rwanda but more tiresome to hike than Mount Karisimbi since it is very steep. But, it can be climbed in one day. While at the Peak of this extinct volcano, sightseers are pleased with the magnificent observations of the other Volcanoes plus Ruhondo and Burera twin lakes. Another amazing feature about Muhabura is its Crater Lake being near its summit. And the vegetation is always arid than other areas of the Volcanoes National Park. Muhabura is linked to Mount Gahinga in the West with a Crater Lake of around 40 meters at its peak.