Uganda is a unique destination to those who enjoy hiking and mountain climbers given its beautiful weather and physical features that support the activity. The common mountains in Uganda for this activity are Rwenzori and Elgon.
Mountain climbing safaris in Uganda. Among the top trips in Uganda, mountain hiking is among them. Uganda offers mount climbing tours in west, north, East and western Uganda. Mountain/ Volcanic climbing tours enable travelers explore different attractions situated in mountainous regions.
Uganda is composed of many mountains but official mountaineering services are offered on:
- Mountain Rwenzori
- Mountain Elgon
- Mountain Muhabura
- Mountain Sabinyo
- Mountain Morungole
- Mount Gahinga
- Mount Moroto
Mount Rwenzori (A.K.A Mountains of the Moon)
The snow capped mountain located in the west is one of the most the adventurous mountains in Uganda. A trip into these Mountains is a great experience, which allows you to see the main peaks of the largest mountain range in Africa. The Mount Rwenzori peak is known as Margherita and it will take you at least 9 days to get there.
Mountain Rwenzori is also known as “mountains of the moon”. Its situated is western Uganda at Uganda- DRC congo border. The mountain is famous for its highest peak known as Margherita peak at the height of 16,762 feet (5,109 metres). Margherita peak is the highest point in Uganda, followed by Wagagai on Mount Elgon at 4,321 m. At mountain Rwenzori, you can book a simple hike, medium or a tough one to the highest peak. Mountain Rwenzori is a block mountain which is formed as a result of faulting accelerated by compression and Tension forces.
Mountain Rwenzori offers a lot of attractions like Valleys, cliffs, Aretes, Pyramidal peaks, drainage features, montane vegetation, birds, animals and so on.
Climbing Rwenzoris takes you through the Mountains of the moon for a great hiking experience and as you go higher, the temperatures drop up to zero (0) so warmers are a great necessity for this activity. The hike does not require any specific climbing experience or training and it is open to whoever likes mountaineering.
There is a lot to see on your way up including the different vegetation, craters, chimpanzees, rivers and many other features.
Mount Elgon
Located in the far East, mount Elgon covers approximately 3500 km². Its just on the Ugandan border with Kenya. Mountain Elgon is another ground for mountaineering in Uganda. The mountain is situated in Eastern Uganda and shared by Uganda and Kenya. Mountain Rwenzori is the second highest in Uganda with Wagagai as the highest peak.
Mountain Elgon is a volcanic mt. formed by vulcanicity. The eruption of magma from underneath to the earth’s surface formed mountain Elgon. Mountain Elgon offers many attractions like rivers, water falls, cliffs, valleys, caves, birds, mountain vegetation, forest mammals and so on.
To reach the Wagagai peak (the highest point of Mount Elgon) one would need 4-5 days. It is good for beginners and those who are not confident as it does not require any mountaineering skill. On your way up you will come across many interesting features live caves, waterfalls, spectacular vegetation and many others.
Mountain Morungole – Mount Morungole Mountain range at 2,750m is the highest point in Kidepo valley National park. The Morungole Mountain range located in north east of Apoka covering the largest southern part of Kidepo Valley National Park. Clients who visit Kidepo National park find it easy to hike Mount Morungole to the height of 2,749 m.
Mufumbiro Volcanoes
With mountains Mgahinga, Muhavura (Volcanic) and Mahinga all located in the west, a day is enough to climb up and down. These mountains give you breath taking views while at the top. The climbing requires less equipment compared to Rwenzori and Elgon. Gorilla tracking is one activity the hikers in the west enjoy doing in the Bwindi forest and Mgahinga. Mountain climbing is also done at Mount Gahinga at 3474m, Mount Muhabura at 4127m and mount Sabinyo at 3645m.
Mount Sabyinyo:
The summit of Mt Sabyinyo is shared between Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo which implies that once at the summit you are in all the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo with only one visa from the country where the hiking started. Sabyinyo earns its name from the jagged appearance of its summit which is likened to “old man’s teeth” according to the Rufumbira language which is similar to Kinyarwanda. At its slopes lie the Virunga National Park in D.R.C, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which are mostly home to the endangered mountain gorilla species.
Mount Gahinga:
Mt. Gahinga which is located inside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park rises 3474m above sea level. The word Gahinga means “pile of stones” in Kinyarwanda derived from the many stones that are washed down to people’s farms and they in turn pile them up to leave the land available to farming. The strate volcano features a swampy caldera on its peak which shared between Rwanda and Uganda.
Mount Muhabura:
Mt Muhabura is 4127m and is shared between Uganda and Rwanda. You can hike this volcano is day taking you between 6 – 8 hours uphill and downhill. “Muhabura” is a derived from the Rufumbira language which means “guide” because the locals could see it regardless of where they were acting as a guide for them on the way home. On a clear day, it offers amazing views of Lakes Edward and George, as well as the Rwenzori Mountains among other breathtaking scenes.
More Info:
Accommodation during the climbing is usually in huts or tents (that you have carried along) and the different camping sites.
It is advisable to go during the dry season i.e.; December to February and May to August. A sleeping bag for low temperature and sleeping mat, one plate, cutlery, mug, knife, gumboots, water proof trousers, rain coat, heavy warm jacket, hand gloves, scarf and cup, jumper, torch, bottle of water are some of the items you need to carry.
Packing list for mountain hiking tours:
- Hiking shoes
- Walking stick
- Energy drinks
- Snacks
- Water proof clothes
- Warming clothes
- Enough drinking waters
- Ropes
- Climbing pack
- Helmet
- Pulley
- Ice axes
- Belay
- Harness with adjustable leg loops