Mountain hiking in Uganda takes you to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of various landscapes and breathtaking sceneries during your hiking safari on different mountains. If you are a nature lover, then mountain hiking in Uganda can be an ideal adventure you need on your holiday vacation.
Mountain hiking allows you to dig in the best epic adventures as you climb the mountain following the various established trails with in the mountains. Mountain hiking is a multi-day activity done on different mountains in Uganda. Namely; Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Mountain Elgon National Park and the Virunga Volcanoes which is shared by the three countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.
Here below, we present you outstanding information you need to know about the top great mountains you can hike on your mountaineering safari in Uganda;
Mountain Rwenzori in Uganda
Mountain Rwenzori is a snow-capped mountain located in southwestern region of Uganda.it has two hiking experiences such as the high altitude and the low altitude excursions. Low altitude trekkers don’t go beyond 4,000 meters and it is scheduled between 2-4 days while the high-altitude trekkers go up to the peak which is above 4,000 meters and it takes between 4-12 days.
Mountain Rwenzori is blessed with the highest peak in Uganda called Margherita peak which is 5,109 meters on mountain Stanley. Adventurous travelers who are hoping to come and hike the highest peak Margherita in Uganda have to spend a minimum of 7 days hiking this wonderful landmark.
Hikers are advised to be physically fit because the mountain is explored on foot. You are also recommended to have some hiking skills and be ready to meet the glaciers at the summit. While hiking you are able to sight more attractions like several vegetation zones of the mountain beginning with the savannah vegetation at the foot hills of the mountain, bamboo forest, moorland, alpine zone and later the glaciers as the last peak, grazing animals like the monkeys, elephants among the rest.
Rwenzori Mountains has 2 trekking circuits which helps hikers to reach the top of the peak such as the southern circuit of kilembe and the northern circuit of Nyakalengija. Therefore, we advise our visitors to use the southern circuit because it gives you a remarkable experience, beautiful landscapes, sights and sounds of the wilderness.
Virunga Mountains
Virunga Mountains are great hiking places in Uganda. They are situated in the far western part of Uganda and they border with Rwanda and DR Congo. They are found on the Uganda part and are good destinations for hiking. The Virunga Mountains consists of the three peaks such as the Sabinyo, Gahinga and the Muhabura peak. Mountain Muhabura is at 4127 meters and it is the highest peak, mountain Sabinyo stands with 3660 meters and Gahinga which is the smallest among the three volcanoes. You can hike these mountains with the help of the local guide while exploring the lake which is found at the summit of the mountain. You can also take 8 hours hiking the mountain up and down.
Mountain Elgon
Mountain Elgon is also a fabulous hiking destination in Uganda. It gives visitors chance to enjoy the hiking experience to its fullest. This mountain can be explored throughout the year and is less crowded compared to other hiking destinations in Uganda. Mountain Elgon has a milder climate and lower elevation and hiking to its summit doesn’t need special requirement or technical experience.
Mountain Elgon is situated in the south eastern part of Uganda and its boarders with Kenya. This mountain has been in existence for so far 24 million years and it was formed as a result of volcanic activity and also it is the Africa’s oldest volcanic mountain. Mountain Elgon has several interesting peaks which lead you to the highest peak called Wagagi peak which is at 4321 meters. Other peaks on mountain Elgon include the Masaba peak at 4161 meters located in Uganda, Mubiyi at 421 meters situated in Uganda and the zudek which stands at 4302 meters in Kenya. Mountain Elgon has other attractions you can sight like the vegetation types, Sipi falls and the caldera.
What to pack for the mountain hiking safari in Uganda?
- Thermal underwear
- Warm long-sleeved shirts to help you during cold weather
- Long warm walking trousers but you are not advised to carry jeans
- Water proof and wind proof jackets and trousers
- Summer shirts and shorts to be put on when walking in the heat at the beginning of the trek
- Sleeping bag
- Warm hat and a sun hat
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Mountain hiking boots
- Lightweight walking shoes to be used during hiking
- Backpack to keep your personal gear
Best time to go mountain hiking on a Uganda safari
Mountain hiking on a Uganda safari is open to all travelers all year round. Although we recommend dry season as the best time for hiking safaris in Uganda. The dry season occurs in the months of June to September and from December to February. Whilst the wet season starts from March to May and from October to November. Therefore, wet season means a lot of rain at lower mountain slopes but more snow is expected at a higher altitude for that of the mountain Rwenzori. Due to the unpredictable weather conditions in Uganda you are advised to come ready for the rainy, sunny, windy, muddy and foggy conditions in the mountainous places.
To book your Mountain hiking safari in Uganda this season, simply get in touch with our travel consultant to assist you arrange an awesome long lasting epic adventure on your roadtrip through Uganda.