Are you good at hiking and you need to get the best of challenging mountaineering adventure? Uganda is that one magical country that offers more than just thrilling primate adventures. A visit to this pristine landlocked country takes you through breathtaking mountaineering or mountain climbing/hiking adventures. There are many mountains including several stunning volcanoes which all get you the best of mountaineering adventure in Africa. Regardless of your physical fitness, mountaineering adventures in Uganda have you covered. For excellent mountain hiking experiences in Uganda, below are some of the incredible places to explore.
Uganda is one of the best places where travelers can enjoy hiking while in Africa. With a good number of mountains including volcanic ranges, Uganda offers great opportunities to adventure seekers interested in hiking safaris.
Mount Rwenzori
Mountain hiking in Uganda is one of the most adventurous activities in Uganda, and it’s mostly done on Mount Rwenzori that is situated in western Uganda on the boarder of DRC as well as Uganda. Also popular as Mountains of the Moon, Mount Rwenzori is Uganda’s highest mountain peak and features as the 3rd highest in the world. It is located in Kasese district just at a border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The mountain also extends to 998km and was named after mountain Ruwenzori which is commonly known as the mountain of the moon. The mountain also stands on 509m high and is one of the highest mountain ranges in Africa and second to Mount Kilimanjaro as well as mountain Kenya. The mountain has got 6 peaks including Mt baker, Mt speke, Mt Stanley, Mt Emin, and Mt Savoia. And the highest peak is Margherita at 5909m and also ranks the Rwenzori as the 3<sup>rd</sup> highest mountain in Africa.
Mountain Rwenzori is not a volcanic mountain and it’s an ancient quartzite and the Gneiss. This mountain is situated close to the equator and it has got many icy peaks that are seen miles away in many parts of the western Uganda. Its slopes are also beyond 1600m and so well to the hikers and the mountain is also ranked as the most challenging in Africa. This has got five different vegetation regions and these include; the Bamboo or Mimulopsis Zone that is at 2500- 3500m, the grassland at 1000-2000m , the afro alpine moorland, Montane forest as well as the Heather zone.
For visitors who are interested in breathtaking hiking adventure it is that one place not to miss out on your bucket list. To have a complete hike through this mountain, you need about 8 days in order for you to get to Margarita which is its highest peak that stands at elevation of about 5109 meters. At the summit of this mountain, you will spot out its permanent snow that usually melts and flows to the lowland areas like River Nyamwamba and Mubuku. There are a number of mountain ranges that make up the massive Rwenzori chain of mountains. At its base, you will find Mount Rwenzori National Park which is filled by tropical rainforests and refuge to vast wildlife species. Visitors take on different trails depending on their level of physical fitness. The longest trail takes you through central circuit and this means; you need 8 days to have a complete hike. The shortest is Kilembe trail and for those who need the easier trails-Mahoma loop should be a must to hike through.
Mount Elgon
Mountain hiking in Uganda can also be done on Mount Elgon which is found in Elgon national park in eastern Uganda, this National park got its name from mountain Elgon and is the second highest mountain in Uganda, and stands an extinct volcano at 4321m above sea level. Even though this national park is found in Uganda and also in Kenya, Wagagai peak is found in Uganda and is less challenging and enjoyable to the climbers. This area around Mount Elgon is also vital and its foothills help the diversity of the altitudinal vegetation areas that range from the montane forests to the open moorland that is filled with the giant lobelia plants and the groundsel plants.
If you have plans to pay a visit to Eastern Uganda and you are interested in hiking or mountaineering, Mount Elgon should be a must to include on your bucket list. Mount Elgon lies at a border between Uganda and Kenya. It stands at elevation of about 4321 meters and its peak features as the 8th highest in Africa and 4th in East Africa. A hike through this mountain takes you to its magical Wagagai peak. It also boasts of its broad base which is about 5o by 80 kilometers. While here, you can also explore the hidden treasures within its national park. The notable wildlife species in Mount Elgon National Park include forest monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, birds and many others.
Mount Elgon also offers beautiful natural scenery that is the main attraction for the climbers. These attractions are found here and include; the sipi falls, the crater rims, calderas, as well as the gorges. The animal species that are found here include; the bush pigs, antelopes, the forest monkeys, leopards, tree hyrax, water bucks, buffalos, and many more. The guests can also enjoy the Imbalu of the bagishu people.
Apart from Mountain climbing, Uganda has got many other tourist activities including; the mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, canoe riding, game drives, boat cruises, horse riding, and white water rafting bungee jumping, swimming, forest walks, nature walks, cultural interactions, and many more. Most of these activities have attracted many tourists to come to Uganda for safaris.
Virunga Volcanoes
There are 3 remarkable conical extinct volcanic mountains all set within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These make up part of the Virunga Mountain Massifs. They include Mount Muhabura which is the highest Virunga Mountain and stands at 4127 meters approximately five hours’ hike. Sabyinyo Volcano which is shared by Uganda, Rwanda and DRC but best hiked on Uganda side. Sabyinyo stands at elevation of 3645 meters. The other is Gahinga volcano where Mgahinga National Park derived its name. Gahinga stands at altitude of about 3474 meters.
Other significant places for you to embark on hiking include the Sipi waterfalls at the foothills of Mount Elgon. This takes you to the 3 magical waterfalls that make up this natural wonder.
What to Pack for Mountaineering
To make your mountaineering adventure complete, you need to pack appropriately. In your packing list, you need to consider items like good hiking/mountaineering boots which are water proof, safe sleeping bags, warm jackets, mountaineering helmet, mountaineering rope, sweaters, snacks, bottled water and many others.