Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains

Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains: If you were lucky enough to trek into the rich jungle, fueled by the vision of snow-capped peaks; Stroll through a colorful stellar landscape filled with plants that seem to have come from a child’s imagination. or climbing the ice to see the curvature of the earth where it meets the heart of Africa: do you agree? The mountains of the Moon are the answer, known as the Rwenzori Mountains, located in southwestern Uganda, in the Kasese district, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.  This place is part of Rwenzori Mountains National Park and mainly attracts hiking tourists. The Rwenzori Mountains fit perfectly into the Uganda safari itinerary. The Rwenzori are approximately 50 kilometers from Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park, and the town of Kasese is easily accessible from Entebbe in Kampala or from Murchison Falls if you head south from the national park.

Trails found in Rwenzori mountains

There are several mountain trails used by experienced hikers and amateurs. Hiking activities in the Rwenzori Mountains are divided into two categories: low-altitude trekking, which cannot exceed 4000 meters (2-4 days), and high-altitude trekking, above 4000 meters, which can last one to two weeks.

The Rwenzori Mountains are full of unique, beautiful fascinating landscapes with flora and fauna, beautiful skies, and various bird species that can be explored on guided hikes. Additionally, at higher elevations, experienced hikers have the opportunity to reach Margherita the highest peak on mountain Rwenzori at 5109 meters above sea level.

Peak summits found atop of Rwenzori Mountain ranges

The Rwenzori Mountain ranges have other peaks such as Mount Speke at 4890 meters, Mount Baker at 4844 meters, Mount Emin at 4798 meters, Mount Gessi at 4715 meters, Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4627 meters, and Portal peaks at 4391 meters among others.

You should explore Rwenzoris on foot, be in above average physical fitness and be used to endurance activities. The Picco Margherita was recently classified as a technical climb. While you don’t need to be an experienced mountain climber for winter conditions, though some experience is recommended.

A wide variety of expeditions are available, lasting between one and twelve days, and covering a range of interests, from the “peak seeker” to the amateur ornithologist seeking to track the region’s endemic species.

If necessary, the routes can also be extended for private groups to get used to the altitude or simply to enjoy the peace, and serenity of the mountains.

Which trek is good for me?

 Unlike other popular trekking destinations in Africa, Ruwenzori mountains are ranges, so there are many different trails to choose from when conducting your safari.

One of the advantages of trekking in Ruwenzori is that the routes are generally longer than many other high-altitude hikes such as Kilimanjaro – this means you have more time to get used slowly along some gentle slopes and reduce the risk of altitude pain.

Trekking lasts from 2 to 12 days. Below are some examples of how Ruwenzori can play a role in your Uganda adventure. These tours can be booked directly or tailored to your individual needs.

Duration of excursions in the Rwenzori Mountains

Hikes at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains can last 5 to 10 days depending on the route chosen. For instance, day trips to the Rwenzori Mountains are always short and can last 2-3 days. However, hiking at high altitudes requires crossing different areas of vegetation covered with different stops that allow hikers to rest and acclimate to the mountainous and temperate environment.

Hiking trails in the Rwenzori Mountains

Hiking trails in the Rwenzori Mountains include the following: the Central Circuit Trail, Kilembe Trail and the Bukurungu Trail, with the Central Circuit Trail is considered the easiest to use starting from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba at 2651 meters, towards John Matte at 3505 meters, extends to Bujuku camp at 3962 meters, leads to Elena Hut at 4541 meters, extends to Margherita peak and Kitandara hut at 4023 meters up to Guy Yeoman at 3505 meters to Nyakalengija. If you are looking for a 2-to-5-day hike to add to your safari itinerary, there are many options in the Rwenzori Mountains. Below are some itineraries that work well, but for one to have a successful safari atop the mountains of the moon, everything can be tailored to your interests, fitness level and broader travel plans as classified below:

·       Ruwenzori in brief (2 days, maximum altitude 2596 m)

·       3 days in the Ruwenzori Mountains (3 days, maximum altitude 3174 m)

·       Excursion to Belvedere Mutinda (4 days, maximum altitude 3975 m)

·       Rwenzori Waterfalls (4 days, maximum height 3174 m)

Cost of the hike on Mountain Rwenzori

All charges, including but not limited to park entry, accommodation, porter, and guides, depend on the tour operator’s intentions and also the client’s interests. However, a five-day trek to Mountain Rwenzori can cost $1200 per person for the entire safari.

Entry to the park costs 20,000= (Uganda shillings) for East Africans, $25 for foreigners, and $35 for non-resident foreigners.

Equipment for hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains

Hikers need to know the basic features of a backpack to successfully exceed their expectations in the Rwenzori Mountains. This includes a first aid kit with bandages, disposable sterile gloves, safety pins, tweezers, sterile gauze and others, trekking shoes, waterproof equipment, gaiters, socks, gloves, and warm clothing. In addition, sleeping equipment such as tents, lighters, cooking utensils, food, cameras, binoculars, and recorders are needed to capture unforgettable experiences.

Preparation for hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains

For a successful excursion, you need the company of local guides and porters who play a fundamental role in transporting the hiker’s luggage. In addition, trekkers must be in good physical shape and undertake regular physical exercises in preparation for trekking.  This will help the body get used to the new challenge when exploring the hidden treasure along the foot hills and mountain ranges of Rwenzori.

Best time to hike in the Rwenzori Mountains

 Trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains always takes place during the dry season when the done in the dry season when the trekking trails are not slippery, especially in June, July, August, September, and December, January to February. This is beacause during the rainy season, the area receives heavy rains which may even result into flooding of several rivers that mainly emanates from the mountains such as river Nyamwamba, river Mobuku among other.

Location of Rwenzori Mountains

The best route to the Rwenzori Mountains is Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese and another alternative route is Kampala-Fort-Kasese. Additionally, the Rwenzori Mountains are accessible by air transport from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip. Other routes include: using the Uganda border with Democratic Republic of Congo at Bwera, Bunagana among others.

Accommodation in the Rwenzori Mountains

The best accommodation for hikers is camping on the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori. Alternatively, before the actual trek, the town of Kasese offers accommodation for visitors wishing to explore the Rwenzori Mountains, from budget, mid-range, and high-end hotels such as Hotel Margherita, Rwenzori International Hotel, Sandton Hotel, Turaco view campsite, Ruboni community camp, Equator snow hotel, Rwenzori view guest house and others.

Alternative attractions around the Rwenzori Mountains after Trekking  the Rwenzori Mountains

These include guided hikes, cultural encounters, wildlife viewing, bird watching and volcano climbing as one cannot miss the stunning waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers.

This wonderful experience creates an atmosphere that allows visitors to interact with the locals and share their cultural practices and customs, especially in cultural encounters such as those of the Bakonzo, Batooro, Bakiga, and other tribes.