Hiking safaris in Uganda.

Hiking safaris in Uganda: With everything from isolated savannahs to stunning alpine landscapes, Uganda is a hiker’s paradise that every traveler should experience. Are you ready to explore Uganda on foot? This is our guide to the best mountain hikes, beautiful drives, and even triathlons in Uganda.

Ugandan mountain hiking.

The Rwenzori Mountains hike.

The highest mountains in Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains, are well-known for their exceptional trekking and mountaineering opportunities. With a height of 5109 meters, Margherita Peak is the range’s highest peak. Climbing to the summit won’t cost a fortune, and you’ll likely have the mountains to yourself, unlike Mount Kilimanjaro. Be prepared for a demanding ascent, though, as the Rwenzori is more muddy and technical than Kilimanjaro, and altitude sickness is a significant concern that should not be disregarded.

Shorter, gentler walks nevertheless offer beautiful views and landscapes, even if you’re not an experienced hiker. You will be treated to a variety of flora zones, animal species, and mountain views regardless of the path you choose. There are over 70 different mammal species in the nearby park and about 220 bird species, some of which are specific to this mountain range.

climbing Mount Elgon.

Many travelers find that Mount Elgon is a fun and exciting alternative to East Africa’s more challenging hikes. The summit is 4321 meters above sea level. The quickest and most direct way is the Sasa route. The most challenging day of our four-day round-trip journey is the first one. Prepare yourself for some rain and chilly evenings.

Mgahinga National Park hike.

Mgahinga National Park protects Ugandan territory inside the Virunga Mountains. The Virunga Mountains are a group of extinct volcanoes that are part of a larger natural reserve that extends into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There is no restriction on the movement of mountain gorillas between Rwanda and Uganda because the nature reserve crosses national boundaries. The endangered golden monkeys and the vulnerable Batwa pygmies, who are Uganda’s native hunter-gatherers, can also be found in Mgahinga National Park.

You can sign up for guided day treks that leave the UWA park entrance gate every day on demand if you’re interested in hiking the Virunga Volcanoes. Remember that all hikes take about 7 to 9 hours to finish and demand a fair level of fitness.

The most popular hike is up to Sabyinyo from Ntebeko Gate. Hold your head high! Because this trip involves several challenging ladder climbs, hikers who are terrified of heights should not attempt it. The ascent to Mount Gahinga from Ntebeko is another trek that takes place through the bamboo zone, where a range of plants and animals can be observed.

Mount Moroto hike.

The last mountain on our list of the top four hikeable mountains in Uganda is probably not well known. Mount Moroto is a tall, extinct volcano that rises more than three thousand meters in Karamoja. Karamoja is home to about 40,000 Tepeth people, who may have been its first occupants. Hiking to the highest mountain takes two to three days. You will be rewarded with cave paintings, waterfalls, and several bird species. Feeling too weak for a multi-day walk?

The Sipi Falls.

Savor leisurely strolls across the Sipi Falls’ surrounding hills. For those looking for a longer journey, there is a day hike from the main waterfall to three smaller falls upstream. Both alternatives provide breathtaking views of the valley sceneries and waterfalls. Without a local guide, several of the major sights are inaccessible. Think of it as a fun way to support landowners and the neighborhood.

Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi.

If you want to enjoy beautiful lake vistas and talk to the people, Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi are great safari sites. The trail to Lake Bunyonyi starts at Crater Bay, near the Bunyonyi Overland Camp. To get there, you can take a leisurely 40-minute canoe ride. Cultural walks offered by Mutanda Lake Resort lead you to fascinating places including a local healer’s office and a school. When you explore both locations independently, you won’t get lost if you keep your eyes on the lakes.