Rwenzori mountains hike
Hike in the Rwenzori Mountains: Also known as the “mountains of the moon,” the Rwenzori Mountains are situated in western Uganda, close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s border.
The mountains are located in the Rwenzori Mountain National Park, which is a popular trekking destination for tourists traveling throughout Uganda.
The Rwenzori Mountains provide a variety of hiking trails that can be completed in a single day or over an extended period of time. Both skilled and novice hikers are welcome to visit the location.
During guided nature walks and treks in Uganda, visitors can discover the diverse flora and animals of the Rwenzori mountains. Hikes surrounding the location offer the opportunity to witness a variety of bird species.
At 5109 meters above sea level, the Margherita summit is the highest point on Mount Rwenzori. Mount Speke (4890 meters), Mount Baker (4843 meters), Mount Emin (4798 meters), Mount Gessi (4715 meters), and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4627 meters) are further peaks on the mountain ranges.
The duration of the Mount Rwenzori hike
Depending on the route taken, the treks up Mount Rwenzori might take anywhere from five to ten days.
Around Mount Rwenzori, day trips are also possible. These trips typically last three days and include small treks and guided nature walks. Trekking on the Mountan entails traversing several vegetation zones and the nearby settlement situated at the base of the Rwenzori mountains.
It’s crucial to give time for acclimatization during treks on Mount Rwenzori so that the hikers’ bodies can adapt to the mountain’s elevation.
Trekking routes on Mount Rwenzori
The central circuit trail, the Kilembe trail, and the Bukurungu trail are the routes that hikers on Mount Rwenzori utilize.
One of the most straightforward hiking paths on Mount Rwenzori is the Central Circuit Trail. Beginning at Nyakalengija, the route travels to Nyabitabba (2651m), then to John Matte (3505m) from Nyabitaba, then to Bujuku Hut (3962m) from John Matte hut, then to Elena Hut (4541m) from Bujuku camp, from Elena hut to Margherita peak and to Kitandara hut (4023m), from Kitandara hut to Guy Yeoman (3505m), and finally back to Nyakalengija.
The price of the Mount Rwenzori hike
The price of hiking Mount Rwenzori includes, among other things, park admission fees, guide fees, porter fees, and lodging costs. Depending on the tour operator organizing the safari, this cost varies.
The cost of a six-day walk up Mount Rwenzori using the central circuit trail is approximately $1,250 USD per person. Transportation to and from the mountain at the end of the hike are additional expenses.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park admission charge is 20,000 Ugandan shillings for East Africans, $25 USD for foreign residents, and $35 USD for foreign nonresidents.
Things to bring when ascending Mount Rwenzori
A successful trip on Mount Rwenzori also depends on having the appropriate gear, which includes warm clothes, head socks, sunglasses, waterproof coats, gaiters, and suitable hiking shoes.
Additionally, trekking poles are given to visitors, and they are welcome to bring headlamps for use on hikes, particularly at night. Another essential item to pack for the Mount Rwenzori walk is a first aid kit.
Items required for the Mount Rwenzori trip include camping gear like tents and sleeping bags. Food, a cooking burner, a cooking pot, and utensils are among the cooking supplies need for the hike.
Toiletries, water bottles for hydration, energy foods, and a passport and visa for entry into Uganda are a few personal belongings to pack for the hike. In order to record their hiking experiences while on tours of Rwenzori Mountain, tourists are also permitted to bring photography gear and extra batteries.
Getting ready for the Mount Rwenzori trek
In order to stay in shape before hiking Mount Rwenzori, trekkers might work out on a regular basis before starting their hike.
Another strategy to have a successful walk up Mount Rwenzori is to use native guides and porters. Throughout the tour, the porters help with luggage carrying.
The ideal time of year to hike Mount Rwenzori
The optimum time to hike Mount Rwenzori is thought to be during the dry season, which includes December, January, February, and the months of June, July, August, and September.
Hiking expeditions near Mount Rwenzori are made easier by the routes’ ease during the dry season. Despite the slick paths, tours are still possible during the wet season.
How to reach the highlands of Rwenzori
Driving the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese or Kampala-Fort Portal-Kasese routes will get you to the Rwenzori mountains.
The Rwenzori mountain can also be reached by plane from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip.
Accommodations near the Rwenzori Mountains
During mountain hikes, camping is an option for lodging. However, visitors can stay overnight at the Kasese hotels before to the hikes on Mount Rwenzori.
Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite, Rwenzori Imperial Hotel, Rwenzori International Hotel, Ruboni Community Camp, Sandton Hotel, Rwenzori View Guesthouse, Hotel Margherita, and Equator Snow Hotel are a some of the lodging options around the mountain. When visiting the Rwenzori highlands, travelers can stay at these hotels, which range in price from low-cost to high-end.
Other things to do in the vicinity of Rwenzori Mountain
In the vicinity of the Rwenzori mountains, other activities include guided nature hikes, bird watching, and cultural tours.
Tourists can enjoy visiting the Bakonzo villages, experiencing the local way of life, and learning more about the customs and practices of the residents during the cultural tours that take place around the Rwenzori highlands. The Bakiga and Batooro are two other tribes that reside near the mountains.
